Your hygge home

Once the tree is down & Christmas is put away we often experience that “bare feeling.” 

Here’s some of my best tips for a simple New Year’s home refresh:

1. Incorporate greenery: This one is a no brainer. Introducing plants to your living spaces is an affordable way to brighten things up! Ikea always has great deals on plants and pretty pots. I also suggest treating yourself a bouquet of flowers the next time you’re grocery shopping. 😊

2. Shop your own home! One of my favorite things to do is to move things around from room to room. Just ask Aaron! I might swap out a rug or a lamp or basket with another one to give things a fresher feel. I’m betting if you’re at all like me you have items in your garage/barn or basement that you could repurpose. I have an armoire and coffee table I’m planning on refreshing with some chalk paint soon. I’ve used chalk/fat paint in the past and it’s such an easy & economical way to give forgotten furniture a facelift. I also like to rearranging my furniture from time to time if I feel really ambitious. It makes things seem new again! Browse on Pinterest and look for ideas on how you might repurpose some of the older items you have. That tall boy dresser might make a great drop spot by your front door, or an old wooden chair a quaint night stand.

3. Get cozy! I have a couple of quilts and throws and cushions I take out if I want to “cozy” things up. Have you heard of hygge? Pronounced "hoo-ga," this Danish concept encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life. How perfect! If you've ever enjoyed reading a book indoors on a rainy Sunday or a cup of hot coffee

on a snow day, you've experienced hygge. One of my favorite movies is “The Holiday” with Kate Winslett and Cameron Diaz because the English Cottage embodies the concept of hygge for me! Everything about it is so charming, cozy and welcoming. You can really change up the look of your sofa just by adding a throw and a couple of pillows. Or cozy up your bedroom by layering duvets and quilts. 

4. If you’re missing the glow of the Christmas tree, you don’t have to put all your mini lights away! I enjoy the battery operated twinkle lights most retailers sell now. You can put them anywhere you want any time of the year to add some twinkle: my favorite spot is in my dining room in my hutch where I keep wine glasses. The lights catch the glasses and shimmers so beautifully. If you’ve seen the lighted cabinets at ikea, it gives the same sort of effect. If you don’t want to invest in mini lights you can stock up on tea light candles at the dollar store and use clear jars as holders to create a pretty display. Battery operated candles are another option. 

6. Use an essential oil diffuser to literally bring in a breath of fresh air! These are readily available everywhere, I purchased mine at Ahead of Hair in Pictou. They also have them at Winners. Essential oils have really made a difference in our family’s lives & home environment since we started using them. The aromatic steam from the diffuser purifies the air and is so refreshing and inviting! My favorite scents to use at home are peppermint and citrus but you can buy everything from lavender to eucalyptus. There’s also mixtures for immune boosting, stress release, etc. They all smell wonderful and have such amazing  therapeutic properties. If you’re looking for more information, Saje Wellness is one of my favorite places to shop. If you plan a visit there, promise you’ll try the Peppermint Halo and Super Detox rollers. Absolutely fantastic!

7. Create a coffee bar on your counter. This is especially nice in winter. Arrange your coffee maker, coffee, tea bags, some colorful mugs, spoons, sugar dish and napkins in a designated area on your counter or nook where guests can easily make their own cup of coffee or tea. I have mine arranged on a tray that makes it easy to slide on the counter if I need to move it. 

Do you have any tips you’d like to share on how to make things cozy? Please leave a comment! 

TBC..🏡