What’s this HYGGE I keep hearing about?
hyg·ge
/ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/
noun
1. a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
I LOVE to read – when I have the time – which isn’t as often as I would like. So this past holiday weekend I actually combined a little work and play by reading The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking. If you haven’t heard of Hygge (pronounced HOOGA) – don’t feel bad – neither had I until a Danish friend of ours asked my opinion on this new trending topic.
Being a quarter Danish on my Dad’s side I was immediately intrigued by the concept of Hygge. Perhaps my affinity for ALL THINGS DESIGN is in my blood more than I thought! So I had to get my own copy and check it out.
I found Meik Wiking’s playful banter on Hygge AND all things “Hyggeligt” (full of Hygge), quite entertaining. As Meik is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen it did not surprise me to read his claim that Hygge is at the heart of the Danes claim to fame as the “Happiest Country in the World”. My Danish quarter beamed with pride at this statement – I am a happy person by nature – until I realized I don’t live in Denmark! But in the end it’s really about what we all want to find in our own homes - comfort, protection and peace of mind. And I can be proud that I have brought that happiness factor to so many of my clients. And that I have brought Hygge into their homes without even realizing that the concept of Hygge even existed!
I also found interesting similarities between what Meik considers Hygge concepts and the precepts of Feng Shui (the Chinese principles that dictate a well-designed home). Although the Danes seem to be much more laid back in their facilitation of Hygge concepts – there are no diagrams or charts as in Feng Shui – the goals are similar. That is, by adding a few specific concepts into your home interiors you will find the perfect balance of energy for a good, happy and prosperous life or Chi.
As Hygge and happiness by definition go hand-in-hand, why not consider making the effort to add a few Hygge principals into your own interior designs. The book is a quick read, but here are some basic ideas that I have always tried to add into my designs (even before I know what Hygge was);
1. Your home should be a gathering place for family and friends. Think about how your main living areas can make your guest feel welcome - adequate and comfortable seating is paramount!
2. We are innately drawn to firelight and candlelight. If you can’t have a wood burning fireplace – there are so many other options! Check out my blog on my own fireplace solution in my house.
3. Candlelight is integral to good Hygge. But I think lighting in general is a top priority - sufficient lighting is key to any Hyggeligt interior design!!!
4. Texture makes a house feel like a home. Touch is inherently two-fold as we “see” texture AND “feel” texture, too. Both aspects are important to consider and make part of your design plan!
5. Small spaces are important, too. Our love of open floor plans can often make a space feel too big. Don’t forget to carve out more intimate areas and cozy nooks for one-on-one time or just “me” time!
6. Let your interiors tell your personal story! A good interior design includes the little details of special mementos and memories that make a house a home!
The last important aspect of Hygge – good comfort food and treats – I will leave up to you. I find my Danish heritage AND love of a good cheese Danish have necessitated other loves in my life – like a good workout!