The Danish Practice of Hygge
As winter sets in here in Colorado, the chill, especially in the evening hours, can be tough to get around for some folk. That’s where we can turn to colder countries for advice. And what colder place than the northern country of Denmark? At Bretz Interiors serving the greater Denver area, we’ll be more than happy to introduce you to what hygge is all about and ways you can introduce it into your home to make your winter feel that much warmer. Read on for more!
About Hygge
People in Denmark are faced with not just bitter cold in the winters but also very few daylight hours, all of which can feel like a downer. That’s why people there have become enamored with the practice of hygge (pronounced “hyoo-guh”), which encourages people to slow their pace and feel connected to the world and those around them. Hygge helps people “find a healthier work-life balance, to be more in the moment, to build interpersonal relationships, and to turn off digital distractions,” noted Tova Brandt, curator of Danish American culture at the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa. The idea of hygge began as a lifestyle movement, but has evolved to encompass a home’s ambience and décor. Below are some tips for how you can bring the sense of hygge to your home.
Hygge and Hug Are Similar
Both words come from the same root, and if you think about it, practicing hygge is like experiencing a hug. As you move toward that lifestyle, try to avoid thinking about checkboxes and instead think of the things that will most bring you and anyone in your home comfort. For example, wear comfortable clothes. It’s hard to relax if you’re in an itchy sweater or uncompromising jeans. Put on what’s comfortable, and encourage your guests to do the same. Keep entertaining simple. Don’t worry about serving a huge platter of food—go with the minimum and focus on being together. Play board games that encourage interaction and even bring out ones from your childhood for a little sense of nostalgia.
Bring Warmth to Your Room
Decorate with (and light!) candles—their soft glow is calming and restorative, and they evoke a feeling of being by a cozy fireplace. Use comfy textures such as warm knits and sherpa fabrics as accessories—and don’t be afraid to wrap up in them when you want. Finally, bring nature indoors—aspen or birch logs make great decorative elements, as can wreaths made of pine boughs or dried stems.
Create a Cozy Nook
Hygge isn’t all about entertaining; it’s also about slowing down and taking time for yourself, doing things like knitting or reading a book. And what more inviting place is there to read than in a cozy nook? Set up a plush armchair in a corner with a good reading lamp and a side table to rest that warm cider on. Or put your bay window to work, adding plush pillows and the right window fashions to feel ensconced. For example, consider Provenance® Woven Wood Shades give a sense of the great outdoors while creating an effect of melding the windows together. Duette® Cellular Shades also do that—with the added benefit of bringing insulation to the window. You can also add external drapery that can make the bay window nook feel like its own room. No matter the style, always go for what feels the most comfortable. That’s where you’ll achieve hygge. For ideas, be sure to speak with a Bretz Interiors consultant today!
Bringing Hygge Home in Lakewood, Denver CO Area
Bretz Interiors is a family-owned business located in Lakewood and serving the greater Denver area. In operation since 1959, we focus on delivering high quality products and exceptional service to every client. Our showroom has a wide variety of displays and our sales team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have!
