With rainy, dark days, autumn keeps people ensconced in their homes. Spending more time indoors makes all of us want to achieve hygge.
Hygge (pronounced HYOO-guh), is a Danish word without a direct English translation, but it refers to a “comfortable quality that makes one feel cozy and content.”
I keep running across this idea of hygge, and in this quiet and drizzly season, it’s the quality I want to experience in my own home.
The book “My Hygge Home: How to Make Home Your Happy Place” (by Meik Wiking, 2022), based on research from The Happiness Institute in Copenhagen, is a great introduction to this concept.
There are as many books about home decorating and interior design as there are personal styles, it seems. I love to look at decorating books and magazines, although I admit I’ve never seen any that feature dog toys scattered across the floor and dishes on the counter — features that are prominent in our house.
We have books to appeal to every style at the library — traditional to goth, and quite a lot in between. Recent additions include:
“House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style and Budget” (by Myquillyn Smith, 2024) — simple decorating rules from a NYT bestselling author.
“Beach Life: Home, Heart and the Sea” (by Lauren Liess, 2024) — more than just design, delves into the mystique of the sea and why we are drawn to it.
“Throwback Home Interiors: One of a Kind Home Design from Reclaimed and Salvaged Goods” (by Bo Shepherd, 2024) — spotlights the creativity of home salvage and sustainable designs.
“The Art of Gothic Living: Dark Decor for the Modern Macabre” (by Paul Gambino, 2024) — profiles of 15 homes that reflect Gothic subculture and the draw of the darker side of life.
“Country Living Farmhouse Style: Warm and Welcoming Rustic Homes” (by Caroline McKenzie, 2023) — classic and modern farmhouses that showcase a blend of old and new elements for cozy charm.
“Midcentury Modern Style: An Approachable Guide to Inspired Rooms” (by Karen Nepacena, 2023) — uses real-life client redesigns to define guideposts for achieving a midcentury look.
“Japanese Interiors” (by Iida Mihoko, 2022) — a look at the art and craft of residences around the country of Japan, both urban and rural.
“Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe and Life” (by Shira Gill, 2021) — a room-by-room look at paring down to essentials and maintaining your space.
Once you have your style selected and your belongings arranged, you may be ready to start a DIY project, and the library also has great books on crafts and projects from bookcases to rag rugs. Or, you may decide to just hunker down and enjoy your hygge home. Cheers!
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