A Danish term called hygge sums up the way many of us want to feel about our homes. As defined by Dictionary.com, hygge is a cultural concept and value a warm, happy coziness and togetherness. Outside of Denmark, hygge can also refer to the good feeling that comes from a cozy and aesthetically pleasing environment.
If you’d like to make your home cozy and more comfortable, here are some ideas:
Pillows on sofas, chairs, and beds can add a punch of color and be arranged for relaxation depending on personal preference. Throw pillows don’t have to expensive – check out the selection at your local discount home store. Pillows are also an easy way to change up decor seasonally. If you’re handy with a needle, you can even design and sew your own pillow covers for customized look.
Candles provide a warm glow and pleasant fragrance. Arrange them in different heights and sizes for a bigger impact. Remember to keep children away from them, and never leave burning candles unattended.
Lamps offer softer light than overhead fixtures. For a cozy feel, aim for more lamp light in a room. In addition to traditional table lamps, floor lamps can be used to provide light in dark corners and smaller spaces. Use small lamps in bookcases and on counters for accent lighting.
Rugs add a feeling of warmth and help define space in rooms. They can also provide color and texture to your decor. Outdoor rugs can help add coziness to porches, patios, and decks while withstanding the elements.
Furniture groupings can help make rooms more inviting and welcoming. In living areas, arrange furniture so that conversations can flow easily. The addition of an ottoman and/or footstool can encourage people to put their feet up, as well as offer additional seating when needed.
Throws across couches, chairs, and beds are inviting and practical. In cold weather, they can help keep you warm while keeping the thermostat down.
Cooking fragrances wafting throughout a home can stir senses, appetites, and memories. Some of the best fragrances come from cooking breads, cookies, cakes, pies, soups, and sauces. If you don’t want to cook, try simmering apple, pineapple, or orange juices with cloves and cinnamon sticks on the stove. Keep an eye on the concoction so that the liquid doesn’t cook down too much and burn the pan or become a fire hazard.
It’s important to remember that coziness doesn’t just come from things, and that a cozy home doesn’t have to be perfect one. In fact, the coziest homes are the ones that are enjoyed by the people who live and visit there.