This guest blog by Korah from Returning to Hygge offers six approachable ways to bring the Scandinavian concept of hygge design into your space, ranging from soft textures to sensory rituals and beyond. With a focus on warmth, intention, and slowing down, these ideas are ideal for individuals living in cold-climate regions, like Minnesota or the Midwest, who seek a cozy, thoughtful home rooted in connection, simplicity, and joy.
At Hemma Living, we help clients create spaces that reflect both comfort and beauty, no matter the season. Discover the meaning behind the Danish concept of hygge, learn how to incorporate it into your home, and where to go when you need a little extra inspiration.
At Hemma Living, we’re passionate about creating cozy, functional homes that reflect your values—especially here in Northern Minnesota, where warmth, comfort, and practicality are essential.
That’s why we’re thrilled to share this guest post from Korah at Returning to Hygge, whose approach to Scandinavian slow living offers timeless inspiration for homeowners in Duluth, MN, and beyond. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or tea by the fire or lighting a few candles to unwind after a workday, these simple practices invite you to create an environment that feels as good as it looks.
If you’re new to the word “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah), it’s a Danish concept rooted in the pursuit of coziness, embracing the season you’re in, and the meaningful connections found in everyday life.
While social media can make it seem like having a perfectly styled home with flawless lighting is a must before you can light a candle or enjoy a lavish charcuterie board by the fireplace, the truth is that hygge is far less about perfection and much more about presence. At the end of the day, it’s really about embracing the art of everyday life, especially in the messy, ordinary moments we all encounter from time to time.
That’s why we’re so excited to have Korah from Returning to Hygge as one of our guest bloggers to remind you that, at its heart, hygge is all about finding joy in the little rituals and simple comforts that make you feel right at home—no matter how many dirty dishes are waiting for you in the sink or what season of life you’re in.
Here are 6 tiny tips to embrace hygge in your home
1. Gather Around the Glow
There’s a reason humans have gathered around the fire for hundreds of years. It represents warmth, safety, and a sense of comfort. Whether it’s a crackle of a woodstove or an electric fireplace, light can soften the atmosphere, instantly shift your mood, and make everything feel, well, lighter.
Don’t have a fireplace in your home? No problem…real or faux candles, lanterns, fairy string lights, or even streaming a “campfire” video on YouTube can do the trick. Because when it comes down to it, you don’t have to live in luxury to experience the luxurious comfort of a cozy glow.
2. Bring in Seasonal Scents
While there’s nothing wrong with burning a grapefruit candle in the middle of winter, there’s something special about leaning into scents that reflect the season you’re in. Think cinnamon, clove, or pine…you know, those fragrances that instantly ground you in the moment and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
After all, it’s no wonder that scent is deeply tied to memory and emotion…just one inhale of an evergreen pine-scented candle or diffuser is enough to put you in the holiday spirit. Best of all, when you allow yourself to be more of a “seasonalist”, it has a way of making ordinary moments feel more special and you more present in the moment you’re in.
3. Add Seasonal Textures and Colors
Just as you may rotate lighter denim and linen for darker denim, wool, flannel, or cashmere in the winter, your home can also benefit from subtle color and texture shifts with the seasons. In the fall and winter, opt for cozy layers, such as flannel sheets instead of cotton, chunky knit or wool blankets in place of lighter throws, and pillows in warmer tones to complement the season.
Most importantly, you don’t need to change everything at once; simply take a look around your space and start with a few thoughtful color and texture swaps to bring in some warmth and comfort to each room.
4. Create a Cozy Drink Corner
There’s something so comforting about having a little corner dedicated to your favorite daily drink ritual. Whether it’s a cup of coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, an apple cider in the fall, or a hot cocoa in the winter months, a ready-to-go drink station in your home makes it easy to pause and savor the simple joys of life.
In Sweden, this pause is known as a “fika” (pronounced “fee-ka”). More than just a coffee break, fika is a cherished cultural ritual that invites you to slow down, share a warm drink and treat, often in the company of good friends. So, what better way to embrace this tradition than with a cozy drink corner that reminds you to embrace hygge—one sip at a time.
5. Bring Nature Elements Inside
We spend so much of our lives indoors that it can be easy to lose touch with the natural world. That’s why bringing even the smallest pieces of the outdoors inside can help restore that connection and feel more grounded.
It doesn’t have to be complicated, either…think a sprig of cedar, wildflowers, a handful of fallen acorns, or smooth stones picked up on a walk. Whatever you choose to bring inside, adding even the smallest natural elements throughout your space can encourage you to spend more time outside, pay closer attention to your surroundings, and appreciate what an incredible artist nature truly is.
6. Surround Yourself with Greenery
Plants have an incredible way of breathing life into a home. Beyond improving air quality, they create a sense of calm, help balance a space, and have a way of reminding us that growth is a constant process. But don’t worry, you don’t have to live in a terrarium if that’s not your thing; just start with one or two plants and see how it impacts you and your environment.
If you don’t have much sunlight, try low-light variety plants like snake or zz plants, or use a grow light to provide your plants with the necessary light. For those dark corners, where nothing seems to thrive, even some faux plants can add some shape, texture, and warmth to your space while brightening your mood.
Looking to bring more cozy comfort into your home this season?
If you’re ready to embrace the Scandinavian concept of hygge in addition to the six simple tips in this blog, check out Returning to Hygge, where you can find cozy gifts, weekly hygge prompts, and gentle reminders to help you enjoy the season you’re in.
Whether you’re sipping coffee on a chilly Duluth morning or lighting candles for a quiet night in, simple rituals and design that’s thoughtful, functional, and deeply personal can bring instant warmth, comfort, and hygge into your space the Hemma way. After all, that feeling of home isn’t something you chase—it’s something you choose one cozy decision at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hygge, and how do you say it?
The word “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish term that loosely translates to a state of cozy contentment or well-being. More than a feeling, it’s a lifestyle, centered around simple rituals, warm surroundings, and meaningful connections. While it originated from the Norwegian word “hugga”, it can be practiced anywhere, including right here in Northern Minnesota.
Is hygge just for winter?
Not at all. While it’s often associated with cold weather, hygge can be embraced year-round. In the winter, it might look like lighting candles and cozying up under a throw. In the summer, it could mean morning coffee on the porch and slow dinners outside. Whether you’re in Duluth, MN, or beyond, hygge invites you to savor the season you’re in.
Does Hemma Living design “hygge homes”?
We don’t label our work that way, but the principles of hygge are deeply rooted in our design approach: thoughtful lighting, layered textures, natural materials, and layouts that support meaningful daily rituals. Whether we’re designing a mudroom, kitchen, or full home interior, we aim for comfort, connection, and lived-in beauty, which are all hallmarks of the hygge lifestyle.
Do I need a big budget to embrace hygge?
Definitely not. Hygge is far more about mindset than money. Lighting a candle, warming up a corner with a cozy chair, or adding a branch from outside to your table are simple ways you can shift the atmosphere. If you’re looking for more lasting impact, a seasonal refresh or interior update can help elevate those principles into your everyday design.
Where can I learn more or get help?
Korah from Returning to Hygge shares inspiration and gentle encouragement for embracing more hygge in your life on Instagram, through her gift boxes, and her book, Returning to Hygge: One Year of Weekly Hygge Prompts. If you’re looking to create a space that elevates how you live, our team at Hemma Living can help clients (just like you) design deeply personal spaces that evoke a sense of comfort, belonging, and ease.
Design that Feels like Home
At Hemma Living, “design that feels like home” is more than a tagline; it’s a reflection of our roots, our location, and our values. From kitchens, baths, and beyond, it means creating deeply personal spaces that reflect how you live and what matters most to you.
We draw inspiration from the Scandinavian principle of hygge, which values coziness, connection, and slowing down to savor the simple joys of every day. While hygge isn’t bound by geography, we bring a uniquely Midwestern expression of it to life, shaped by Lake Superior, snowy trails, cozy saunas, and the beauty of simple daily rituals. Wherever you are, we believe you deserve a home that invites you to unwind, reflects your lifestyle, and helps you connect with what matters most.
Ready to design a space that feels like home?
Whether you’re reimagining your kitchen, bath, or simply longing for a cozier corner, we’d love to bring your vision to life! To get started, reach out to us at Hemma Living at (218) 729-2707 or contact us online today.
