As the weather continues to get colder and less pleasant, we look toward our homes as a haven. Here we can barricade ourselves from the elements and find some much needed peace of mind. What you’ve included in your home and have chosen to be a part of your daily surroundings plays a major role in your mood. You can either let the darkness outside influence your home’s interior, or you can choose to seek comfort and coziness inside. With those principles in mind, there is no better home decor trend than hygge to look toward. Hygge (pronounced “hue-gah”) is a Scandinavian way of living that promotes personal happiness and contentment through being comfortable and cozy. Here are ways you can embrace a hygge lifestyle in your home to beat the winter blues and live mindfully.
COZY UP YOUR FURNITURE
The furniture you include in your space says a lot about you and your home’s personality. For example, a leather sofa can communicate that you like things sleek and polished, while a soft sofa with lots of pillows says that comfort is your top priority. What accessories you choose to include in tandem with your furniture also speaks volumes. These extra decor pieces give you the perfect opportunity to not only add more personality, but also easily incorporate hygge.
With the chill in the winter air, a soft blanket offers a dual purpose. It’ll keep you warm during those times you want to curl up and cuddle, while also cozying up the space when draped on the back of the sofa. Add in some plush throw pillows and you’ll be all set! Your coffee and end tables can also be cozied up with the addition of a few candles for soft lighting — candles are very hyggelig. These minor additions can transform a space from a bland room to one that promotes comfort and relaxation.
LOOK FOR CALMNESS IN COLORS
Color is extremely important in any space you spend time in, as it has the ability to impact your mood. With this in mind, you want to ensure you’re using calming colors on the walls of specific rooms. The most important places to create this sense of tranquility through paint color are your bedroom, bathroom, living room and home office. Neutrals or muted tones of blue and green are some of your best options when trying to create a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere.
Once you have the wall color decided on, work shades of that color throughout the rest of the room to spread its calming nature. Rugs, throw pillows, blankets and small decor pieces are all great places to expand the color through any room. Loud, boisterous colors like bright reds, oranges and yellows, can have an adverse effect and agitate you instead of calming. It’s alright to use these colors if they speak to you, just use them sparingly.
FIND COMFORT IN BED
One place we can always rely on for comfort is our beds. But what about when you start tossing and turning or waking up with back pain? If your bed is no longer a source of comfort, it’s probably time to get a new mattress that can satisfy your needs. Then once that’s under control, you can make sure the rest of your bed/bedroom accessories are helping you get the best, most comforting night’s sleep possible.
Consider what type of sleeper you are. If you tend to get overly hot at night, look for moisture wicking sheets, a lighter comforter and some cooling pillows to help keep you from waking up drenched in sweat. Being able to look toward your bed as a reliable source of comfort is essential, especially in getting the rest you need every night. Without the comfort you should be finding in bed allowing you to sleep well, you’re putting your overall health and wellness at risk.
INCLUDE SENTIMENTAL TOUCHES
Nothing will provide your home with comforting and calming touches quite like personal items that have special meaning to you. Whether it’s an heirloom or an item that evokes a fond memory, using them as decor in your house will help make the space feel like home. That old sewing machine that belonged to your great-grandmother, for example, might make a great statement piece in your living room.
Photos are another easy way to add a sentimental touch to your decor. Make a hanging canvas print to hang in your entryway and greet you with fond memories every time you enter your home. You can also include old family photographs from past generations in with your more current images to show off your personal history and keep you always surrounded by the comfort of family.
CREATE A BATHROOM OASIS
If there is any place in your home where you should feel comforted and pampered, it’s your bathroom. Take the space from bland to spa-like with only a few minor adjustments! Start with color. As mentioned previously, this is one of the places where you’re going to want to use calming tones, both on the walls and in your accent decor like rugs.
Hygge is all about finding comfort in your space, so light some candles in the bathroom and take a hot bath with epsom salt to warm up before you go cozy up on the couch.
While you’re focusing on the bathroom, consider if you want to upgrade your bathroom’s metal features, like rods and faucets, if you haven’t done so before or are just in need of a simple change. This quick makeover isn’t required for your hygge transformation but it can make a big impact on how you think about your space. Copper is a great choice when you want to give a chic and spa-esque impression. You can also upgrade the inside of your shower with a new showerhead that mimics rainfall. That way every time you shower, it’ll be a peaceful and relaxing experience that allows you to escape even just for twenty minutes.
Adding hygge into your home’s decor provides you with the perfect tools to live more mindfully and focus on your personal wellbeing. Taking the time to include comfort and coziness into a few key areas can truly make all the difference in your happiness.
Caitlin Liz Fisher 