[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cold weather is here, and that means wool sweaters, chunky scarves and
hot homemade soups to nourish the soul. However, with all the charm of the season comes busy schedules and the madness of holiday shopping. Where can we find sanctuary? How can we keep ourselves calmly, peacefully – even joyfully – in the present? We think the Scandinavians, masters of all things cozy, may have cracked the code. Their solution to maintaining peace and harmony:
hygge.
Create a Winter Haven With Hygge Decor
What’s hygge?
Loosely translated from Danish, hygge (pronounced HOO-gah) means coziness or togetherness, and it’s about creating a safe, warm and inviting atmosphere where loved ones can gather and cherish the moment together.
Though hygge can be practiced in any season (
even in the summertime!), the true magic happens in the fall and winter months – after all, it’s when the weather outside is frightful that we need the most help in keeping our spirits up!
Home decor tips to kindle hygge
To make your home a haven where friends and family can gather and enjoy each other’s company – or to just create a calm, quiet space you can fully relax in all to yourself – we’ve got some practical ways to kindle hygge in your home this season.
Incorporate a neutral palette
For a calming, relaxing atmosphere, surround yourself with earthy pastels that won’t stir up too much energy or excitement. Add some throw pillows and blankets in pale grays, creams, greens and browns to bring natural harmony to the space.
Avoid: Bright, bold colors that draw attention and stir up excitement and emotion.
Pump up the plush!
There’s nothing more essential to hygge than comfort, so be sure every surface is inviting. Toss a few fluffy pillows around (perhaps a few on the floor!), drape rugs across furniture and make sure every seat has a soft comforter within reach. You could even have some extra pairs of house slippers on hand (or rather, foot!) for your guests.
Avoid: Clean lines and modern decor as it can feel cold and sharp – precisely the opposite of what you want to evoke! Also avoid minimal spots for guests to sit.
Choose natural textures
Hygge-inspired textures and fabrics should make you feel warm and cozy just by looking at them! Add in natural materials like wood, wool, dried flowers – even pretty books or seasonal ingredients like apples, oranges and cinnamon sticks for a pop of interest and color!
Avoid: Synthetic fibers, plastic and some metal surfaces as they can feel cold and uninviting.
Add in some candlelight
Immerse your space with the warm, flickering glow of real candlelight. There’s nothing more charming than firelight, so create a near-romantic atmosphere with dozens of well-placed tea lights or
candles. Bonus points for real wick candles as their crackle will infuse even more hygge character! Use battery-operated candles if you want to avoid a fire hazard.
Avoid: Candles with strong, artificial or overwhelming fragrances. Also avoid turning on extra lights in the house to create a dimmer, more calming effect.
Dazzle with twinkle lights
Just like candles, a well-placed twinkle light will charm the heart along with any room. String twinkle lights from the mantlepiece, around banisters and pooled inside clear glass jars around the room for a dash of elegant glitz. Perfect for bedrooms and for any gathering space like a living room or heated patio.
Avoid: Cold LED lights or bright fluorescent lights as they can make a room feel cold and harshly lit.
Gather around a fire
There’s truly nothing cozier than a crackling fireplace, but if you don’t have access to a real one,
streaming a fireplace on YouTube works in a pinch! A central piece of hygge culture, gathering around a fire offers the perfect setting for quality time with friends, family – and of course our furry friends, too. Grab yourself a
hot beverage, a chunky wool blanket and gather around the fire!
Build a Nordic spa
Well not literally. But your bathroom can become a makeshift one – if you can swing it! Instead of rushing from one task to the next, take a moment and dedicate time to create an indulgent experience in your very own bathroom. Hide the clutter, light some candles, lay out some rugs and step into a soothing hot bath. While you’re at it, why not add some heavenly
lavender or
eucalyptus essential oils to that water for some aromatherapy?
Spaaaaaah, it feels so good.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/12"][vc_single_image image="163749" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://www.vitacost.com/mrs-meyers-clean-day-tin-candle-snowdrop"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/12"][vc_single_image image="163748" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://www.vitacost.com/mina-organic-full-leaf-green-tea"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
