Cozy isn’t just an adjective, it’s a lifestyle

Woolly socks, mugs of cocoa, crackling fires…the beloved Danish lifestyle trend of hygge has wintery associations for sure. But it doesn’t have to be cold out to get hygge with your home decor. Santa Barbara is the perfect place to embrace Hygge!
What is hygge? Pronounced “hoog-uh” (rhymes with sugar, kinda), hygge is a Danish concept about seeking joy in whatever situation you find yourself. While it doesn’t quite translate to English, a lot of people like thinking about it in terms of coziness.
How do I practice it? The philosophy of hygge is about creating stress-free atmospheres. So maybe that means placing candles around your home, adding fluffy pillows to your couch or infusing your house with a signature scent (perhaps lavender?) If there are things in your home adding stress, try decluttering by asking: “Does this bring me joy?” If it doesn’t get rid of it!
Here are four hygge ideas I like from Pure Wow:

• BUNDLE UP YOUR WOODEN FURNITURE

Rustic, natural woods are a core feature of hygge design. But to enhance the look, layer tables with coarse linens; drape seating surfaces in soft, fuzzy animal hides; and add cushions wherever and whenever possible.

• UNMAKE YOUR BEDS

To create a hygge home, beds remain mussed, nonplussed and nap time ready throughout the day. (P.S. The more layers and textures, the better.)

• ADOPT A NEUTRAL, MONOCHROME PALETTE

To enhance a space’s serenity, Scandi interiors keep it super simple when it comes to color.

• DELINEATE GATHERING AREAS WITH UNDERSIZED RUGS

While Americans tend to go for oversize rugs to make a space feel larger, hygge homes employ petite rugs to make gathering areas more intimate.
OK, now what? Hygge is something that you can continually work to create. If you’re curious about taking bigger steps into your coziest, happiest life, there are plenty of books to read on the subject (I love How to Hygge by Helena Olsen and The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell).
The Danish lifestyle trend Hygge fits perfectly in Santa Barbara. If you’re interested in trying Hygge in a new home in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities, please check out my comprehensive website then give me a call at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. Let’s all learn to seek joy!