Cozy. Warm. Restful and rejuvenating and quiet kind of feeling- that is what Hygge style says to me. A little more sparse in the extras and a whole lot more intentional, welcoming and inviting.
Hygge- How to Create a Cozy Home
Have you ever wondered just what that whole Hygge thing was all about? I am no expert by any means but I can share my own take on it and what I feel it is to me.
What is Hygge
It is best summed up with a feeling. Cozy, nourishing, restful and meaningful intentional living. A feeling of contentment with the simple things.
Hygge Living
Wearing your comfy clothes. Taking time to enjoy the moment and simmering there just a bit. Lighting candles and enjoying the soft light they bring. Nourishing yourself with feel good foods and nourishing your soul with simple joys and living. One of the key things they mention about Hygge is fresh air and nature. I am a big outdoor girl- but even in winter when it is raining- I like to open the window and let the fresh air in while sleeping. The sound of the rain and the fresh air coming in brings me so much restorative and warm energy. If that makes sense.
Sipping a cup of tea by the fire, wearing a cozy sweater that makes you feel like you are wrapped up in a hug and setting out fresh potted winter blooms – are also all things that could be described as ‘hygge’ living.
Hygge Decor
Aside from things that bring that zen feeling everyday- what about decor? If you are like me- maybe you are more inclined to ‘decorate’ and accentuate room with things and details than remove them. But Hygge isn’t about more being more. Being a bit more minimalist can be a good thing too.
One of the key things that speaks to me about a hygge style is that less truly is more. Take the living room for example.
In this photo- there is a ton of ambiance with the candles & fireplace glowing away. There is a chunky throw that makes you want to curl up. There are the natural touches with the olive tree and topiaries and there are the usual suspects in a living room- a sofa & a table. I think to me- what I notice about the feeling of this is that it feels warm and cozy and inviting- but it also feels quiet. Quiet in clutter. Quiet in boldness. Quiet in color.
I feel the neutrals and the naturals here. The linen on the sofa with the soft textured pillows and chunky throw.
The delicate olive leaves and patina of the clay pot against the gilded mirrors behind it. And that warm cozy feeling from the glow. It makes me feel like breathing deeply and releasing the breath slowly.
My eyes aren’t darting around to pick up on the many details or the many colors. It is more about the textures and the feeling that I notice. Of course it might not be the same for everyone- what are the things that you notice and that you feel?
Cozy Dining Room
Another example is the dining room. In this photo, the dining table is in front of the fireplace. A fun little switch from the usual location. What I notice most is the warm glow the room has. The inviting feeling and the way that the sparseness of the centerpiece seems to be enough even though it is barely there.
The textures in the rattan chairs, the olive topiary and the raw wood against the mirrors. The glow of the candles on the fireplace. The way you can almost feel the warmth from the fire.
To me, that is what the true meaning of Hygge is. The design style leans Scandinavian of course- more clean lines, more minimal, more natural. And it also evokes a feeling. Welcoming. Warm. Cozy. Comfortable.
Get the Look
So how do you get that feeling in your home?
Less is more.
Cozy touches are key. Think Candles. Fireplace. Twinkle lights and lanterns.
Natural touches. Bring in something natural – potted plants, branches, stacks of wood.
A place for everything – make sure there is a reason and place for everything you bring into your room.
Everything in it’s place- and everything that doesn’t add to the feeling should be put away for another day.
Layer the cozy- throws, pillows, warmth.
And keep the magic or what you love. For me, the gilded mirrors bring magic and bring a sense of cozy to the room- as does the crystal chandelier. For you, it might be loving the feeling of a rug underfoot, chunky pillows on the sofa or a smattering of candles flickering away on the coffee table.
I truly feel like one of the keys to this feeling and style is to simply listen to yourself and pay attention to what you love and what makes you feel warm and cozy. And then go with that and enjoy it.
Shop the Look
Chunky Throw | Candles | Gold Mirror | Faux Olive Tree | Faux Olive Topiary | Brass Candlesticks | Scandinavian style sofa (less expensive option) | Scandinavian Sofa (exact) *some affiliate links
What about you? What makes you feel like your space is cozy and welcoming?
For the next post in our cozy winter series- we are talking about how to create a cozy bedroom this winter.
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Cathy says
I love everything! I do have a question. When I think cozy winter, I think a place to read with a throw of course. However, it seems alot of bloggers dont have table lamps or floor lamps for reading. Some dont even have end tables for coff or tea. Are they edited out?
Courtney says
Hi Cathy!
I am not sure about others but I haven’t edited them out- I actually don’t have any table lamps or floor lamps in the living room. One reason is, I don’t have as many outlets as many since our house is an older one so it can be hard to find a placement that works and doesn’t drag cords through the room like an extension cord. So, chandeliers on a dimmer works as a better option for us. I do have bedside lamps and they do help with reading though. 🙂
Lola ross says
Love your blog! So much goOd INFORMATION & I’m using it all. I have so many great things that fit into the french country decor from travels in Europe. Thank you 😊
Jean says
I love all your decor. It’s loveLy, inviting and timeless. I enjoy reading your ideAs and I can Wait for your new book. Jean
Shirley says
Are you publishing another book soon? I have 2 of your books…love them and I dOn’t want to miss the new one.
Shirley
Nancy Brantley says
I love your house/decor. It is beautiful. But I’m one that loves clutter that is pretty to me. So hard to keep clean but everything makes me happy to look at…my house is a collection of 30yrs. I’m known as the shopaholic, “if Nancy don’t have it nobody does”…😆 I’m willing to part with some if I knew someone would treasure pieces.
Courtney says
I totally hear you! I believe whatever makes You happy is perfect and I fully support your pretty clutter! 🙂 I also think you could enjoy the ‘hygge’ look while enjoying your favorite things- it is about a ‘feeling’ that nourishes you. So if clutter nourishes you- that is what works for you.
franki Parde says
Nancy…I “know exactly” how you feel…*sigh* Luv all the photos! franki
Ivory says
Wow, what an a post! I love your home, and yes, it looks very CaCozy and comfortable cozy and comfortable, that the kind of home, to me, that says, “ come on in and stay for a while”. Thanks for inviting us in.
Stacy says
Hello, I do have a question. Where did you find your amazing antique floor mirrors? I am a firm believer that less is more. Now on the other hand, in my studio I surround myself with pieces that bring a smile to my face, and pictures of course, loads of them. There are also treasured pieces of memories from long ago these all bring happiness and joy to me. Hagge is many different styles because people are all so unique. Thank you so very much for sharing your THOUGHTs, ideas and especially letting us into your lovely home. Sincerely, Stacy Eloise
Kay Fisher says
I ABSOLUTELY adore your decor! And, i TOTALLY get the idea of OPENING a window to hear the rain. I live on a mountain, which is magical and full Of nature. Your idea Of cOzy is right on. Love the floor mioRrs and candles and just everything! Thank tou!