Getting Hygge With It!


Hygge, pronounced “hue-guh”, is more than a design trend. It’s a way of life.

In 2019, Hygge was everywhere. Pinterest boards were filled with images. The concept was the darling of the design world.

Far from being a passing trend, hygge appears to have staying power.

Hygge is a Danish term for cozy contentment (and the Danes are considered to be among the happiest people in the world!).


With autumn here, maybe it’s time for more cozy contentment in your life? Here are ten ways you can add hygge to your home:

  1. Play music. The soothing sound of water is a natural for hygge environments.

  2. Create a color palette that is soft and neutral. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration. You’ll see that white/cream/ivory is the predominant color palette, which is often supported by or accented with shades of grey.

  3. Add layers of softness. Soft pillows and cozy throws are common hygge elements.

  4. Think green – green plants, that is. Not only do live plants support hygge, they are proven to improve air quality and also can boost your attitude.

  5. Bring the outdoors in. Natural elements such as wood and stone are key elements of hygge style.

  6. Add candles. Whether scented or unscented, nothing is quite so effective at signaling relaxation.

  7. Incorporate natural fragrances. The hygge home might feature fig, pine, sage, orange, juniper, or clove.

  8. Create a relaxation zone. Dedicate a space in your home to recharge. Typically, this would be free from electronic devices and other distractions.

  9. Illuminate your home. Hygge homes welcome in the sunshine, and supplement nature’s light with soft accent lights. Fluorescent lights have no place in a hygge home!

  10. Reduce clutter. Mess causes stress – and that’s the antithesis of the hygge lifestyle.

At its heart, hygge is about celebrating coziness and warmth, family and friends.

What could be better?


Marti Reeder, Realtor, Managing Broker