Hygge: A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality, that engenders a feeling of contentment and well-being. This is a Danish word, pronounced “hoo-gah”.
Perhaps it’s my fascination with the Scandinavian approach to cold weather, but the idea of hygge really appeals to me! I do love winter when it brings a gorgeous blanket of sparkling fresh snow, covering all those ugly bare trees and dead grass.
I DON’T love winter when the weather gets so nasty… that it’s dangerous being outside. Yuk. However… unpleasant weather is the perfect excuse to curl up indoors in your hygge home!
Do you like the idea of adding some hygge to your home during those chilly months? Read on for easy ways to add some coziness to your indoor environment this winter.
6 Tips for a Hygge Home
Photo by Dagmara Dombrovska: https://www.pexels.com/
I took my inspiration from Pacific Palisades realtors, who recently collaborated with interior design experts Jaqueline Hamilton and Nicola Rodriguez to reveal tips on how to make your home more cozy this winter. I love these ideas, and think they align nicely with the concept of hygge.
Here are 6 easy and affordable tips for adding hygge (cozy) to your home in winter.
#1 Candles & scents
Photo by Sand Atkinson: https://www.pexels.com/
“Candles can change the atmosphere and ambience of a room instantly” says interior designer Jaqueline Hamilton.
“Not only the glow of a beautifully lit candle can cast a lovely feeling of cosines to a room but also the scent can do that too.
“Choosing a scented candle can create a gorgeous smell in a room and can evoke a feeling of warmth and wellbeing and bring back memories of past winters.”
Designer Rodriguez adds: “Adding a fragrant reed diffuser, oil/wax burner or plug-in gives the room a cozy feeling before you’ve even opened your eyes. Fragrances such as pine, cinnamon, spiced apple, clove, mulled wine and woody aromas are a must for this season!”
#2 Garlands & Accessories
Photo by Valeria Boltneva: https://www.pexels.com/
“Using accessories such as bowls of pinecones or winter floral arrangements is a great way to make your room inviting and cozy” says designer Rodriguez.
“Whether it be faux foliage or fresh that you have gathered from the garden, this is a wonderful way to bring texture and the outside in to your living area” adds designer Hamilton.
“Having a fireplace is not necessary, as garlands can be placed on a sideboard or in the form of a wreath on a wall. Adding twinkling lights is another idea to create another lovely mood and display.”
#3 Lighting
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/
“A room should have at least one or two lamps depending on the size of it. During the holiday season, mood lighting is so important and can soften a room, as using the main pendant light in the room can at times be too strong” explains Jaqueline.
According to designer Rodriguez, another good way to make a home cozy is merging mood lighting to the use of candlelight. This can really help creating that snug feel and atmosphere. It also helps cutting the cost of electricity, which is a plus in our current financial crisis.
#4 Rugs, Blankets & Cushions
Photo by Designecologist: https://www.pexels.com
“Rugs are such a focal point in any room” says designer Hamilton.
“Rugs are not only for wooden or hard floors, but for carpets too. The shaggier and softer the rugs are, the cozier they’ll make a home feel. They also help to keep the heat in during cold winter afternoons.” adds designer Nicola Rodriguez.
“Adding cushions, throws and blankets on your sofas as well as lined heavy curtains also add that cozy feel to a room. Not only do the blankets keep you snug and warm but by adding textures such as knit, sheepskin, chenille and velvet also combine the cozy look and feel.” she adds.
#5 Create a Hot Cocoa Bar
I’ve seen this concept on social media, and absolutely love it. Lots of adorable ideas to be found on TikTok or Instagram, but the basic strategy is to craft a cute area in your home where you gather everything needed to make a cozy hot cocoa or cappuccino… machine, mugs, mixes and fun toppings!
My friend Diana at Being Mommy With Style posted a fun example. Check out her cute “hot chocolate bar” reelfor inspiration.
#6 Paint Colors
Photo by Maël BALLAND : https://www.pexels.com/
According to designer Hamilton, pastel colors can look cold and harsher in the winter months and one way of warming up a room can be using a warm dramatic paint color. She recommends colors that are taken from nature in the autumn months, such as rich reds, terracotta and warm mustards, which can all bring a depth and cosines to a room.
Designer Rodriguez adds “If you have areas in your room that look bare, invest in a statement chair or sofa and create a cozy corner by adding a soft lamp on a small side table. This will help maximize your home space and create a welcoming atmosphere.”
Photo by Andrea Davis: https://www.pexels.com/
This time of year, people tend to spend most of their time indoors enjoying the warmth and comfort of their homes. Therefore, we want to create an environment where we can relax and feel cozy, away from the harsh weather.
Whether it is an old family home or a newly purchased one, decorating your home for winter can be a joyful activity to set the mood for the cold months ahead.
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