Hygge - Embracing All Things Cosy.

So February is here and some of us (sadly not me) have survived a January free of alcohol and meat. To the bon viveurs amongst us who didn’t abstain from these indulgences, we should all nevertheless embrace the month of February. Let’s face it, summer and bikini season are still a long way off so the Valentine’s M&S meal deal and a cheeky bottle of fizz mustn’t be off limits just yet.

Our Scandinavian cousins and in particular the Danish are all about the art of hygge (pronounced hue-gah). To hygge is to embrace slow living, enjoy life’s simple pleasures and live in the moment.

We’re all so busy running around at 100 mph that every now and then it’s good to spend some time in the slow lane.

I have always loved the expression “An Englishman’s home is his castle” and I truly believe it. To this end here are some of my thoughts on how to bring a little hygge into your home:

Bedroom

Our bedrooms are where we go to relax and escape the stresses of the day, so they should be inviting and cosy. In an ideal world this would involve linen bed sheets, layers of soft cashmere blankets and neutral paint shades on the walls. However for those of us who don’t want to spend a months salary in Farrow & Ball or the White Company here are my very simple and cheap top tips.

Tidy up. We all have the chair that sits in the corner of the bedroom covered in discarded clothes. Either wash them, tidy them away or donate them to a Charity shop. One way or another they have to go somewhere else. Mess and hygge do not mix!
Clean your windows. It’s such a simple thing but it can make the world of difference. Sunlight is so uplifting so don’t block out that energy with dirty windows.
Make your bed. It take two minutes every morning, but making your bed really does improve the feel of the room.
Iron your sheets. Here’s the one that no one ever wants to hear! I practice what I preach but yes, it is a pain and yes it does take time, but if you want to give your bedroom that boutique hotel feel then get that ironing board out every time you change your bed linen.

Bathroom

Bathrooms don’t have to be just about our ablutions (love that word - so English and politely vague). Bathrooms can become our private sanctuary.

Apparently taking a bath is very good for our heart, muscles, joints and bones but health benefits apart they are just so indulgent. A long soak in the bath is the ultimate luxury.

However what isn’t fun is lying in the bath and seeing everything that needs cleaning around you. So I’m going to say it again, tidy up, get the Mr Muscle out and then luxuriate in a bath. Jo Malone bubble bath and a Dyptique candle are optional but trust me they’re a game changer!

Kitchen

We all know what we should and shouldn’t eat but in the depths of winter nothing beats carbohydrates - they are your friend. Nothing is more comforting than a homemade pie, a steaming plate of pasta or a delicious slice of cake.

On a Saturday afternoon, instead of spending an hour scrolling through Instagram (guilty as charged) why not bake a cake. I’m talking a simple sponge cake here not a Paul Hollywood technical challenge from Bake Off! Take the time to bake your cake and then just savour it. Brew a fresh pot of tea, use the good china and instead of hoovering up your cake standing by the kitchen worktop, create a sense of occasion.

Alternatively some jam doughnuts from Greggs will also hit the mark, but taking the time to indulge in and enjoy said doughnuts is crucial if you wish to attain the true sense of hygge.

So this February I am going to stop and savour the moment. Instead of gulping down my afternoon cup of tea I am going to pay attention to what I am doing and turn a mundane act into a simple joyful ritual.

The accompanying slice of cake and Pom Pom (our cat) purring on my lap will complete this aura of happiness! As you may have guessed Pom Pom is all about the hygge!

Tanya Taylor8 February 2020Comment