Winter can be a beautiful season with snowy landscapes, warm drinks, and cozy nights in, but maintaining happiness and comfort during the long Canadian winter months can be challenging. Enter “hygge,” the Danish concept of warmth, coziness, and contentment cultivated in the home. Here are some tips to create a hygge winter home while awaiting the arrival of spring and longer daylight hours.

1. Get Cozy With Soft Textures – One of the key elements of hygge is the use of soft, tactile textures to create a cozy atmosphere. You can achieve this by layering different materials and textures, such as wool blankets, fluffy pillows, and throws. When choosing textures, look for items made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, or linen. These soft and comfortable items can add warmth to your space and create a cozy atmosphere that will help you relax and feel comfortable during the winter months.

2. Light Candles for a Soothing Ambience – Candles are a simple and effective way to create a hygge atmosphere in your home. The soft, flickering light of a candle can create a calming and soothing atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a long day. Scented candles can also be a great way to add a touch of warmth and coziness to your space. Choose candles with scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or woodsy scents to evoke a sense of warmth and sweetness. Also, consider grouping them together in clusters to make your home especially inviting.

3. Add Some Greenery to Your Space – Plants are an easy way to add life and color to your home during the winter months. Not only do they add a touch of nature to your space, but they also help purify the air and boost your mood. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or pothos that can thrive in low light and cooler temperatures. They will add a touch of warmth to your space and create a calming and soothing atmosphere.

4. Use Warm Colors to Set the Mood – Warm, rich colors like deep reds, oranges, and yellows can help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home. These colors are reminiscent of a roaring fire and can help to create a warm and inviting space. If you have a neutral color palette, you can add pops of warmth and color with throw pillows or blankets. Alternatively, if you want to create a bold and dramatic look, you can paint an accent wall in a rich, warm color.

5. Create a Cozy Reading Nook – A cozy reading nook is a perfect spot to snuggle up with a good book and a cup of tea. Choose a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and add some cozy lighting to create the perfect atmosphere. Consider adding a side table or bookshelf to keep all your favorite books and magazines within reach.

6. Make Comfort Food in Your Kitchen – Winter is the perfect time to indulge in comfort food. Warm stews, soups, and casseroles are all perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home. Not only do they taste great, but the process of making them can also be a comforting and enjoyable indoor activity during the winter months. Consider trying out new recipes or revisiting old favorites to create a sense of warmth and comfort in your home.

7. Find Space to Stay Active at Home – It can be tempting to simply hibernate indoors during the winter months, but staying active is important for both your physical and mental health. Whether it’s going for a walk around the neighborhood, playing outside in the backyard with your kids, or creating a designated yoga or workout spot in your home, staying active can help you feel more energized and focused during the winter months. 

8. Make Sure Your Space Optimizes Sunlight – Natural sunlight can be a precious commodity, especially in colder climates like Montreal. Exposure to as much sunlight as possible helps to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and can improve your mood, energy levels, and overall health. Arrange your furniture in a way that maximizes natural sunlight entering your space, such as placing your seating area near a window. Additionally, consider removing any heavy drapes or curtains that block out sunlight and replacing them with light, sheer fabrics that allow for more natural light to enter your home. More accent lighting is also a great hack, as well as investing in a “sun lamp” for these darker months.

9. Prioritize Self-Care – Self-care is essential for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being during the winter months. And, there are many self- are habits you can incorporate that take place at home. For example, taking relaxing baths, stepping up your skincare routine, journaling in a cozy space, and just getting enough sleep in an inviting bedroom are all great ways to care for yourself. Prioritizing self-care can help you feel more grounded and centered, even during the darkest and coldest months of the year.

10. Incorporate Hygge into Your Daily Routine – Hygge is all about creating a comfortable and cozy atmosphere in your home, but it’s also about taking time to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Take some time each day to do things that bring you joy in your home, and make sure your space is conducive to these things. These small moments of joy can help you feel more relaxed and content during the winter months.

Incorporating hygge into your home can make it a more inviting, comfortable, and relaxing space, especially during wintertime, when we especially need it. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can make your home feel like a cozy and inviting haven that will help you stay relaxed and content, even as you wait patiently for daylight savings to arrive. So go ahead and embrace the winter season with open arms by taking these small steps to make your home feel like a hygge paradise.