As a homemaker, my goal is to make home a place where my family loves to be. I want our home to be a relaxing retreat from the world and so when I heard about the concept of Hygge I totally fell in love with it!
So what is it?!
“Hygge” has sort of become a buzzword over the last several years. It is actually just a Danish concept that embodies coziness, happiness, contentment, and well-being, particularly during the winter months. Hygge helps when things feel dark and gloomy and we are tempted to just eagerly wait for the season to change.
What I love is that the concept of Hygge is about thoroughly enjoying the present season. I like to think about the gloominess of winter as an opportunity for deep rest and nourishment both for my body but also my soul.
Here are 8 ideas to make your home more hygge this year.
1. Warm Lighting
Avoid using harsh overhead lights. Use soft, warm lighting like candles, or table lamps to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Replace all of your fluorescent bulbs with warm bulbs, this makes such a huge difference!
2. Comfy Blankets
I like to have a few soft blankets and throws in neutral colors with different textures to create depth and coziness. Go for blankets that will wash well so you can regularly refresh them which I find makes me so much more likely to really snuggle into them!
3. Hot Drinks
Enjoy hot beverages like a cappuccino, hot cocoa, or herbal teas in your favorite mugs. I have a basket in my pantry dedicated to my tea boxes- it is really cozy to pull that basket out and pick out what you’d like or to bring it around to your guests so they can see the selections.
4. Fireplace or Candles
If you have a fireplace, light a fire for that extra warmth and ambiance! It does not have to be a special occasion- make every day a special occasion for your family- why not! You can also light unscented wax candles for warmth.
5. Washable rugs
One thing that makes a huge difference to me is having area rugs. Use a washable rug in your living room, a runner in your kitchen and your bathroom and entry way, etc. This totally changes the home and washable rugs make such a big difference to me because I can routinely clean them which makes my home feel so much more clean and cozy. I love my rugs from Ruggable. We have washed them all many times and even the 8×10 fits in the washing machine easily.
6, Books and Reading Nooks
Create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair, good books, and a warm throw. I have a rocking recliner chair in my room that has a warm wool blanket on it at all times and a lumbar pillow. I keep a stack of the books im reading on the side table so I am ready whenever I have a few minutes. Make a warm drink to sip on and you have the perfect, relaxing winter pass time.
7. Cooking and Baking
Winter is the perfect time to make hearty, nourishing foods like roasts, soups, bread, and baked goods. If you’ve never tried making sourdough, take up learning it as a hobby! You’ll discover how easy it is and you will soon be trying all kinds of sourdough products.
Tip: I ordered live sourdough starter from Etsy that allowed me to get started one day from receiving the starter. This book will give you lots of amazing recipes to try!
8. Quality Time
Spend extra time with your family doing simple, but fun, activities. Buy a winter themed puzzle and leave it out on a table. Make a hot tea, put out a nourishing snack tray and work on the puzzle as a family, spending time and laughing together! Winter walks are also so special. Bundle everyone up and go enjoy a brisk walk outside. The endorphins make everyone feel refreshed and energized!
Hygge is really about creating a warm and welcoming home that encourages relaxation and well-being in all areas of life. Make some new traditions and habits for yourself and your family that will help you make the most out of everyday!
