Creating a Hyggekrog

Hi everyone, it’s Sally from StillMind. Hope you’re all keeping safe and well and feeling more encouraged that there is a definite light at the end of the tunnel. For this hygge chat, I thought we’d think about how to create a hyggekrog. Now this sounds like something out of an exciting fantasy novel…..but trust me, it isn’t but is just as good!

In a hygge home, there aren’t any ‘dead’ spaces. This is space where if we’re not careful, we end up using it as a dumping ground and it can get really cluttered. But in a hygge home, we avoid cluttering and instead, turn that slightly awkward space into a hyggekrog, which literally translated means ‘cosy nook’.

So how can we do this without spending any money?? Well, just think cosy. If you’ve got a comfortable chair, a snuggly blanket, a good book and a hot drink, you have got a hyggekrog no matter what.

Try not to have this cosy nook where there is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing in the house. If you can, have your comfy chair near natural light, so by a window where you can see the outside world and nature in all it’s glory. It can even be by a window where if you can’t see open fields, (if you live in a town) then it could have houseplants in the window, or a window box. Just by bringing plants into your cosy space gives a feeling of relaxation and calm.

Then add a candle, it could be on a small table by you, along with a good book, or you could put that in the window as well. Again that candle (or candles, you don’t have to stick with just one!) brings a feeling of relaxation, peace, cosiness and calm. Then add layers of blankets, cushions and soft fabrics, all adding to that sense of comfort.

Your hyggekrog doesn’t need to be grand or fancy, all you need is a corner of the room, with a few cushions, soft throws, soft lighting and you!

Even better, wear comfortable clothing. Really cultivate that feeling of comfort with your clothes as well as your throws and cushions. After all, you’ve taken the trouble to create somewhere comfortable to sit, but don’t then wear clothing that makes you feel constricted and ‘tucked in’. The Danes wear warm woolly socks, comfy jumpers, comfy leggings or joggers, and scarves….what they term as ‘top bulky’.

For the warmer months, think natural fibres. Cotton is always a good go to, as it's light and easy to wear and is clean, simple and comfortable. The major point of hygge clothing is the lack of outdoor shoes. Kick them off when you get home (obviously have a special place so they don’t clutter :) ) and this stops the dirt being walked around your home and also draws a line under the outdoor world that you have worked in, and draws you into the comfort and warmth of your home, a haven against the activity of life outside your front door.

In the next blog, I’ll be talking about how we can bring hygge into our workplace and life, so until then, take care, stay safe and peaceful wishes.