thinking about :: 2011, the year of hygge

‘Hygge’ (pronounced heu-gah) is a Danish concept. The nearest literal translation into English is ‘coziness,’ but it’s so much more than that.

It’s a state of warmth and contentment; a sense that all is right in the world. A freedom from anything that might annoy, worry or overwhelm you. It’s time spent with close friends and family, just enjoying their company. It’s good food and good wine. It’s being indoors on a rainy night in front of a log fire in a candle lit room. It’s being surrounded by soft comfortable textures. It’s just stopping, and really enjoying the simple things in life, enjoying the now.

When we bought our first home, my husband and I had very little money to spend furnishing it. Now as we replace things one by one; I’m trying to inject a little ‘hygge’ into our home. Replacing the things we use every day with things of quality, that will last, that we’ll get pleasure from using, from being around. Things that feel nice to the touch, things that add a little warmth.

This is my philosophy for the coming year. To buy the best we can afford – fewer things, but better things; as an investment, not only for the future, but also in our day-to-day living; an investment in our happiness and our contentment in our home. And an investment in the designers who put the time and effort into designing things that are better than what’s out there already, things that are good for our souls, and good for the planet.

I write this snuggled up on my first investment; some lovely new cushions and pictured are some of the things on my wish list.

 

Further reading for the especially geeky:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Denmark (wikipedia)
• http://www.hygge-life.co.uk/docs/home.php (hygge life)
• http://decor8blog.com/2009/02/05/giveaway-wallpaper-from-hygge-west/ (out of date give-away from decor8 but lovely comments worth reading)
• http://hyggehouse.com/