Are you sick and tired of the hustle and bustle of big city living and longing for some cozy comfort to unwind after a long day of work? Well, guess what? We’re going into the world of hygge in today’s blog post and discovering ten simple ways to create that cozy, inviting atmosphere in the comfort of your own home while living in an urban jungle.
You might be wondering, “What on earth is hygge?” Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish idea that emphasizes comfort, finding joy in the simple things, and creating a warm, cozy environment. It’s about finding contentment and relaxation in our daily lives. After a week or two of experiencing the constant rush of the city, many of us yearn for a peaceful retreat in the mountains. Now, I know what you’re thinking: creating hygge in a bustling urban jungle might seem like an impossible feat. But it’s absolutely doable.
These small tweaks can infuse hygge into your city living space. Get ready to make your home a sanctuary of relaxation and happiness.
01 Natural Elements
Hygge is about connecting with nature, even when you’re surrounded by city streets and skyscrapers, which is one of the things I love about it. There are simple ways to bring nature into your home. And you don’t need to have a backyard or a garden to achieve this. Try adding houseplants, fresh flowers, or even small potted herbs to your living space. If you don’t have a green thumb like me, consider getting some low-maintenance plants like succulents. Place them on bookshelves, window sills, or even hang them from the ceiling to create a calming atmosphere. Another way to add a natural touch to your house is through natural materials. Choose wooden furniture or incorporate wooden accents like picture frames, baskets, or cutlery in the kitchen.
02 Cozy Wall Art
It’s time to curate your own gallery wall with artwork or pictures that evoke a calm and cozy feel. Hop on to Pinterest and search for some ideas and inspiration. For example, choose nature-inspired images, serene landscapes, or even personal moments of happiness and display them in nice frames. Or showcase your creativity by creating your very own collage using natural materials like twigs or dried flowers. Another favorite of mine is the mixing of photos and prints, like family photos, travel snapshots, and favorite quotes. Having a gallery wall creates a cozy and personal space that brings nostalgia and comfort to your home.
03 Hammock Corner
Transform that unused corner of your home into a cozy nook for reading or relaxation. Install a hammock or hanging chair, and toss in some pillows and a soft blanket. Or maybe, if a hammock is not your thing, transform that sunny spot near your window area into a comfortable window seat. Add plush cushions and a side table for a few stacks of books or magazines. It’s a perfect spot to chill, read books, or even drink some tea.
04 Fairy Lights Wall
I don’t know about fairy lights, but every time I see them, they seem both whimsical and magical. Seriously, these tiny twinkling lights have the power to transform any space into a cozy, enchanting nook. The best part? They’re affordable and easy to find. If you have a dark, neglected corner in your home, try adorning it with fairy lights to create a magical ambiance. To get more creative, string them vertically or drape them along the wall. Or hang them above your bed for dreamy nights to bring a hygge feel to your bedroom space.
05 Scented Drawer Liners
Our sense of smell plays an important role in influencing our mood and overall well-being. Create a calming atmosphere by infusing soothing scents into your living space. Use scented candles, essential oils, or incense to create a cozy ambiance. If you’re into candles, choose soothing scents like lavender, chamomile, or vanilla. And there are other ways to infuse your home with delightful scents. Use a diffuser and essential oils to fill your room with a relaxing mist. Aromas like bergamot, jasmine, or eucalyptus can do wonders for stress relief and relaxation. Another simple way is to place a small bouquet of fresh flowers on your dining table or windowsill.
READ MORE: 15 Easy Ways to Embrace Slow Living in the City
06 Cozy Curtain Canopy
There’s just something cozy and magical about having a canopy around the bed that makes us all giddy like kids on Christmas morning. It adds a touch of privacy and a calming effect that will instantly elevate the cozy factor in your home. It’s very easy to create this canopy effect. Start by hanging sheer curtains or fabric above your bed to create that comfortable nook that wraps you as if you are in a cocoon. Choose soft, flowy fabrics like linen or chiffon in earthy or neutral colors. But don’t limit yourself to the bedroom. This works wonders in other areas of your home too, such as the reading nook or your living room. Transform these areas into a serene space where you can escape into the pages of your favorite book, or a place to unwind and find your inner peace.
07 Mood Lighting
Warm, soft lighting sets the mood and creates a sense of comfort and relaxation. It’s like a warm hug for your space. If you have harsh, bright bulbs in some areas of your home and you want to feel more relaxed, swap them with soft, warm-toned ones. Another cool alternative idea is to add the illusion of a fire element. I know most of us can’t have a real fireplace in our city homes. You can use a projector or a large-screen TV to display a crackling fire video. Or add candles to achieve a cozy glow that mimics the gentle flicker of a fireplace. Dim the other lights, cozy up with a blanket, and let the crackling sounds and glowing embers transport you to a hygge haven.
08 Warm Beverage Station
Set up a dedicated station in your kitchen for warm beverages. It can be a small corner on your kitchen counter or a little space beside the kitchen table. Put a cute kettle, an electric hot water dispenser, and a small tray for a cozy self-serve experience. Include a selection of teas, coffees, and chocolate. Add some quirky mugs with playful patterns or motivational quotes.
When it comes to winter, nothing screams hygge more than sipping on a steaming cup of goodness. My personal go-to winter drinks are a rich dark cocoa milk drink with extra-large marshmallows and sometimes a comforting cup of peppermint tea. But hey, feel free to experiment and find your own signature warm beverage that brings you hygge-filled joy. Not only in winter, but you can enjoy your small beverage station it all year round.
09 Hanging Vertical Garden
Utilize that precious vertical space in your city apartment by creating a hanging vertical garden. We all know that apartments in the city can be tight on floor space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring some nature into your home. Consider hanging potted plants from the ceiling or attaching them to a wall. This not only saves floor space but also brings a refreshing green touch to your apartment. Not only that, it also purifies the air and brings a sense of tranquility to your space—exactly what hygge is all about. From vibrant ferns and pothos to dainty air plants and fragrant herbs, the options for your hanging vertical garden are endless. If you don’t have green thumb (like me), choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions or opt for ones that are low-maintenance, like succulents.
10 Cozy Corner Workspace
Infuse your home workspace with a touch of hygge to make it a space of motivation and comfort. Find a designated area for your workspace. Make it cozy, but not too cozy that you find yourself dozing off! Use a good-sized desk, comfortable chair, and personalize it with soft lighting, motivational quotes, or artwork. Ideally, you may place your workstation near a window with a view, but you can add some plants to add a touch of outside. Keep your desk clutter-free and organized with storage solutions like bins or shelves. Remember to find that perfect balance between cozy and motivating, and create a workspace that makes you excited to tackle the day’s tasks.