Hygge has been the buzz word for much of 2016-2017 + for good reason; it evokes a sense of calm, restfulness + warmth that will help rejuvenate the soul + perhaps even keep the winter blues at bay. We have been having a long cold snap for much of the past week in the North East/Mid-Atlantic + it’s supposed to be getting even colder this week so I have been preparing our cozy little haven by taking down all the Christmas decor + getting rid of A LOT of items that don’t serve us anymore, then adding cozy comforts to ensure a relaxing winter retreat.
The key to creating this environment + ambiance is to incorporate a lot of texture, soft lighting + warmth. Here are a few ideas on how to accomplish this in your home:
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1. Throw Blanket + Pillows
While the go-to throw seems like a big faux fur blanket, I have fallen in love with one that is not as heavy, more breathable + can be used all year round….and it’s HUGE so we can all cuddle under it without fighting for a corner! My favorite is this Dash + Albert cotton throw. It’s incredibly soft + warm + big plus is you can just throw it in the washer + dryer instead of having to get it dry cleaned! I also like a mix of pillow textures: woven cotton or linen mixed with faux fur gives a lot of visual + textural layers.
2. Soft Lighting
Whether it’s from candle light, twinkle lights or lights on dimmers {or all three} lighting plays a big part in creating an overall cozy feeling. If you don’t have recessed lighting on dimmers, invest in some table lamps with lower wattage bulbs or a lamp like this JAlexander one that has a double shade which allows light to be diffused twice for a super soft glow.
3. Fire
A fireplace is an obvious factor in making a room feel cozy during the winter but candles are also essential to the hygge lifestyle by giving off warmth in both a little bit of heat + ambient lighting but in smaller doses than a roaring fire. You don’t need to have winter scents either- choose anything that is uplifting for your mood or go unscented to avoid mixing a bunch of conflicting aromas.
4. Warm Beverages
Sipping on a hot mug of coffee or tea {or a hot toddy when that nasty winter cold hits} cuddling up under a blanket with a warm beverage is the perfect way to take the chill off.
5. Beautiful Botanicals
I’ve avoided having fresh flowers + plants around for a while because I stink at keeping them alive but I am making it a point this year to buy flowers or a few house plants to bring life into our home. They also help to clean the air while cooped up indoors + usher in the hope of spring + warmer weather. I’m really liking the modern look of this vase to display some beautiful stems.
6. Music
Now that the Christmas music is fading away {although my 3 year old is still singing ‘Jingle Bells’} try some new relaxing tunes like soft jazz or moody dinner music channels on Pandora. I this Bose Soundlink speaker because it’s so portable with amazing sound {per usual with Bose}. We use it all the time from indoor gatherings + impromptu dance parties to Disney songs, to outside parties during the summer. Bonus that we can use it by the pool because it’s water resistant!
7. Comfy Clothes
When you’re ready to settle in for a long winter’s nap, a good book or a family movie night nothing is better than a cozy pair of PJs or oversized sweater to complete the comfortable feeling of just being home + relaxed.
Here are some of my favorite pieces to help create your Hygge Home. I really like a blue-gray palette because it’s so easy for transitioning seasons; it mimics the coolness of winter while also bringing a sunny, lighter feeling of spring when the weather begins to warm.
vitruvi diffuser // tea press // diptyque candle // french press // blue knit pillow // lamp //archipelago candle // pouf // PJs // bose soundlink // plush throw blanket // grey wool throw blanket // ‘nice stems’ vase // faux fur rug // faux fur pillow // cozy cardigan // aspen bay reed diffuser