![burning aromatic candle with stone and tree branches on table](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-photo-6631073.jpeg?fit=868%2C1297&ssl=1)
When I stepped into our home, I just knew this was it. This was home. My husband always teases me about how big my grin was when we viewed it. I was heavily pregnant and so tired that I hadn’t noticed my expression but it was apparently written all over my face. I could describe what I loved about it but what I didn’t realise until now is that this feeling has a name. And that name is hygge.
I loved the sun that bounced off the walls. The feeling of space to spread out and it was so, so light. I felt this real sense of calm and happiness rush over me.
That was hygge.
I recently read ‘Hygge Home: how to make your home your happy place’ by Meik Wiking and I was instantly fascinated by how we can create that feeling of cosiness, comfort and happiness in our homes. It was a reaffirming moment of those times I’ve done something because it “felt right” or made me “feel good” but I couldn’t tell you why.
Well, the book does a far better job at articulating exactly why certain design elements of your space can make you feel happier.
So here’s the definition of hygge before we dive into five ways we can bring it into our mum life.
a Danish word for a quality of cosiness (= feeling warm, comfortable, and safe) that comes from doing simple things such as lighting candles, baking, or spending time at home with your family.
Cambridge Dictionary
1. Create an ambience with light
Light can change our mood from bright white light that’s vibrant and makes us feel alert to more dimmer, warm light that makes us sleepy. Light can have an immediate impact on our mood and feeling towards what happens in each space.
I took away the simplicity of different layers of light. A lamp can achieve just that. You can use it instead of your main light when settling down to relax on the sofa, or even at your bedside to encourage the desire to read.
How I’ve added a touch of hygge
I now have some micro lights on timer which I’ve strung across our bed head. It was a Christmas decoration turned permanent decoration for now, as every time I enter into our bedroom, I feel like I’m receiving a big hug with that inviting, cosy feeling that fairy lights create.
2. Add texture
Nothing says hygge like textures from rugs on the floor to throws and cushions on your furniture. The addition of texture creates this warm and fuzzy feeling. If you’re very tactile and need time to destress, the very act of throwing a blanket over yourself can calm you.
Think about the different cushions you have, can you swap them out to a different fabric – soft/furry/bobbly. Or, what about the rugs, can you add one to your space to create even more warmth?
How I’ve added a touch of hygge
I love these bolster cushions I bought at M&S as a) they aren’t too many on our bed that my husband disapproves of (he hates cushions and sees them as pointless additions) and b) they are brilliant for relaxation whether that’s to soothe an aching back with placing it under my legs or behind my head. Oh and they are blue AND they are velvet! Gorgeous.
3. Add plants to your space
Plants are a brilliant addition to any space. First off, it’s bringing the outside in which is always soothing to our mind. Secondly, they require care so helps us to focus our attention and bring about satisfaction in keeping them alive, and better yet, flourishing. Finally, they contribute to the air we breathe.
How I’ve added a touch of hygge
I’ve had my aloe vera plant from Patch Plants for a number of years, but more recently moved it to our living room and it’s loving its new environment. I always feel relaxed by seeing it in that space, it provides a sense of calm and interest too, with both its shape and colour.
4. Consider the layout of a room
When I was growing up, my mum loved to change the layout of our house. I’d come back from school and the sofa was in new place. Cushions placed differently too. Sometimes even the cabinets had moved! We always laughed, and my mum would say “it’s good to change it up”. I actually appreciated it then and it’s something I have taken with me my whole life. I like to change up a space every so often to create a new vibe and to make me believe, I have a new space.
Well, that has a name. And yes you guessed it, it’s hygge! My mum and I were creating these spaces that made us feel good.
When you create a room, consider the type of furniture you put in it and its size too. A sofa that’s too big for the space can make it feel cramped. Storage is a must too for hiding away the toys so it can be that relaxing spot for you. Toys all stacked up in the corner can make the whole room feel untidy even when it’s not. Also don’t be afraid to change it up!
How I’ve added a touch of hygge
When we were thinking about our living room, I knew I wanted it to be a chill out space but still quite sophisticated, so we got these bold teal colour accent chairs which I love. They are my favourite spot to sit with a cuppa.
![](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screenshot-2023-01-21-at-19.47.46.png?resize=564%2C674&ssl=1)
5. Create a space for your intended purpose
The dining room is for eating, or is it? Why does it need to be if you hardly ever make it to that table and instead spending the majority of the time eating in front of the television.
We sometimes fall into the trap of creating spaces that we think should be used for what we’re told they are for and NOT what we need. Don’t feel restricted by society’s rules and make a space for you.
I loved this idea because the intention will then dictate the design. For example, if you love entertaining then a dining room might be the perfect place to gather in which case you’ll think about that space in terms of entertainment which could be speakers, a drinks cabinet or THE comfiest dining chairs.
How I’ve added a touch of hygge
My husband and I love colour so having an ‘all-white’ house wouldn’t work. Plus, colour for us gives us so much energy. Our living room is a more knocked back, calming colour whereas I wanted our dining room to be far more vibrant as we love to have dinners and wanted this to be a room we actually liked to hang out in (still a work in progress) but the colour of teal made it to the walls. Proud Peacock by Dulux to be precise.
![](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screenshot-2023-01-21-at-19.52.22-edited.png?resize=351%2C562&ssl=1)
So how will you be adding a touch of hygge into your life?
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