The first time I saw the word hygge I had no clue what it meant nor how to pronounce it. Not only is it interesting to pronounce, hygge (“hooga”) it’s hard to explain. I am learning to understand it and I love the concept. Hygge is as Danish as æbleskiver and it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul. In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cozying up with a loved one for a movie – that’s hygge, too. Cultivating home is hygge.
What is Hygge (Hooga)
Meik Wiking, the author of “The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well”, shares the ten principles of the Hygge Manifesto.
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- Atmosphere
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- Presence
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- Pleasure
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- Equality
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- Gratitude
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- Harmony
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- Comfort
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- Truce
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- Togetherness
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- Shelter
Let’s talk about the ways I’ve created Hygge in my home this past year. Creating an atmosphere that brings me pleasure, harmony, gratitude, and comfort. Where I can bring the family together, with harmony and equality. Cultivating home and life one space and step at a time. Hygge is going to look different to you than me, it can be created in many different ways.
The Journey to Order
My spirit loves peace and order. It doesn’t function as well in chaos. We all have different chaotic pain points. Mine is pretty low. Cultivating a home that is organized, calm, and pretty was my journey this past year.
Remember my motto, one space and step at a time. We can’t do it all at once but over time we can accomplish some amazing changes. I wanted to get rid of stuff and create my hygge home. Check out these five simple decluttering techniques.
I was no longer finding joy in things or trying to keep up with others. After some soul searching I made a shift in what I was doing and tried to be true to my self and spirit. I still have a beautiful home, but I wanted a minimalistic home. A home that brings me peace and joy. Others wouldn’t find my home to be minimalistic. That is the best part of home, we get to do it our way, learning from others and incorporating what resonates with us.
Gratitude for Home
One of the easiest ways to boost your spirit is to express gratitude. We have so much to be thankful for. If we have a roof over our heads, heat in the winter, a/c in the summer, and a refrigerator to keep our food cold. Hot water when we shower a stove to cook our food and an oven to bake yummy treats. If we can turn our lights on with a flip of the switch we can easily find many things to be grateful for in our home.
When we have gratitude for our home we have accomplished hygge. I take things for granted when I busily go about my day, cooking and cleaning. But when I take the time to see my blessings and look at what I’ve created in my home I am filled with appreciation and feel hygge. I love it even more when I can share my home with people I love.
Sharing What I Love
Even though hygge is a new(ish) concept to me it is something I have been building and creating all my life. Creating cozy spaces filled with peace and joy. When I was a young girl sharing a bedroom with my sister I loved having a hygge space. A space where I could start and end my day with my sister just a few feet away. The room we had wasn’t large but it was our shelter, a comfortable place where we grew up together becoming the best of friends. Loved and supported each other as we made our way through our growing-up years. With a little bit of bickering.
Even then I tried to create a space that was organized, comfortable, and warm. I loved being surrounded by pretty things and having a beautifully made bed that matched my sisters. We had a mirror and makeup table that I loved. My sister and I spent a lot of time sitting in the chair getting ready for our day and dances. Because I only have sons my sister has the makeup table and hutch. My niece will enjoy it for years and pass it on to her daughter.
The cozy comfortable bedspreads my mom made matched the chair cushion. It looks exactly the way it did 40 years ago minus the cotton balls and hairbrush.
Creating Hygge without the Clutter
Cozy and comfortable may sound like things and stuff around you. It is possible to create hygge without clutter. You can have pillows and blankets. Beautiful baskets filled with cozy throws and comfortable pillows on the couch create the comfort and warmth you desire. Baskets next to the couch or draped over the couch.
Throw pillows that add texture and warmth. Making movie night with a warm fire and a warm atmosphere. Gathering with family and making memories.
This beautiful seagrass basket would beautiful start to your hygge home. Fill it with a beautiful blanket and throw pillow.
If you love home and creating a cozy space start with a basket, blanket, and pillows. Perfect for a movie night with those you love.
Small Steps to Big Changes
You don’t have to make big changes to create the hygge home you desire. Small steps and changes will add up to what you desire. Take it one space and step at a time. Creating warm and cozy spaces that make a warm and welcoming home you will love and enjoy day after day. Pick a space, it might be the family room, office, or main bedroom. Find a space and enjoy it then move on to another space when you are ready.
