Hygge

When you think about what a hygge home has in it, you probably are thinking of candles, comfortable seating, fluffy pillows and cozy blankets. But, the concept of hygge can be felt by all of our senses, not just touch and sight. Sounds and scents are just as important when trying to achieve a hygge-inspired space that helps you relax and unwind.

Sound plays a very big role in our everyday lives, even though we may not realize it. We are constantly inundated with sounds, to the point where we’ve adapted to be able to block most of them out. The sounds that surround us daily though, have a physiological effect on us- they can affect our heart rate, breathing and hormone secretions. Since we know that sounds are such a big part of how we feel, it makes sense to manipulate the sounds around us to ensure relaxation and calmness within the day. Studies suggest that some of the most relaxing sounds to us are the sounds of nature. Sounds like ocean waves crashing on the beach, raindrops, a babbling brook and even thunderstorms are natural sounds that aid in relaxation. To make this possible in your hygge space at home, you could use a nature noise machine or even use your phone or tablet to listen to sounds of nature app. When you curl up with your favorite book, under your cozy blanket, be sure to use some relaxing sounds to further your feeling of hygge.

Scent is another sense that shouldn’t go unattended to when developing your hygge space. One way to incorporate scent into your daily relaxation routine is with essential oils. Aromatherapy essential oils have become very popular in recent years because of their power to make people feel good. Studies have shown that aromatherapy has the ability to help relieve stress and aid in a better night’s sleep. Lavender, peppermint and cinnamon are some of the most used scents for calming and reduction of anxiety. These can be put to use in your home with specifically scented candles or essential oil diffusers. You can even put a few drops of oil on your pillows or blankets, so that when you use them, you are immediately feeling more tranquil and relaxed.

When setting up your hygge centered space, do not neglect your senses of sound or scent. Strategically thought out sounds and scents that help promote relaxation, calmness and happiness are vital pieces of your hygge home atmosphere.

Campfires have always been used to keep us warm, as well as for social gatherings and to make friends. Some studies show that the relaxing feeling we get from sitting next to a crackling campfire is evolutionary. We have actually evolved to feel calm and cared-for when we sit by a fire. So, it’s no surprise that one of the essentials that provide a home with the magic of the hygge feeling is fire. The cozy and welcoming feeling that fire brings into a home can be accomplished in many different ways.

A fireplace can easily bring the ultimate magic of hygge into your home. The soothing light of a fire will make your home feel comfortable and welcoming. Gas fireplaces have gained in popularity because of their convenience. They will do the trick, as well. Harness the magic even further, by providing a comfortable place to sit to enjoy the warm glow with a cozy blanket, hot tea and your favorite book or magazine.

If you don’t have a fireplace in your home, the flame of candles will do just fine to help you achieve the hygge feeling in your living space. Place various candles around your home in places you tend to hang out in frequently. Side tables next to your favorite chair by the window, on your countertop in the kitchen, on your bedside table and in the living room on a shelf – these are all optimal places to enjoy the dim, warming light that a candle produces. The soft flicker of a candle flame will bring a cozy atmosphere to any room.

A wood stove is another great way to bask in the radiance of the natural light of fire. Wood stoves are a bit of a thing of the past, as they were widely used before electric heaters. But, the nostalgia and functionality of a wood burning stove, makes it a wonderful addition to a hygge home.

An electric fireplace is a good option as well. Electric fireplaces can be purchased for any home because they don’t require a chimney or a smoke stack. Electric fireplaces can be made to feel more authentic by installing them with a mantle and decorating it like you would with a wood burning fireplace. The light put off by an eclectic fireplace will make your home feel just as warm and cozy.

The last way you can bring the magic of fire into your home, is through use of the fireplace channel on your TV or even on your computer or tablet. Although a digital fire may seem unconventional, in today’s world, it’s a viable option. We may not all have the ability within our living spaces to have a fireplace and this choice works just fine. A digital fire does bring coziness into the room, try it out, you may be surprised how well it actually works!

Hygge, pronounced (Hue-gah), is a word used widely by Danish and Norweigan people to describe a feeling of well-being, protection and coziness. Denmark’s cold season is long and brutal. The idea of hygge was formed as a survival strategy to psychologically help people to get through the long winters. Although the feeling of hygge is mainly associated with winter, hygge can be achieved in any month of the year. Hygge is a concept that has become a way of life for the people of Denmark; it’s an emotional state of being. In recent years, the hygge moment has made its way to the US and has become a bit of an Instagram sensation. But even before the movement, all of us have felt hygge before it got popular, on social media. Maybe we just didn’t know there was a name for it. The essence of hygge can be described as the feeling you get when you laugh with good friends, curl up in a blanket to read your favorite book, or the warm and homey feeling that you get from sitting by a fire with a bowl of homemade soup on a cold day.

If you’re interested in the hygge lifestyle for yourself, you can start small by creating a simple hygge corner of your home. An ideal spot for your little hygge corner will be a comfortable seat by a window, if possible. Since the concept of hygge incorporates a contrast between the outside elements and being secure and well cared for inside your home, being able to see the outside is perfect. But, if you don’t have that option in your home, that’s ok too – pick a spot that has a comfortable seat and maybe a small side table.

Although hygge is more of a concept than something you buy, there are some decorating tips that will help you to create a hygge vibe. Coziness is a key component to creating your hygge corner, so think about putting out your warm blankets and favorite accent pillows to ensure you have a comfortable and soothing place to sit. Layer different textures and linens for a homey feel. Lighting is another key element to creating hygge in your home. You’ll want to put some candles near your chair and on the nearby tables. Lit candles will help induce a warm color palette and the feeling of intimacy in your designated nook. Books and natural or organic decor will further your hygge vibe as well. You certainly don’t need to spend a lot of money, if any at all, to create a nook that evokes hygge within your home.