Cozy Up Danish Style This February
By: Karen Pfeiffer Bush, CEO
The Danish word “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”), which has exploded in popularity around the world roughly translates to “coziness,” but it means so much more than that.
According to the VisitDenmark website, “In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cozying up with a loved one for a movie – that’s hygge, too.
Hygge didn’t originate in the Danish language but in old Norwegian, where it meant something like “well-being.” It first appeared in Danish writing around the end of the 18th Century and the Danes have embraced it ever since. One good thing about hygge is that you can apply it anywhere.”
Here in Seattle, February can be chilly and dark. What better time than that to up the Hygge game around your home.
Area rugs and layered fabrics are a great way to warm up your space. A warm woven blanket and some candles could be just the hygge recipe for Valentine’s Day this month.
Softer, ambient lighting will add to the feeling of warmth in your home. Flip the switch from harsh overhead lighting and embrace the more gentle glow of lamplight.
Display the things that you really love around your home. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, surrounding yourself with only things that you love and need will always provide a sense of well-being and contentment—a feeling of hygge.
These days when many people are trying to avoid large groups, small gatherings at home are the trend. Be ready for small dinner parties or game nights with dining tables that can transform from Italian restaurant to Poker table in minutes. Speaking of games, try incorporating your game collections into your décor rather than stuffing them into overflowing closets.
Whether you’re cozied up with a good book this February, entertaining friends or turning up the romance, keep the Danish in mind and how they embrace hygge. Afterall, they are, according to the VisitDenmark site, “the world’s happiest people.”
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