Breaking-down the Hygge Style

 

Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish word that goes beyond just home decor or clothing style; it's used to express a state of beautiful, prolonged, and ongoing emotion, whether you're relaxing alone or with friends, at home or outdoors, in the ordinary or extraordinary moments.

 

In this era where people constantly strive to fit into life's flow, causing stress and pressure, Hygge appears as a "therapy" to help you "unwind," learn to appreciate and be content with simple things. This lifestyle trend has led to the global spread of the "cozy Danish style" interior design, particularly popular in Nordic countries. Maybe this very Hygge fashion is what makes Danes one of the happiest people on the planet.

 

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Create a cozy and comfortable space indoors by using warm lighting and adding decorative lights as accents. (Photo courtesy of Kiwi Property)

The journey to contemporary living

 

Hygge doesn't originate from the Danish language but rather from ancient Norwegian, where it means "well-being." Following Norway's breakup from the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway in 1814, Hygge officially became part of the Danish language system, with the meaning of "comfort, coziness, and joy."

 

Given that the winters in Denmark are reputed to be long and somewhat gloomy, Danes view Hygge as a "solution" to ward off the darkness. However, Hygge isn't only prevalent during cold, bleak winters; you can experience and relish it throughout the summer by getting together with loved ones, cooking, drinking tea, and even just lounging by the fireplace on chilly days. A Hygge lifestyle will bring you a sense of contentment and happiness by embracing the simplicity of life.

 

Use furniture and decorations made from natural materials such as wood, wool, and leather to create a sense of intimacy and warmth. (Photo courtesy of Vocal Media)

Hygge becomes a "trend"

 

Hygge became popular as a lifestyle trend in the UK in 2016 after several books on the topic were published. It gained popularity and came in second only to Brexit to be included in "The Collins Words of the Year" for 2016. In 2017, Hygge became popular in the United States. Within months, eight books were published on the topic, as noted by references in The New York Times and The New Yorker. On social media, it started to gain popularity as well.

 

Enjoy time at home by creating a relaxing space, staying away from technology and electronics to focus on connecting with yourself and loved ones. (Photo courtesy of We Love Fire)

Bringing Hygge into Daily Life

Relax and maintain health by engaging in gentle physical activities such as yoga, walking, or meditation. (Photo courtesy of Health and Wellbeing Queensland)
Spend time with relatives, friends, and family by organizing gatherings, dinners, or outdoor picnics. (Photo courtesy of House Beautiful)
Invest in self-care by enjoying activities you love such as reading, listening to music, painting, or crafting. (Photo courtesy of Bp-guide)
Incorporate small habits into daily life such as cooking delicious meals, gardening, watching sunrises or sunsets to create meaningful and happy memories. (Photo courtesy of EcoBeneficial)

Happiness from the smallest things

 

Everyone has different perspectives on happiness, and there's no agreed-upon definition for the two words "happiness." With Hygge, on the other hand, happiness is simply about spending time with yourself and loved ones, without having to compete with life's daily grind. Those are the core values that Hygge brings. So why not live a happy and calm life by adopting the Hygge lifestyle?

Fah | Lune