As we reach the halfway point of 2023, many people are reflecting on the plans they set at the beginning of the year—what they have accomplished and what still needs to be done, including preparing their homes for the upcoming rainy season. Today, I would like to introduce the concept of “Hygge” to my column's fans as a guideline for enhancing our living spaces to promote well-being.

“Hygge” is a Norwegian term meaning “to live well and happily.” This philosophy of happiness first gained popularity in Denmark and has since become a global trend. In fact, the Oxford Dictionary selected the word “Hygge” as one of the top 10 words of the year in 2016. Perhaps due to the cold weather that often leaves Scandinavians without sunlight for much of the year, they have learned to find joy by embracing and understanding nature, coexisting with the things we cannot change, which led to the emergence of the “Hygge” philosophy.

“Hygge” is about the art of creating closeness and relaxation from the spirit, seeking happiness in the small things of daily life by crafting an atmosphere and aesthetic of our own. The heart of this philosophy begins with arranging our homes to be surrounded by little things that bring joy, allowing us to live life more gently. Here are some simple ways to start creating a “Hygge” atmosphere in your home:

-Create an atmosphere with warm, soft lighting from lamps or candles.

Soft lighting, such as that from candles, is a key element of Hygge. If lighting scented candles throughout your home is impractical, you can opt for lamps with a warm orange hue or use light bulbs with a color temperature between 1000 – 3000 Kelvin, which can provide a warm glow similar to candlelight. Additionally, use bulbs with a brightness of no more than 100 lux or dimmable bulbs to adjust the brightness as needed.

Importantly, have multiple light sources rather than relying solely on ceiling lights. Incorporate soft lamps in various areas, such as bedside tables, floor lamps, and scented candle spots.

-Decorate your home with Earth tones.

Choose base colors, wall colors, and decorative items in Earth tones to create a relaxing and warm atmosphere, such as grayish whites, creams, browns, and muted greens.

-Emphasize the use of natural materials like fabric and wood.

Whether it’s blankets, bed linens, curtains, or sofa covers, choose fabrics with texture for a soft and natural feel. Wooden furniture that showcases the wood grain or retains some texture is also essential, along with decorative items like woven baskets and knitted rugs.

-Incorporate potted plants into your home.

Having potted plants placed around your home certainly adds freshness and a strong connection to nature.

-It doesn’t have to be perfect; focus on liveliness.

The decorative items or furniture you choose don’t need to be minimalistic or overly neat to the point of discomfort. Instead, select items that are vibrant, even if they appear a bit cluttered or imperfect. If they bring you comfort, that’s what matters, such as slightly warped ceramic dishes or a sofa adorned with soft, cozy throws.

The concept of decorating your home in a “Hygge” style is about simplicity, closeness, and accessibility to nature. It can be applied to both houses and apartments. This rainy season, many homes may want to create small corners for relaxation, making “Hygge” a budget-friendly option for enhancing your space while fostering a sense of well-being.

See you again in August!