Hygge is almost inescapable these days. No matter where you turn in the online décor world—from blogs to Pinterest—there are frequent mentions of this Danish term.
For those who’ve never heard of hygge (pronounced hoo-ga), it’s a “quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”
During the winter that makes perfect sense. Pictures of chunky knits, burning candles and mugs of cocoa flood Pinterest feeds. But that’s one of many common misconceptions about hygge: it’s not just about wintertime and it’s not a passing décor trend.
Hygge is more a state of mind than anything else—meaning, you can feel it no matter the time of year. As we work our way through spring and transition to summer warmth, here’s how to achieve a new kind of cozy in your home.
Bring the Outdoors In
Nature plays a big part in the hygge experience. Use natural elements like wood, foliage and even earth tones when choosing new paint or fabrics.
We all know that summer is the ideal time for beachy afternoons. If you find any interesting pieces of driftwood, take them home to use for décor! It makes a great centerpiece and gives your home a coastal feel.
Reimagine Your Entertaining Spaces
If you already have an established entertaining area (like a patio or deck), adding some cozy charm is simple. Buy comfy pillows for chairs and keep blankets nearby for the occasional chilly evenings. Think about adding a small fire pit as well—because what’s cozier than gathering around a bonfire with a good group of friends?
Create Ambiance with Candles
The warm glow of candlelight is a mainstay in hygge ideology. Whether you use tea lights or Yankee Candle’s latest offering, candles make great centerpieces for outdoor entertaining. They also create an ambient atmosphere for quiet nights in.
Worried about your kids or pets getting ahold of a lit candle? There’s an easy fix for that. Replace regular light bulbs with vintage ones. The filaments give off an amber glow that’s a great alternative to candlelight.
Take Advantage of Warmer Temps
One of the easiest ways to experience hygge in the summer is to simply enjoy the weather. Take advantage of the nights where you can eat dinner on your patio. And since hygge is something that’s only made better with the company of loved ones, use the nice weather and longer days to plan a backyard cookout with family and friends.
Make Time to Declutter
When was the last time you walked into a cluttered room and felt an ounce of calm? Our bet’s on it not being a recent occurrence.
Decluttering will not only clear up your space, but also your mind. Your home will look neater without all the bits and bobs and it also creates a more Zen space. You don’t have to go all out and start the KonMari method (unless you want to), but a little tidying up here and there will do wonders.
Start a Garden
Like we mentioned earlier, donning your interiors with flowers is great for the simplistic beauty of hygge. Flowerbeds allow you to get creative with your choice in florals, foliage and design while planters and urns let you add natural beauty wherever you want. We personally love seeing porch steps lined with planters. Something about it just feels extra welcoming!
Gardening is also a great stress reliever, so grab your gloves and get to plantin’!
The hygge lifestyle is known for its coziness in the wintertime, but it’s easy to transition the mindset to the summer. Even though the weather’s pulled a one-eighty, there are plenty of ways to experience hygge in the summer months. It’s not just a décor trend—hygge is a way of life. We think Danish-American writer Tove Maren Stakkestad says it best:
“Hygge was never meant to be translated. It was meant to be felt.”
