‘Hygge’ (pronounced hoo-gah) is our favorite home trend this holiday season.
In 2019, Marie Kondo’s Netflix show ‘Tidying Up’ swept the nation. From coast to coast, millions of us examined each item in our homes, asking “does it spark joy?” As 2020 winds down, we’re still looking for joy in our homes. But joy has taken on a different meaning this year. We’re spending more time inside, and looking to our homes as a source of comfort and respite from the uncertainty happening around us. The desire for joy in our homes has morphed into a desire for comfort.
Enter, hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). A word of Danish origin, hygge is the feeling of coziness, contentment or well-being. It’s evoked by simple comforts, like wrapping yourself in the soft blankets of your bed on a cold day, or sinking into the cushions of your couch with a fresh cup of coffee. Isn’t that what we all want to feel in our homes? Hygge is starting to trend big-time, reaching peak popularity just in time for the holidays. So how do we achieve a sense of hygge?
We caught up with Fernish customers, Annabelle and Ryan. They were looking to achieve that warm and fuzzy feeling in their home, without breaking the bank. Turns out it was a lot easier than either of them imagined! Here’s how they did it just in time for the holidays, and how you can, too.
Create a cozy corner with throws.
Since Annabelle and Ryan already had a comfy sectional from Fernish, they decided to swap out their bright throw pillows for ones with more texture, and even a pop of red. The Marlee throw added another cozy touch to their living room.
It’s easy and inexpensive to replace your lightweight cottons with chunky, cozy fabrics this time of year. A soft throw over the arm of a chair goes a long way, and it’s super practical for those chilly nights! You can also create warmth through pops of holiday color, patterns, and texture.
Set the mood.
Lights are a small piece that can pack a big punch. Annabelle loved the Carrie lamp for its multiple glow settings, making it the ultimate sidekick to a cozy movie night with hot cocoa.
A bright space can immediately feel soft and warm with the switch of a white lampshade to a black one. Try switching off your overhead lights for the season (except in your kitchen, of course), and utilize a lamp or two for a more golden glow.
Light those candles.
There’s no denying that many of us have already swapped that Warm Apple Pie candle for the Gingerbread one. No judgement here — we understand the urge to buy more candles than you have time to burn down in one season. The soft, warm glow is perfect for relaxing in your space.
Fun fact: we recently started gifting our customers with signature Fernish candles!
Use mirrors, everywhere.
For a softer feel, Annabelle and Ryan decided to swap out an existing canvas with the gold Gerald mirror. Bonus points: when the holidays are over, it can easily be moved into their bedroom and over her vanity for added value.
We all know lighting evokes warmth, but how you reflect that light throughout your home is crucial to creating a festive, magical ambiance. Take it from Annabelle and swap a painting for a mirror, or repurpose a smaller framed mirror as a decorative tray for flickering candles.
Add some fluff beneath your feet.
In Annabelle and Ryan’s case, it was time to swap out their tiny rug with something that covered more ground. The Cielo rug really cozied up their space, and its red tones were perfect for the holidays!
Adding a rug can completely transform your space. Opt for a soft, fluffy texture this time of year, or play with interesting patterns and colors in a neutral room. Pro tip: pick one that can be repurposed in another space later on (possibly a guest room that’s been dying for a revamp).
So, take a look around your home this holiday season. Instead of asking “does it spark joy?” ask yourself “does it spark hygge?” If not, consider the small improvements you can make with throw pillows, blankets, and more. There are so many ways to bring hygge into your home, and this holiday season is the perfect time to start.
