By now, you might be familiar with the art of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), which hails from Denmark, home to one of the world’s most consistently happy populations. The word has no direct translation in English, but according to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and author of The Little Book of Hygge, it may have roots in the Old Norse hygga, “to comfort,” to which the English word “hug” is also related. Essentially, hygge means coziness, comfort, and a sense that one is enveloped in well-being.
While many Americans may practice hygge by embracing fluffy down blankets, roaring fires, and candles in their homes for comfort during the days with the least light — an approach Wiking calls a “survival strategy” for “the duvet of darkness” — the concept permeates all aspects of Danish culture. That means hygge has its place in the warmer months, too. Plus, if you live somewhere with warm weather year-round, you needn’t miss out on hygge’s happifying benefits. Here’s how.
Use transitional spaces.
Porches are the ultimate indoor-outdoor hygge hotspots, but patios, decks, or even a corner of a yard can be welcoming sanctuaries, so long as they’re comfy. Think about outfitting the space with a snuggly seat or a swinging hammock. Fill a beautiful pitcher (true hygge fanatics prize ceramics) with icy sun tea or water infused with your favorite fruit. Admire its sweaty, condensation-covered surface as you relax.
Bring the outdoors in.
Think fresh flowers from the garden or finds from the farmers’ market. Put your fresh tomatoes in a beautiful bowl at the center of the table.
Open the windows and let in the breeze, especially in the evenings. “Living in hot climates like Texas, where the outdoors can feel oppressive, we create indoor sanctuaries,” says Jessica Maros, principal and designer at Maros Designs in Dallas.
Keep the fires burning.
If you snuff the candle wicks in warmer months, think about creating a gathering place at the backyard firepit, says Martin Klarborg, co-owner of the Danish home-decor brand Klarborg.
He suggests keeping fires simple and small in the summer. The point is the gathering. Toast some marshmallows as the sun sets; wear an oversize hoodie if the evening turns cool.
Pare the clutter.
In hotter weather, simple, clean surfaces can feel like relief from the heat. Maros suggests decluttering routinely and keeping in view only the things you need and love best.
Engage the senses.
Hygge means meeting your senses in the moment. Summer hygge could be, as Wiking suggests, enjoying the smell of sunscreen and fresh-cut grass, or appreciating the feel of salt on your skin after a swim. Being present is key.
Touch: Think about the nice light weight of a cotton waffle-weave throw when a breeze creates a slight chill, perhaps during an afternoon downpour. That’s hygge.
This feeling extends to fashion — ideally casual and simple. An oversize button-up linen camp shirt or sundress can do the trick here. The idea is comfort and ease.
Smell: Cozy scents still have a place in hygge-like summer venues. If you love having a fragrance linger, consider burning incense. Maros suggests lighter scents, such as palo santo, cedar, or pine. “They not only create a serene atmosphere but also invite a sense of grounded warmth into your home,” she says.
In the yard, try incense sticks that incorporate insect-repelling essential oils, like citronella and geranium.
Hear: The sound of a crackling fire is the most hygge-like sound there is, notes Wiking. But any natural soundscape will do: birds singing, waves crashing on a shore, wind blowing through the leaves.
Maros adds that “design around daily rituals” can promote a feeling of ease and comfort. So if you love music, add a nook to your living room for listening to records or playing instruments.
See: In summer, create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and capture the visual feel of candlelight with strings of twinkle lights in the backyard. Cozy up with cushions, light throws, or slouchy camp chairs, and invite neighbors for popcorn and a movie projected onto the side of the garage. The community gathered around you is even more important than the items you choose.
Taste: Hygge often involves a sweet treat, Wiking says. In summer, that could be a midafternoon melty-cold ice-cream cone, a picnic basket packed with cheese and wine, or an evening barbecue smorgasbord — whatever feels like sweetness to you.
As with most things hygge, food rituals emphasize community and beauty. “Set the table outside and take some extra time doing it,” suggests Klarborg. “When your guests arrive, they can tell that you created a cozy atmosphere. When the barbecue is going and you are all enjoying yourself, the sense might not be hygge — but just wait until the evening settles.
“When everyone is sitting down around the table, the sun has set, and the sky is lit in the last remaining light and you’re all quiet, someone might say, ‘This is quite a moment, isn’t it?’ Right there, in that second and the moment before it, that sense of contentment, safety among friends, and appreciation — that is hygge.”
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Ahhh, yes. Have experienced this watching the sunset on a beach, in the mountains, in a pool or in the backyard or by the fire at home. It is a peaceful, serene feeling that feels like the definition of contentment.
Beautifully written.
Really enjoyed the summer tips for hygee
Thanks
Love this article! Thanks for the useful information and the fresh ideas.