Hygge, new word, old comfortable concept

Hygge, pronounced “hue-guh” is the newest hot home trend.

In fact, the word was one of the finalists in the annual Oxford English Dictionary’s 2016 word of the year event. Its roots are Danish in nature. Denmark is considered one of the happiest nations in the world and while there is no direct translation to English, the Oxford Dictionary defines Hygge as “coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well being.”

This practice has been popular in Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia for decades, while just recently becoming an emerging force within the international scene. However, more recently, a number of books and articles have been published last year, with more on the horizon for this year, to help describe and explain this latest obsession.

The New Yorker magazine described hygge as being “associated with relaxation, indulgence and gratitude” and further, “joining with a loved one in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.”  Other ways to define this new-to-us phenomenon include simple, cozy pleasures, gratefulness, focusing on a better quality of life, taking pleasure in the presence in the gentle, an appreciation of the simple things in life, soothing things, a practical way of creating sanctuary, a place to restore and revive in the middle of very real life, evoking feelings of comfort.

Winter is the season of hygge with its chunky, lit candles, roaring fires, a glass of wine, soothing cups of tea or hot chocolate, freshly baked treats and comfort foods, the softness of cashmere and covered with soft blankets or throws while enjoying the comforts of home maybe during a snowstorm. It’s a life well lived, a home comfortable and inviting and filled with your treasures, enjoying the simple tasks of food well prepared, small gatherings of friends or family, the art of creating intimacy, choosing joy.

So start celebrating the everyday things in your life, take joy in the art of homemaking, this is a trend we can embrace.  

Jan Zimmer is an interior designer from St. Clair. Contact her at janzimmerinteriors@gmail.com.