The word hygge has come into prominence over the past few years, however, the practice of hygge has been around for generations. Deriving from the 16th-century Danish term "hugga", hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word used to describe the feelings and moods associated with and created by coziness.

Hygge means to enjoy the simple parts of life, like the moments on your couch when you’re reading a book, snuggled under a blanket, sipping on something warm; without even noticing, you’re experiencing hygge. In Danish, hygge is a word that embodies coziness and comfort. Therefore, designing with hygge in mind is more about creating an experience and less about throwing nice furniture together in a stylish way. To create hygge in your home, focus more on the experience and less on aesthetic appearances.
Embracing hygge is a hugely important part of being a proud Dane. According to Meik Wiking, the CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, hygge is so important to Danish culture that it’s considered a defining feature of the cultural identity. He considers it an integral part of the national DNA of the Danish. And the Danes may be onto something – Denmark is consistently deemed one of the happiest countries on earth and happiest places to live.

But how exactly does one incorporate hygge into their home design" It may seem intimidating at first, but with a few changes to your current space, you’ll be a...