‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice and everything nice, but winter is just around the corner. As the days grow shorter and nights turn chillier, it’s time to winterize your home—and no, we don’t just mean cleaning the gutters and draining your sprinkler system. Instead, we’re all about preparing the inside for snuggle season.
It’s been a few years since we were first introduced to the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), which evokes the feelings of coziness and contentment—think fuzzy socks and crackling fireplaces—but it is one trend that will never go out of style. Here are a few of our top tips to creating your own hygge home this winter, room by room.
There’s no better feeling than curling up on the couch with a good book or a glass of wine (or both) at the end of a long day. Make the occasion even cuddlier by adding fuzzy throw blankets to your furniture. Drape them over the backs of chairs or roll them up in baskets so there’s always a way to warm up.
Updating the accent pillows is another great way to create a welcoming space. Set aside summer patterns for deeper jewel tones or pretty plaids. And don’t forget your feet! Say goodbye to chilly toes by layering area rugs, especially over hardwood or tile floors. Faux fur is one option we can’t wait to walk upon.
Though often overlooked, the bathroom is a perfect opportunity to set the stage for a hygge home, especially if you have family or guests coming to town. As the light fades earlier during the winter season, the gentle flicker and aroma of a cinnamon or pine scented candle is sure to ignite the holiday spirit. If you’re leaving the room unattended, a LED lantern or reed diffuser on the back of the toilet will do.
Nobody likes to step out of the shower into a cold room, so keep bath time pleasant with plush towels within reach instead. Change out white or pastel towels for those in rich shades of burgundy, forest green, or deep blue for a warm, wintery feel. A fluffy bath mat underfoot will keep your toes toasty.
End your day the cozy way by swapping out cotton summer bedding and cuddling up to warm flannel sheets and a puffy duvet instead. Top it all off with a thick knit throw. Further transform the ambiance to invite a snuggly slumber by replacing any harsh overhead lighting and bedside table lamps with incandescent bulbs for a softer glow.
Reorganizing your closet for the new season helps negate digging through hangers for your favorite sweater. Move winter clothes to the front of the rack, keeping jackets within reach for easy grab-n-go. Tuck sandals up high or drop them into under-the-bed storage bins and let your boots take center stage.
Happy hygge-fying!