Did you know that Danish lifestyle concept of ‘hygge’ – an appreciation of calmness, cosiness and enjoying life’s simple pleasures – has taken Britain by storm? This movement has been given a very British twist by Author Simon SInclair. He thinks us Brits can all achieve happiness, peace and security at home without changing very much at all. A very British Hygge.
Let’s get happy!
What is Hygge?
Hygge is said to come from the Danes living in a cold, dark land with weather that can actually kill you because it’s that cold – and the word was originally coined as that feeling one gets when you find warmth, safety and shelter from a storm. Being happy in that very moment – and you can feel a sense of pure joy. How can we make British Hygge work for us?
‘Those wonderful little micro-pleasures that allow you to shut out the outside world
for a time and just…enjoy’
Apparently, Simon says us Brits are very good at taking pleasure in moments. Go us! We love a roaring fire, cream teas, cosy socks and warm homes. What is better than a chilled glass of vino with friends or a cup of tea and a catch up with Mum. Maybe you have been practicing British Hygge and didn’t even realise it?
‘The absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming;
taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things.’
Ways To Find your own British Hygge Moment
A few ways we can all enjoy a Hygge in England:
Stepping inside a cosy pub after a long, cold country walk
After a long day at work, coming home and creating an intimate atmosphere by lighting a candle
Enjoy a box set of Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ when snuggled on the sofa with a cuppa
Sinking into a lovely bubbly long hot bath scented with essential oils.
But it’s not all about relaxing and zoning out….
Kitchen discos – are definitely Hygge. As it gossiping on the phone with your sister. Or playing twister with your nephews. It’s moments that make your heart feel all gooey inside.
‘It’s not about having no cares. It’s about putting them aside’
How can we make our home’s hygge?
It needs to be a space that feels safe and secure. And cosy and draught free. I did this by replacing my draughty front door with a modern one with no gaps. Team that with the bespoke A+15 rated double glazing windows that I had fitted at the back of my house makes my house my home so snug.
Your home also needs ‘hyggekrog’ spots – stay with me here! This means creating a nook, a comfy place where you can feel relaxed. Expect to find me this winter months curled up on my new armchair reading Grazia, and with my fluffy slippers on.
All my friends and family know what I huge fan I am of candles – especially smelly ones. it has become my working ritual to have one burning away. My current fav is an Amber scented one from Wick in Hove.
Finally, as much as we want to hide away, we also need to make the most of daylight when it arrives. Make the most of sunny spots in your home – like your conservatory or by a set of windows – by making that a corner of your home that you use as a family during daylight hours. Maybe move your dining table into that spot? Or draw your curtains back to your windows are clutter free.
Simon’s book is published by Everest Home Improvements (expect lots of tips emphasising the importance of keeping your home secure), as well as bite-sized suggestions on how to apply this Danish concept to everyday British life.
It’s a quick read with lovely inspiring images. If you’ve been curious about the idea of hygge, and want to know a bit more about it the Everest website has some more tips. I also wrote a blog post on it here.
What I have discovered is that it is pretty simple to create an airy, hygge space to relax in simply by moving furniture around. That I need to plan a night in with friends to hang out with a box set. I need to practice yoga at home so that I can stretch out the winter chills. I need to to enjoy an uncluttered space. As well as feel warm and safe. And if I let the sunshine in, the British hygge will follow.
Doesn’t that sound the perfect way to spend winter? I’m almost looking forward to it. Have you tried British hygge – what do you think about it? What simple changes could you make to Hygge-up your home?
** This was a sponsored post with Everest. All thoughts, opinions and photos are my own.
After being in work all day, tired, and hungry. Sitting in the front room, cuppa tea, the latest autobiography and my fleecy throw to keep my toes warm! PERFECTION!
I like this concept and it fits in with my theory that your home should be your sanctuary. I am going to incorporate this concept a bit more in my home.
Oh I’m so pleased