How to survive a Missouri winter with the help of hygee

The design concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish word for the mood of coziness, contentment and wellness.  The people of Denmark note it goes far beyond being able to be defined by one word in the English language and is considered part of their cultural identity.

So, as yet another Missouri winter begins to set in to stay this warm and cozy lifestyle has me excited and intrigued.  Despite the long and hard winters of the Northern European region, Denmark continues to top the list of happiest countries.  Thumbing through a copy of The Little Book of Hygge, Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wikin, I noted that the word may be a derived from the word hug.  Wilkin notes hygge is more like a sense and you simply know it when you feel it.

As a Small Business Owner and Designer I get it and with Wikin’s book being a New York Times Bestseller I think there are many more American’s out there that don’t only understand it they are seeking it out to combat the noise, media and interruptions that can consume our minds and energy.

Recently someone asked me where I would go if I could pick anywhere in the world?  My answer to this question is always the same…my home.  To my wanderlust friends out there this answer may seem pretty lame but for me home is where I have created this cozy contentment, my refuge.  Sure, I love to travel but even after 5 Star Resorts and the beauty of this big vast Earth when I arrive back it’s always a blessing to walk through the door.

I feel it in the warmth and textures of my floors.  The depth and color of my walls.  As both natural and artificial light illuminates the space and help me combat the Winter blues. The soft and thoughtful use of plants, textiles and accessories to make the space alive, inviting and unique to both the dwellers and visitors. Could creating Happy Spaces for either myself or others link possibly to my own passion of hygge?

Personally, for me after a busy week sitting by the fireplace on an early Saturday morning, warm blanket over my lap, sipping good coffee and catching up on reading while the light and warmth of the sun begins to shine (and sometimes listening to the subtle snores of a husband and a Schnauzer still tucked in a warm bed) is my hygge.  The slow easy quietness and warmth overcome me with a feeling of tranquility.

Or a large dinner when the house is full of friends and family.  The aroma of our favorite dishes,  the laughter and the togetherness overpowering the space again translate into my warm hug.  I was visiting with a Mother recently about the return of her daughter from college and we both agreed no matter the age of your children there is an indescribable peacefulness of having everyone safely under one roof.

Both of these moments are very different but satisfy my soul just the same.  It’s walking into my Showroom after a Networking event, still energized by the friendship and compassion of this community and seeing and hearing the engagement of my team with clients.  Getting to know each one of our customers like friends and asking key questions looking for the components that will uniquely  help us create the perfect space for them to find sanctuary.

I would love to hear what evokes your feeling of hygge?  And if you are not feeling it within your home or office we would love to help you explore that visualization because who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by a warm hug everyday?