Creating a Happy Home: The Art of Hygge

The word "Hygge" is Danish (roughly pronounced as Hue-gah) and Alex Beauchamp of Hygge House  explains,  "While there’s no one English word to describe hygge, several can be used interchangeably to describe the idea of hygge such as cosiness, charm, happiness, contentness, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness."  

She says that  "Danes see both the domestic and personal life as an art form and not every drudgery to get away from...Hygge is about being present enough to recognize and acknowledge an act, moment or feeling when the ordinary feels extraordinary."

Photo by David Mao

So how can we create "hygge" in our lives and homes? Here are some thoughts that I have found in reading about this concept: 

• Hygge is a state of mind where we appreciate the small joys in life and savour the moment. It is about concentrating on contentment and gratitude. So don't rush, take your time over a cup of tea or coffee or having a slow soak in a bath. Also take time to reflect on all that is good in life and things that make you happy.
• Hygge includes hospitality and connection with others too. Social occasions are key; think about sharing a simple meal or some home baked goods with friends and family. In particular consider establishing a routine of eating at a dining table on a regular basis.
• Make your interiors welcoming by using textured blankets and rugs as well as soft pillows. Take some time to position a comfy chair near favourite books or magazines to create a reading nook. In summer time enjoy the natural light by sitting next to an open window.
• Create a cosy atmosphere by appealing to the senses, Snuggle near a fire, use candles or string up fairy lights.Play relaxing music that creates a mood that you enjoy and that makes you feel good. Surround yourself with your favourite photos and mementos to create a homely feel.
• Connect with nature and bring the outside in. Spend time outdoors, walking,picnicking or doing other activities as the weather allows. Also use natural materials, such as wood, inside your home and include plants and fresh flowers too.

What are your tips for creating a cosy and comfortable home? Do you have any home rituals that allow you to savour and enjoy your space? You might also like to read some posts from the archive:  "Five Ways to Make your Home More Comfortable and Cosy" and "Dreaming and Gratitude".

Wadrobe Planning and Organisation

The start of a new year or a new season may be just the time to re-look at our wardrobes. This is a great opportunity to do a clothing edit and decide what to keep, what must go and to make a wish list of what to purchase next.

Photo by Igor Ovsyannykov

I am definitely not a fashionista, but these are a few ideas I have gleaned when sorting out my own wardrobe:

1. Only choose to keep what fits well and what makes you feel good.
2. Store away out of season clothes if possible. This makes it more clear what is currently useful and makes it easier to organise what is left in your collection.
3. Consider your lifestyle - is it more often casual or smart? It is a good idea to fit your clothes to your current situation but remember to also have a few outfits for smart occasions if you are mainly casual and similarly a few casual outfits if your week is in the formal work world.
4. Have some core/basic items that are versatile pieces and work well with a lot of your other items. It helps if these basics are mostly in neutral colours. Then add personality to outfits with accessories such as jewellery, scarves, shoes and handbags as well as more colourful clothing extras. My all time favourite fashion blog is The Vivienne Files for advice on how to build and co-ordinate a capsule wardrobe.
5. Be intentional when shopping and buy quality items rather than quantity. If you have sorted through your wardrobe before you purchase anything you are likely to have a better idea of what you need for the season. It may be helpful to have a specific shopping list of items that are missing from your wardrobe. 

I think clothing is so personal that it is impossible for anyone to dictate a "must have" list. Everyone needs to find what works for her. I am drawn to darker neutral colours as staples with bright accents in pink! I also spend a lot of time in jeans. 

What are your top clothing items that are favourites in your wardrobe? Do you have any tips for minimising and organising a clothing collection?