Hygge: What Is It and Why I'm Currently Obsessing

Contemporist

2016 was the year of Hygge and I couldn't help but become obsessed. Hygge ('hoo-gah') is the Danish trend for making your life a little bit cozier. Since Danish winters are very long and very cold, the best way to stick it out is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with friends and family. Because seriously, who doesn't enjoy being cozy?



The best part of Hygge is that it doesn't require you to buy anything to take part in it. All you have to do is focus on creating that special moment of coziness either with friends or by yourself and reflect on that sweet spot. If I could create a candle of Hygge, the essence would be the soft feeling of cashmere socks, my favorite wine, and the laughter between friends. Ahhh... I'm feeling cozy already.

Warm Knits

Hygge Bath

Hygge Rituals

Add a little bit more Hygge to your life by creating simple rituals that make you happy and comfortable. Every day when I get home, I'll put on comfy PJs and my favorite slippers, light a candle, turn on some music and pour myself a big glass of wine before I make dinner. Afterward, I'll settle down on the couch with the softest blanket imaginable and watch Netflix (right now I'm loving Shameless and The Chefs Table). This simple ritual is something I do every day and probably something many of you complete as well. And you most likely don't think too much about it, I know I didn't at first. But once I discovered Hygge, I realized that the time I spent making dinner every night was the time I truly enjoyed. Same as baking or my weekly pamper sessions.

Find things that you do daily that make you happy. Those are your Hygge moments. Can't think of one? Find a ritual that you do daily or weekly that you can amp up a bit. Make coffee every morning? Sip it out of your favorite mug. Write in a journal? Light a candle and play some music while you're writing. It's the simple things that can be your Hygge moment.

West Elm 

Hygge Decor

Hygge decor is very simple. My social media feeds were filled with fluffy blankets, modern couches, and candles galore. These are all very necessary when you live in an area that is dark and cold for the greater part of the year. If you're stuck in the house for awhile, you might as well make it cozy and warm to survive the Scandinavian winter. Even if you live in Hawaii, add that extra touch of cozy to your space that'll make you excited to get home.

Hygge Living Room

Although winter is coming to an end, I plan on continuing adding Hygge to my everyday life and enjoying the little moments as much as possible. It could just be a phase, but I've been a bit happier since I discovered this trend and that is something that I plan on keeping around.

[Image sourced from Pinterest]