There must be a secret to Scandinavia's hold on the top places in the world's happiest-country rankings! In recent years, as we have sought the inner peace that stays so warm in such a cold region, we have encountered a philosophy that offers answers: Hygge.A Danish word and Denmark's philosophy of happiness, Hygge is sometimes described as making the soul feel warm. Yet it is also closely associated with creating a welcoming living space. Within that setting are beautiful scents, calm décor, a simple interior and an atmosphere that witnesses enjoyable moments.
Rituals to Transform Your Kitchen into a Happy Space with Hygge
Hygge, the Scandinavian philosophy that grows more popular each year and has spread around the world, describes the happiness found within home life. As we seek to preserve this sense of well-being in our personal cocoon, we also ask what we can do specifically in the kitchen. Taking inspiration from Hygge in this space that stays active at every hour, we are getting ready for spring!
Hygge as a way of life
Even if we are far, far from Denmark, nothing prevents us from embracing these principles. We can take inspiration from this happy region, follow the philosophy's steps and adapt them to our own lives. Why not explore its ideas, which can enrich every part of the home, with the kitchen as our focus?
Let’s explore a few steps to bring Hygge into the kitchen:
1. The first step is to create living spaces supported by natural daylight. Artificial light should, as far as possible, provide supplementary rather than primary illumination, allowing the overall space to brighten and dim with the time of day and weather. Candlelight can help when needed too. In kitchens, use worktop lighting and local lighting for the dining area to create depth instead of relying on intense ceiling lights.
2. Be present, be present... Hygge firmly embraces this familiar phrase. Focusing on the enjoyment of the moment can be difficult, of course, but these are habits we can learn. So remember to notice your excitement when you take a wonderfully fragrant cake out of the oven.
3. Make a habit of creating small moments. If coffee is your favourite treat, for example, turn part of the worktop or a corner of the kitchen into a coffee bar and make coffee time a ritual of happiness. This small, enjoyable moment can also represent time set aside for yourself.
4. Keep shared tables and warm conversations alive by planning an enjoyable evening together or preparing and enriching a long weekend breakfast with loved ones. Afternoon tea gathered around the kitchen island, for example... It sounds lovely, doesn't it?5. As we stay present, create small moments and share them with loved ones, Hygge also advises us to remember gratitude for what we have. This idea resonates with our own culture, where gratitude is well understood as a restorative practice, don't you think?6. Harmony is particularly valuable to Hygge. Prioritising coordinated materials and colours in your kitchen décor creates a simpler, more peaceful atmosphere. As you do so, avoid becoming fixed on particular budgets or brands; instead, create a world that suits your life and is chosen purely according to your tastes. Every kitchen will then be unique.