How to: HYGGE
I trust you’re reading this to learn all the juicy details that I touched on in my live spot on Good Morning Texas. If you missed it or can’t wait to watch again, see the video below.
So…what is it? It’s trending on Instagram right now at over 5M tags.
Pronounced “hoo-guh” it’s a word popularized by the Danes with multiple meanings but to paraphrase Meik Wiking (a Happiness expert from Copenhagen) it’s “coziness of the soul” and “taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things”. Hygge is all about atmosphere and comfort – making the experience of being indoors enjoyable for you and those around you in your home. It’s about staying in and cooking a meal all together, snuggling around a coffee table and playing board games…but you can also hygge on your own too.
Here are some tips to get your hygge on.
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
shop candles
Tip #1 – It’s all about the LIGHT
Think soft, warm candlelight – not too bright, never cold and say ‘no’ to full-bulb strength overhead lighting. Utilize lower wattage, warm light from table and floor lamps, hire a licensed electrician to add dimmers to those overhead cans and light those candles…yes, even the “fancy” ones. Set the mood!
Think about it – are you in class all day? Working in a fluorescent lit office? Get away from those spaces mentally when you’re in your home. Trust the pros from the Happiness Research Institute…yes, that’s a real place and they know what they’re talking about.
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
Did you know? 28% of Danes light candles everyday and 31% of those light more than five candles at a time!?
Just be sure to air out your room after and never leave them unattended. Here’s an attractive flame-less alternative.
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
shop hyggekrog
Tip #2 – Get Yourself a Hyggekrog (“hoo-guh crow”)
No, it’s not the latest exotic pet. Basically, translating to “a nook”, this is your dedicated snuggle-up place. A window-seat in a bay window, a big lounge chair you can sink into, a sofa with removable cushions to make extra deep…just make sure it’s comfortable. “Some real estate agents [in Denmark] even use a hyggekrog as a way to sell houses”, says Wiking. Add soft cushions and blankets…I suggest a Pomeranian to join you too. <wink>
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
This is Momma, my dear Pom. She’s 9 years young and coming up on her one-year adoption birthday this August. Where she lacks in dual vision, she makes up for in love. And yes, that’s her in my logo.
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
shop wooden furniture
Tip #3 – WOODen Furniture
Think returning to nature or a great old house with creaking wood floors – no metal, no acrylic or super shiny new pieces should dominate the space. Vintage and old family pieces are even more hygge – because they have character, a story behind them…that would be super hyggeligt to tell your friends about ‘that table you found’ one night while making homemade pasta and pesto all together…with tons of candles lit (of course).
I found all of my vintage wood pieces from my go-to spot: Consign & More by Paul Allen. These include the fabulous woven grass luggage, Danish Modern teak nesting tables and the turned wood antique quilt stand. Acacia wood side table and teak root stool/table came from designer-only showroom RM COCO.
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
shop mother nature
Tip #4 – Mother Nature
Well not exactly outdoors…I mean buy houseplants and bring nature inside. I feel like those memes are true: the plant lady IS the new cat lady…and I say that in the best of ways. Keeping house plants alive is hard for some of us, though. I swore I was close to being locked up for murdering house plants just a few short years ago, but I stick to once a week watering and some hardy breeds and have been successful ever since. Don’t fall prey to the super trendy, high-maintenance, high-price tag specimens until you’re more adept at keeping them alive…after all, think of the plants and your wallet.
Want to learn more about how to care for your houseplants? Check out this very thorough guide from Happy DIY Home which details how to water for each type of houseplant, planting containers, mediums and more.
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
I found some great selections from one of my favorite local nurseries North Haven Gardens. Plants shown in this post are: Monstera deliciosa, Maranta and Adiantum spp.
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
shop bedding & cushions
Tip #5 – Tactile Textiles, Bedding and Cushions
This touches back on the #2 idea – but take into consideration your bedroom, guest bedroom or dorm. While I prefer the crisp, clean look of classic white percale sheets – to each their own…just make it so you want to dive right into your bed at the end of a long day. I chose nubby, woven blankets and lots of pillows, a summer-weight duvet and accent cover with blue and green paisley accents to give it a bohemian feel. This way you have layering options for the various months and temperatures.
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
What’s better than snuggling up with your pups? Here’s my other rescue Pomeranian - her name is Rhiley. She is mostly blind but she loves a cozy bed to nap in.
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
TIP #6 – Unplug Your iGadget and Grab a Book
Studies have already told us how there is a growing increase in technology addiction, put down the tech, grab a book and expand your mind, your thoughtfulness and your vocabulary. I can hear my dear English teacher, Mrs. Cranfill saying this to a younger me – and it’s true. Books are beautiful design accents too!
more hygge goodies
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
Want to learn more about Hygge? I devoured this book in a day…
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
So, I’ve touched on some of the major points, but there is still soooo much more…and I’m only considering the summer months. Believe me, I could spend a lifetime talking about this design style that focuses so strongly on personal well-being with an overall ‘sense of cozy’. Just remember – it’s all about the creature comforts, connecting with yourself, with those you love and making memories while bettering your quality of life. Now go out there and get some hygge in your life, y’all!
Cheers
hygge tabletop
Photo: Kathryn Nelson Design
Have you tried this? Make sure to share your space to Instagram and let us see your hygge design skills by using the tag #ShowKNDyourDesign
ALL OF MY HYGGE LOOKS
*** BONUS LINKS***
I’d like to say a huge thank you to
Consign & More by Paul Allen | 7989 Beltline Rd #130 Dallas, TX 75248
North Haven Gardens | 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas, TX 75230
RM COCO (trade only) | 1444 Oak Lawn Ave Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75207
Love a little more info? Check out these links below for topics mentioned above
The Good Home Report June 2019
How Often to Water Houseplants
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