What is Hygge?

Hygge has quickly become a universal word and a big part of the way I want to live my life. Though you don’t need anything to experience “hygge” there certainly is an environment that contributes to the vibe of “cozy”. Today’s blog and video is going to dive deeper into the elements that make for a cozy space.

Meik is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and has spent years studying the magic of Danish life. Meik Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. He is committed to finding out what makes people happy and has concluded that hygge is the magic ingredient that makes Danes the happiest nation in the world.

Ever since reading Meik Wiking’s, The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well, I have been inspired to brave the winter months with a positive mindset. These are things I think Scotty and I have been doing for a long time without even realizing. Today’s video is going to dive deeper on how you can incorporate hygge in your home and specifically your bedroom.

Full Bedroom Transformation Video

Keep scrolling for blog how to and a full gallery of the transformation…

The Elements of Cozy

1. Warm & Deep Colour Palette

When I first moved in with Scotty we talked about our style and where we saw our space going in terms of design. Thankfully we have very similar styles and love the idea of creating a warm and inviting space, especially in the bedroom. I have always loved doing these projects myself and took the reins! In my research I found a phenomenal blog by Bobby Berk all about the “It Colour of 2020 – Sacramento Green“. This sparked a huge interest to bring in bold and rich tones to our then neutral home. I don’t think we should be afraid of colour in our wardrobe or our home design. Warm tone bring about an inviting, cozy vibe all on their own. Our bedroom palette consists of terracotta, teal, wooden features, gold accents and a warm white walls painted Alabaster white.

2. Soft Textiles

There is nothing cozier then your favourite blanket, a loungewear set and a soft pair of socks. These are all elements we want to bring into our space. We specifically kept the warm tones running through our bed set as well as our throws. Whether the bed is made or disheveled from a good nights sleep, it’s welcoming and warm.

3. Warm Lighting

It is well known that Scandinavian designers have a very specific way of lighting their interiors. This lighting strategy emphasizes a sense of warm coziness.  Light and shadow are equally important elements, as they contribute to a feeling of warmth and naturalness. Light within a hygge inspired room not only allows you to see clearly but also creates a pleasant atmosphere.

CANDLES AND MORE CANDLES

• Candles, imitation candles or candle like lights are a HUGE part of hygge. According to Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, about half of Danish people light candles at least four days a week and 31% light six or more candles each time. Candles create a warm, flickering light. 

LIMIT OVER HEAD LIGHTING

• Limiting overhead lighting is very important to create a cozy room. No one wants their space to remind them of an office environment. This is why floor lights and bedside tables are a key part of creating cozy.

FAIRY LIGHTS & ROMANTIC LIGHTING

• Fairy lights are the exception when it comes to overhead lighting. Fairy lights instill a feeling of gathering, festival vibes and soft summer evenings. They have a romantic energy that just inherently feels cozy. FIND FAIRY LIGHTS HERE

4. Elements From The Natural World (Wooden Pieces)

While reading through The Little Book of Hygge I noticed a lot of the featured mentioned Scotty and I had already been incorporating in our home. Meik mentions the Danish love to bring the outdoors in! This means having pieces that are inspired or created from the natural world. This is what I wanted to do specifically with our side tables.

Meet Structube’s CLARENCE

5. Meaningful Analog Pieces

Last but most certainly not least is bringing analog pieces to your space. By this I mean, incorporating in photos that bring about nostalgia or physical books with pages you can turn. I love my Kobo Libra H2O but it will never have the same feeling as a paperback book. I have included some links to what I have been currently reading and some books I have most recently finished and loved if you’re looking for something new to read.

Bonus: A Place for a good cup of tea (or whatever makes you feel warm inside)

I think a big part of hygge is appreciating those small moments of joy in life. For me that is my morning and midday cuppa! I bought this gorgeous mug from a local artist in Hamilton, Ontario at a shop called Studio 205.

MORE HYGGE INSPIRED CONTENT BELOW

Our Hygge Inspired Bedroom

More Hygge Content

Thank you so much for your support on this blog post. I really hope you find as much inspiration from hygge as I have and that you loved this post. A lot of love has been poured into our home and I cannot wait to see what happens over the next few months! But for now I shall leave you with some more hygge inspired content to keep the cozy times going. So grab that blanket and cup of tea and put on your coziest socks and snuggle in.

All of my love,

Amanda xo

A Look Into Other Cultures: Japanese Philosophy on Organization

“Some of the philosophies the Japanese swear by are using space vertically when possible, such as stacking items,” says Kamiya. “We also use little boxes and bags to organize items, and we try to group most things, whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or the closet.” https://konmari.com/

“Life truly begins only after you have put your house in order.”

– Marie Kondo

MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO //

Structube Clarence Nightstands: https://bit.ly/3eek3qX

Indigo Terracotta Sheets: https://bit.ly/3ElsBqJ

Terracotta Linen Blackout Blinds: https://bit.ly/32a3kCZ

ANXIOUS PEOPLE by Fredrik Backman: https://bit.ly/3pg0zZw

CHANNELLED FAUX FUR THROW TERRACOTTA: https://bit.ly/3pkbxNI

NATURAL WELLNESS CANDLE BALANCE LARGE: https://bit.ly/3Ed6LWk

IKEA GOLD FRAMES: https://bit.ly/3piSpj6 (different sizes)

AURIA HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP SMALL: https://bit.ly/3eh8IGB

INSTANT GALLERY FRAME BRASS: https://bit.ly/3EkuVyj

KINFOLK 41: https://bit.ly/3yW1Wj9

KINFOLK TRAVEL: SLOWER WAYS TO SEE THE WORLD: https://bit.ly/3FeJmVP

THE KINFOLK ENTREPRENEUR: IDEAS FOR MEANINGFUL WORK: https://bit.ly/3El7SmK

Prints on wall gifted in the past by https://desenio.com/ & https://oppositewall.com/