It’s a thing: How to create a hygge home atmosphere in summer
Hygge took over as the biggest lifestyle trend for winter, but there are ways to adapt the trend to the summer months.
While hot chocolate and fluffy socks are part and parcel of winter hygge, there are plenty of ways the distinctly Danish feeling of cosiness and contentment can be applied in the summer months.
Garden parties
While cosy nights in with hot chocolate and vanilla candles is the quickest route to winter hygge, when the weather is good Netflix usually isn't the first thing on the agenda.
Getting your friends or family together for a perfectly prepped garden party is the quickest route to summertime hygge happiness.
String up some bunting (and fairy lights when dusk falls), scatter your outdoor furniture with throws, cushions and tablecloths, and swap hot wine and s'mores for a crisp wine spritzer, Aperol Spritz or G&T with a strawberry salad and you're ready to go.
Gardening
Hygge is simply the Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures.
Keeping your garden, balcony herb garden or window box looking beautiful is the perfect way to embody the ritual of creating something simple and charming, and is an excellent way to indulge in summer hygge.
Plus, the garden will be looking lovely for the garden parties.
Fresh hygge decor
Winter decor with a hygge vibe involves thick knitted blankets, fluffy furnishings and plenty of creams and muted tones.
Adapting the look for summer involves making a few small changes to brighten up the home.
Swap your indoor fairy lights for copper string lights, trade your fur covered pillows for bright Nordic-print cushion covers, hang some plant-filled terrariums, and incorporate green and pale yellow tones into your summer-styled rooms.
In-house foliage
Speaking of interior decor, live plants and fresh cut flowers are an ideal way to brighten up the inside of your home, and admiring the beauty of nature is definitely very hygge.
Fill a vase with seasonal flowers, as well as lots of green foliage to create the ideal summer bouquet for your coffee table.
Lavender and leaf arrangements smell divine and keep very well if you don't want to invest in a bouquet that will wilt before the week is out (and you can throw a sprig in your gin with some juniper berries for a refreshing but aromatic cocktail).
Summer siestas
Napping is definitely one of life's simple pleasures, so taking a weekend nap is the perfect way to practice self care while catching up on your zZzZzs.
And if you can mange it in a hammock in the back garden?
Then all the better.
Star gazing
It's rare in Ireland that we get a mild enough night to sit out and star gaze, but the activity definitely reflects the core value of hygge.
While the weather is balmy, set up the deck chairs or bring your winter throw out and lay it on the grass and count the stars.
Feature image: Instagram / westelm
