We all have different ways of relaxing at home after a day’s work. Adding joyful touches to our living space is one of most working adults’ priorities. I remember sitting on my couch one evening and feeling like my living space needed more warmth and comfort. It needed to feel more cozy. And I happen to stumbled upon the concept of Hygge while browsing the good old internet.
I think at this point we all know what hygge is all about. The Danish introduced it to the world; basically, it’s a way of life that prioritizes enjoying simple joys around us. It is a way of living with a sense of comfort, coziness, and contentment.
Hygge is very popular in places with a cold, harsh winter; however, it isn’t just for winter. It can be embraced all year round, if you want. You don’t need to redecorate your entire home to achieve this.
These simple updates can turn your home into a place where you can unwind, find comfort and enjoy life surrounded by the ones you love after a long day of work. I hope you find some ideas.
01 Choose a decor with simple style.
Home decor with a simple style can make even a small home feel welcoming and uncluttered. If you want to create a calm atmosphere in a room, choose neutral or soft pastel colors. Even wall art with clean lines and a minimal vibe can enhance the space without overwhelming it.
02 Bring nature in.
Adding certain natural elements is one of the key aspects of Hygge living. Start by placing potted plants and succulents (not artificial, please) in places like wall shelves and windowsills. Adding greenery to your home brings vibrant colors and purifies the air around you. You can also add wooden furniture and accessories to create a warm, relaxing ambiance.
03 Display your family photos and mementos.
Designate a small place in your house where you can hang your family photos and showcase the memories to everyone who can see them. Display the mug you made in your pottery class on the open shelf in the kitchen, or place the memento you bought on your last vacation on the mantelpiece.
04 Use fairy lights.
You can enhance the coziness of a particular area of your home by adding a touch of warm light. Adding fairy lights to your work area, on wall shelves, or near your bed can make it more charming without the harsh lighting of a typical light bulb.
05 Nice and calming scents.
You may not notice it all the time, but our sense of smell affects our mood and well-being. It can influence the atmosphere of our home without us even realizing it. Open your windows from time to time to ventilate your space, use air purifiers, and bring in fresh flowers to maintain natural calming scents. Maintaining a clean home can also help make it smell fresh and pleasant.
06 Candles, candles, candles.
Nothing is cozier than lighting up a few candles when you want to relax at night. Candles not only set the mood of the room, but their lovely scent can also make you feel more calm.
READ MORE: 15 Easy Ways to Embrace Slow Living in the City
07 Arrange your dining table to feel inviting and intimate.
Spending time with loved ones is a precious moment where we should feel relaxed and connected. Meal times are more than just for eating; they are times to create memories and share stories. To make your dining space more cozy and intimate, focus on soft, warm lighting. Add candles or an adjustable light. Add seasonal decor like fresh flowers or fruits to the center of your dining table. And perhaps most importantly, make it screen-free so that no one is distracted.
08 Make space for offline activities.
Our current daily lives are increasingly dominated by screens; making time and space for offline activities or hobbies is needed to maintain a healthy balance. If you love board games, make sure to add a coffee table with drawers underneath where you can place your supplies like Monopoly, chess, or even puzzles. Do you love knitting? Include baskets beside your sofa to keep your materials organized and easily accessible. Making spaces dedicated to offline hobbies can enrich your home life and allow you to spend quality time with loved ones.
09 Let natural lights in.
A home with abundant natural light can feel airy and inviting. Contrast it with a dimly lit home, where it can feel confined and gloomy. Taking advantage of daylight can significantly enhance the mood of your living space. Keep your windows clean and unobstructed. Use sheer curtains to allow sunlight through. If your home has poor lighting, try placing mirrors strategically to reflect light and brighten dark areas. If possible, choose light-colored walls and furnishings to help increase light distribution around the room.
10 Add cozy blankets and pillows.
If you are someone who loves curling up on the sofa while watching your favorite shows or just plainly sipping your cup of tea after a long day, then consider adding knit blankets or plush pillows to keep you feeling nice and snug. Also consider adding some to the window seat area, the balcony seat, or any part of your home where you spend most of your time.
11 Create a cozy reading space.
A home where reading is part of life can foster a love for learning and mental stimulation. Creating a space for reading can turn any home into a cozy retreat. Keep all your books on one bookshelf and not cluttered in different parts of the house. Choose a spot with good natural lighting by day and a good reading lamp for the evening. Add a plush armchair to provide a snug place to sit.
12 Have a touch of handmade decorations.
If you’re anything like me, adding handmade decorations is my kind of style. They add a personal touch to your home, make it unique, and add charm that resonates with the hygge feeling. Platforms like Etsy are one of the go-to places to find handmade decor, from ceramic pot vases to macramé wall hangings and paintings. Additionally, local craft fairs and boutique stores are great places to discover handmade items that can enhance the aesthetic of your home.