Five Dimensions of Hygge

The Hygge concept is trickier than it might seem at first — it is something more than being cozy. It is about the capacity to savor the present and recognize the little pleasures in life. It is also about the state of mind when your actions, feelings, and moods are aimed at boosting your lifestyle.

Taste

Hygge is your self-made foundation of happiness. Its taste is about something you can call home — comfort food with familiar aromas and flavors. Even if you enjoy something new, its attributes have to bring you nothing but satisfaction and pleasure. What about chocolate cookies, grilled and juicy meat, whipped cream, honey tea?

You can choose from a rich palette of dishes and snacks to warm you up on a daily basis. Follow the Danish tradition and add more hot chocolate, pastries, open sandwiches, and other Scandi staples to your menu.

Sound

The story of hygge sounds is quite varied. One of the brightest examples is the crackling of sparks and wood burning. It isn’t about outdoor joys only. If you can’t enjoy the beauty of open fair, aromatic candles with a soothing crackling will change the atmosphere at home.

How can you hygge your space from this perspective? Choose what brings you comfort — the sound of raindrops on the roof, waterfalls, the howling wind, someone cooking, knitting, drawing, singing, and so on. Hygge may be subtle, but its effects are enormous.

Smell

Any scent that can transport you back to the time when you were delighted, cheerful, cozy, and safe is considered a hygge fragrance. The aroma of fruit, freshly baked bread, flowers, and perfumes can have a bright hygge-ish effect.

To make your space more welcoming, feel free to enrich it with refreshing oils of freesia, cucumber, and apple. While cedarwood is a classic offer, such aromas as fir, grapefruit, and juniper will create a unique atmosphere and help you enjoy the spaciousness of your home to the fullest.

You can also experiment with your blendings and create aromas with specific effects, and fragrances, as well as top, middle, and bottom notes:

• nutmeg, bergamot, thyme, and lavender for relaxation;

• basil, lemongrass, and eucalyptus for more energy;

• oregano, marjoram, clove, and rose for extra soothing.

Touch

What textures can make you feel happy and excited? According to this Danish lifestyle, soft textures are designed to bring pleasant emotions. Hygge touch is about objects that comfort, reassure, and soothe you — from velvety and fluffy to more unusual metallic, mushy, and sandy. Try fingering different surfaces at home to get a new perspective of it.

Although this sense is often ignored and underestimated, it is what makes a fundamental part of being a human. By incorporating hygge into your life, you will understand that such sensations aren’t just what can bring sensual excitement and pleasure. These experiences influence who you are more than it might seem at first, having a deep impact on what you like, how you relax, what you buy, etc.

Visuals

All Danish homes have a special space called “Hyggekrog” at home. Simply put, this term describes an inviting and pleasant place you love to spend time cozy, comfortable, and happy. Hygge is also about feeling in the right place and with the right people around.

Avoid cluttering your house with unnecessary stuff and create a calming sensation through a neutral color palette, soothing candles, fireplaces, precious photos, and other things. Don’t hesitate to add a personal touch to it:

• The use of natural materials in interior design will boost the hygge-ish atmosphere of your space.

• Hygge-inspired interiors will pop thanks to a few charming accents like candles or wall art pieces.

• For those who want to unwind in any room around the house, it is essential to pay attention to lighting. While bright lights can come in handy in your working area, they might seem overly harsh in your bedroom or bathroom. Bring more relaxation to your space with this little trick.

Is It Worth It?

Embrace the feeling of security and peace of mind with hygge as one of the main principles of your lifestyle. As Danes have proved this by example, indulging in delightful drinks and food while watching your favorite movies in a wonderfully decorated house brings more happiness to your life.