Jonny Jackson - The Art of Hygge: How to Bring Danish Cosiness Into Your Life

THE ART OF HYGGE

Copyright Summersdale Publishers Ltd, 2016

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No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, nor transmitted, nor translated into a machine language, without the written permission of the publishers.

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eISBN: 978-1-78372-934-0

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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.

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 life from 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 hygge through 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!

Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.

Hans Christian Andersen

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 soft cushions and blankets made of luxurious fabrics, and fragrant fresh flowers. 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 to 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 panels these could be lace or voile. Paint your walls in white, cream or soft grey to enhance the feeling of space, and position mirrors and furniture with glossy surfaces to reflect the light back in to the room. Try some of these techniques and experience for yourself how a light, airy home creates a sense of peace and serenity.

Get Cosy with Soft Furnishings

When its cold outside, theres nothing lovelier than curling up on a sofa piled up with cushions and snuggling under a cosy blanket or quilt. Cocooned in a layer of softness, you can lose yourself in a book, watch a film or have 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 pyjamas.

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 place 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 cones things 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)
• Elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)
• English ivy (Hedera helix)
• Flamingo lily (Anthurium andraeanum)
• Florists daisy (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
• Heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)
• Kimberly queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
• Lily turf (Liriope muscari)
• Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis)
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

Open Fires