Autumn is Here! How to Embrace Hygge

Autumn has officially arrived in Sussex and Hygge time has set in. We talk you through the steps to achieve the Danish art of cosiness at home.

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is the Danish concept that encompasses comfort, cosiness, togetherness and wellbeing. It’s no secret that the Danes are repeatedly voted the happiest people on earth, so why not take a leaf out of their book and embrace a bit of slow living in your own home? Hygge is a way of escaping the world outside, slowing down and simplifying your evening, or Sunday, routine and enjoying a bit of quality time and self-care in the comfort of your own beautifully curated space. Creating calm, cosy moments at home are particularly important as our world only gets busier and more frantic. Escaping with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book, while snuggled under a blanket with a candle lit is one of life’s greatest joys, and something that can be enjoyed regardless of whether you have a house, tiny flat, or even just a bedroom to work with. Read on to learn our top tips for creating a sense of Hygge within the home…

Get Cosy

First things first, as the evenings get darker and the nights colder, it’s important to create a warm, comfortable space. Dig out those blankets, cushions and cashmere socks. If you fancy updating your living room this season, look for warm neutral tones, tan leather and aspects of animal print to incorporate into your space. If you have a fireplace, great! Stock up on wood for the season and get it going every evening you can. If not, don’t worry. Create a similar warm glow by grouping candles together in a hearth, coffee table or shelf for that faux-fireplace feel.

Lighting is Everything

Reconsider the way you light your space, leave the ceiling lights OFF. Table and floor lamps, as well as candle light, create softer pools of light that help add to the ambience and increase that Hygge-feel tenfold. Having lighting at different levels helps too, consider fairy lights, backlighting on a particular piece of sculpture, floor lamps overhanging the sofa, etc.

Books, Magazines, Netflix and Chill

Consider what’s on offer every time you create a Hygge moment. Flicking through a copy of Elle Decoration on a Sunday morning, cosying up with Netflix on a Wednesday evening after a busy day, or finally finding the time to get through the complete works of Proust on that much needed week off; tailor every moment to the time you have available. We like to keep stacks of books and magazines handy on the coffee table to indulge whenever possible, but sometimes all you have the time or inclination for is Friends reruns on Netflix, and that’s okay too.

Comfort Food

One of the easiest ways to achieve Hygge within your home is to make sure the cupboards are always stocked with what’s needed to make your favourite cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Treat yourself to a new mug, or use the absolute best crockery you have, something that makes you smile every time you reach for it. The Swedes have a word for this particular coffee culture, Fika, meaning coffee break and the art of taking time for coffee and a chat, usually with accompanying pastries. We’re on board! What better way to appreciate your cosy Hygge home than with a cuppa and a homemade (or not) sweet treat. Of course, if you fancy cooking up a candle-lit carbonara, it wouldn’t go amiss either. The beauty of Hygge is that it is what you make it.