Hygge is the biggest lifestyle and home interiors trend this winter - so what is it and how do you get it?

Perhaps the very first question we should answer is how do you say it?! Hygge is pronounced ‘hue-gah’ and is a Danish word for which there’s no direct translation into English. The word is loosely connected to the English word hug and the closest we can get to the meaning is ‘cosiness’ or ‘togetherness’ but hygge is so much more than that.

A better summary might be that hygge is a feeling or a mood of wellbeing that comes from more simplistic living and appreciating the little joys in life. The concept is said to have first developed in 18th century Denmark and continues to be an important way of life for the Danes today.

Hygge could mean sinking into a long hot bath or savouring a morning coffee and pastry. You can hygge curled up on a sofa with a good book or with friends gathered around the dinner table. Places can even be hyggeligt (hygge-like).

Considering Denmark has remained the happiest nation in the world for many years despite their long bleak winters, it’s easy to conclude that their daily practice of hygge might have something to do with the country’s contentedness.

Outside Denmark, the hygge life has been admired for a while but it’s in this second half of 2016 that the concept has really hit mainstream popularity - perhaps a reaction to our increasingly busy and digitally distracted lives.

Also, it should be said that the Danish don’t have a monopoly on hygge. Many cultures have elements that fit under the hygge umbrella - Sunday roasts cocooned in a cosy pub with a roaring fire anyone? However, the Danes seems to be the most successful at embodying and promoting such a lifestyle.

So with the hope some of this hygge happiness - and chic Danish style - can rub off on the rest of us, the booksellers shelves and bestsellers lists are brimming with hygge books right now. Recent releases include The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking (the chief executive of Copenhagen’s Happiness Research Institute), How to Hygge: The Secrets of Nordic Living by Signe Johansen and Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness by Marie Soderberg (pictured above).

Although hygge is a philosophy and lifestyle that can be followed year round, many elements are particularly perfect for the colder seasons, when we’re seeking comfort and warmth to help us get through the long, dark days.

So how can we bring more hygge to our homes - and our lives - this winter?

Add ambient lighting

The number one item on the ‘getting Hygge’ list is candles. It’s no surprise that the Danes burn more candles per head than anywhere else in Europe.

The warm, flickering of candle flame creates a lovely, cosy ambience but a small corner lamp or the twinkle of fairy lights or can also add a soothing influence and give softer light to your living space. Remember, fairy lights are not just for Christmas!!

Slow down and relax

In Denmark, the pace of life is much more relaxed than here in the UK. The Danes see really embrace downtime and have tranquil spaces in the house to unwind and escape from the stresses of everyday life.

So try to rush around less - at least some of the time - to embrace the art of relaxing as it’s very hygge! That could include a spa session in the bathroom, cosying up in bed with your favourite book or doing some calming craft from your favourite armchair.

Why not try creating your own hyggeligt nook? Get tactile and add layers of soft textures with cushions, a sheepskin or knitted throw and a fluffy hot water bottle for ultimate comfort.

Spend time with family and friends

Hygge is a very social lifestyle and is best enjoyed with your nearest and dearest. Gatherings of friends and family by the fireside drinking wine and eating wholesome food, are very hyggeligt so invite friends and family round and get cooking.

Not just reserved for staying inside, hygge can also be found in the great outdoors and joy can be found from simply donning your warmest clothes and going on a winter walk with your favourite people. Also try to fully focus on what you’re doing and be in the moment when spending time with others - multitasking is not very hygge!

All the above sounds like just the tonic to get us through the winter so we'll happily hygge!