Hygge-rize Your St. Albert Home
by Kara Murray, Partner
Alair St. Albert
Have you ever felt like a space or area was hugging you? Protecting you and creating an atmosphere of comfort, serenity and joy? Where you could relax by yourself or with family and friends and feel removed from the problems of the world? I think most of us have. Think about being in a cabin in the woods, cuddled up by a fire with a good book while it is raining or snowing outside. Or sitting on your balcony overlooking the city during a sunset. Or gently rocking your baby to sleep in the late evening. Or waking up late on a Sunday morning and eating pancakes while still in your pyjamas. You get the idea, and could probably come up with many additional examples.
This “quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable” is called Hygge. It is a Danish word, pronounced Hyoo-guh. And to me it embodies the opportunity to unwind, destress, count your blessings and just be in the moment.
I think that most people who love the autumn, love it because this season taps into that feeling of hygge. The weather cools, the leaves turn various and stunning colours and we get to pull out our cozy sweaters and drink our pumpkin spice lattes. Gardens are harvested and people preserve food for the upcoming winter months. It connects us back to nature.
When you consider that your home is your sanctuary and your safe haven, it makes sense that you would want to imbue it with a feeling of hygge all year long. This can be done by incorporating various structural elements during building or renovating but can also be done through less expensive interior design means.
If you are building a new home or renovating an existing one and are interested in creating a hygge environment there are a few things you could consider.
A Fireplace
It is pretty difficult to argue against the ambiance that a fire creates. The hypnotic way the flames move can lull one into a calm state and relieve anxiety. Studies have even shown that it can lower your cortisol levels and blood pressure. There are various options for types of fireplaces that have different pros and cons with each of them so you can find one that works best with your preferences: Wood burning, gas, electric and water vapour. Electric fireplaces have come a long way and aren’t limited to the cheaper ones that most people think of. Water vapour fireplaces are a type of electric one and uses lights and evaporating water to mimic fire. It is extremely realistic looking but cool to the touch. You can install heat lamps to provide some warmth and authenticity if you wish. Gas fireplaces tend to be the most widely installed currently but we are also seeing a rise in the wood burning fireplaces being requested and installed.
Windows or even an all-season room
The great thing about windows is that you can control how much light, heat and privacy there is through your blinds and drapery choices. Being able to enjoy the views to the outside world is a way to bring nature into your home and if you want to close it off you have that option also. The natural lighting that windows let in as well as the fresh air when you open them, has a tremendous impact on our sense of calm and contentment.
Decks, Balconies, Verandas
Don’t neglect the areas just outside of your house. Creating spaces that allow for you to enjoy the outdoors and visit with guests are just as important as the space you create inside the home. You can have ones that are private for just you and family or ones that welcome the neighbours over to visit. One of my favourite places is on our front porch so we can wave and chat to all the people who walk by, while taking in the fresh smell of our lilac bushes.
These are just suggestions because the important thing about hygge isn’t based on a certain style of home or design but rather the feelings of comfort it invokes in those who live there. What might be hygge for one person might not be hygge for another. For example, you may want any of the following depending on what brings you joy: Coffee bar, wine bar, library, hidden rooms, soaker tub, games room, theatre room, hobby rooms or a large chefs kitchen. As long as you are cultivating a space that creates your happiness, you are hygge-ing correctly.
If you aren’t planning to do any renovations to your home but would like to add hygge elements, some of the more popular ways are to incorporate blankets and pillows, various light sources like candles, table lamps or fairy lights, plants, books, pictures and photos and any other personal touches that reflect you such as your artwork or hobbies on display. I have a couple of my favourite mugs that I always use to make my morning coffee and evening tea that much more special. Hygge can be found in the simple routine things as well.
Wishing you all a very Hygge Autumn!
