Jonny Jackson - The Joy of Hygge: How to Bring Everyday Pleasure and Danish Coziness into Your Life

DISCLAIMER

Neither the authors nor the publisher can be held responsible for any loss or claim arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made herein.

Copyright 2016 by Summersdale Publishers, Ltd.

Images Shutterstock.

Originally published by Summersdale Publishers, Ltd. as The Art of Hygge in 2016.

First Skyhorse Publishing edition, 2017.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Jenny Zemanek

Cover photo credit: Shutterstock

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-1811-1

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-1813-5

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Hygge

[hue ga]

What Is Hygge?

There is a reason why Denmark is one of the happiest nations on Earth, and this is in no small part due to hygge. Hygge illuminates the long, dark Scandinavian winters with candlelight and crackling hearths, and good times shared with friends and family. Its something that pervades the Danish psyche and is intrinsic to their lifestyle, all year round.

Hygge is one of those words that cant be translated into a single word or phrase, but can at once be described as a state of being and of finding joy in the simple pleasures of everyday lifefrom watching the sun rise to sharing a meal and good conversation with friends. The word is believed to have derived from a Norse word pertaining to well-being, but was adopted by the Danes in the eighteenth century and has been nurtured ever since.

Hygge is not something that you can buy off the shelf, but this book will help you make your life truly hyggelig full of hyggethrough crafting, baking, experiencing natural wonders, lingering over everyday rituals, and making the most of time spent with loved ones. Settle into your comfiest chair with a mug of something hot and delicious, and enjoy!

A RECIPE FOR HYGGE

Candlelight

Chapter One

CREATING THE HYGGE MOOD AT HOME

Your home should be a sanctuary, a place where you can unwind and feel completely rested. Make your living space a delight to the senses with fragrant, fresh flowers and soft cushions and blankets made of luxurious fabrics. Lift your spirits by bathing in natural light by day and flickering candlelight and a crackling fire at night. The following simple tips will help you create a space that gives you a warm glow inside and out.

Making the Most of Natural Light

Natural light is essential to our happiness and well-being. It increases our alertness and improves mood and productivity. It also has a big impact on our body; its how we make vitamin D, which is important for a healthy immune system and strong bones. There are numerous ways to introduce more natural light into the home; for example, swap heavy curtains for sheer panelsthese could be lace or voile. Paint your walls in white, cream, or soft gray to enhance the feeling of space, and position mirrors and furniture with glossy surfaces to reflect the light back into the room. Try some of these techniques and experience for yourself how a light, airy home creates a sense of peace and serenity.

Get Cozy with Soft Furnishings

When its cold outside, theres nothing lovelier than curling up on a sofa piled up with cushions and snuggling under a cozy blanket or quilt. Cocooned in a layer of softness, you can lose yourself in a book, watch a film, or take a nap. Dress your sofa with cushions, throws, and blankets made from merino wool, faux fur, and cashmere. These beautiful textures will bring instant warmth and luxury to any room and theyre perfect for nestling into. To up the hygge factor, put on a pair of woolly socks and your comfiest pajamas.

Introduce Nature into Your Home

Nature acts like a healing balm for our body and mind and creates a relaxing, welcoming environment. There are several ways to bring nature inside. Houseplants and fresh-cut flowers are the obvious places to start. They brighten up any space and fill the air with glorious scents. For a natural look, pick a few flowers from your garden and place them into jam jars; collect pretty pebbles, shells, and driftwood; and make table decorations out of bark, leaves, berries, and pine conesthings that you have found on a country or seaside walk. Introduce warm, organic textures to your home with natural wood flooring and furniture, hand-thrown pottery, and pebbles. Natural materials are an easy way to make your home look beautiful and connected to the outdoors.

Fresh air keeps the doctor poor.

Danish proverb

A Breath of Fresh Air

Many houseplants are amazing purifiers for indoor environments. They cleanse the air in your home by filtering out harmful toxins and pollutants. According to a NASA study, the following plants are the best air-filtering ones to buy (NASA recommends having at least one plant per 100 square feet of home or office space):

Aloe vera

Bamboo palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Banana palm (Musa basjoo)

Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Broadleaf lady palm (Rhapis excelsa)

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)

Devils ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)