By Sarah Sussman
With the fall and winter season upon us, it's prime time to begin incorporating more hygge into your life. Hygge (pronounced “HOO-ga”) is a Danish and Norweigan philosophy centred around coziness, comfort and togetherness. As the owner of the Stash knitting boutique and 28 Blankets décor shop in Calgary, Veronica Murphy knows more than a thing or two about getting cozy. Here are her best tips for introducing more hygge into your life. [Photo credit: Sarah Sussman]
While minimalism has become a very popular approach to living and decorating, Veronica advises that it’s not necessarily the best fit for everyone. “We live in a world where minimalism right now is very popular, and that’s a fantastic thing to aspire to if it suites you and your lifestyle. But I’m more of a maximalism person – I’m more about textures, and colours, and those sensories,” she says.
The key is to invest in thoughtful pieces and things that evoke that hygge sense of comfort. If you want to have three blankets and four throw pillows on your sofa, then put three blankets and four throw pillows on your sofa. If you want to start a collection of board games to play with your family and friends, do just that. And stop trying to talk yourself out of buying those scented candles – they’re a small subtly but they pack a huge hygge punch. In Calgary, you can pick up some comfy items at 28 Blankets, board games at The Discovery Hut and scented candles at Steeling Home.
According to Veronica, the feeling of hygge is, in many ways, the exact same feeling you get when you snuggle up inside of a cozy warm blanket. “A blanket is a pretty amazing gift to give somebody because it’s the closest thing to a hug you can give them,” she says. “Some people have practical concerns about washability, other people have concerns about the ethics behind it or if it’s a Canadian product.” The first step to finding your perfect blanket is determining what your priorities are.
If you want something practical, low-maintenance and pretty, opt for a Mexican blanket (bonus: they are machine washable and dryable). If you want something luxurious and fancy, invest in a wool MacAusland blanket (a very popular seller at 28 Blankets). Other spots to pick up comfy blankets in Calgary include Steeling Home, Urban Barn and West Elm.
When she’s not busy running 28 Blankets and Stash, Veronica (admittedly) has a habit of accumulating and adopting plants. “Both of my stores are full of plants and that’s another fascinating thing that people don’t realize evokes a sense of calmness and a sense of place,” she says. For those who don’t quite have the green thumb yet, cacti and succulents are an easy, low-maintenance greenery option. Just give them a good soaking and let them completely dry out, then do it all over again. If you’re ready for more of a challenge, a palm plant is a gorgeously striking indoor plant. Plant in Inglewood is a great spot to find some options to really spruce up your space.
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More fun things to do in Calgary this fall:
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As a business owner, Veronica sources most of her products ethically or from independent artisans. Admittedly, that instills her with a very deep sense of hygge that she hopes transfers over to her customers. “That’s a really hygge feeling in that you’re supporting a local business here in Calgary, but you’re actually also supporting a local economy where money is needed too – kind of spreading the love,” she says.
That same mentality applies in almost all day-to-day interactions. Sometimes even seemingly small gestures – like holding a door for someone or saying hello to a co-worker in the elevator – will evoke a very powerful sense of hygge. If you want to take things one step further, challenge yourself to be more conscious about your purchases. Buy from local and ethical vendors where possible.
One of the easiest, no-cost ways to bring hygge into your life is by allowing yourself to slow down and enjoy the moment. Calgary is a fast city and it’s easy to get caught up in business as usual. But take pause and allow yourself the time to relax and find the joy in your immediate surroundings. “Before I open up the store in the morning and it’s still quiet and there’s no traffic, and I just walk in. And I just take this breath of fresh air in my store and just enjoy it,” Veronica says. Whether you’re at work or at home, take a few seconds to breathe in and be present in where you are.
As the cold weather starts to set in for the season, take the time to get cozy and start incorporating more hygge into your life. Whether you’re snuggling up in a warm blanket or simply giving yourself permission to spend more leisure time with friends and family, it isn’t hard to bring more hygge into your life – just allow yourself to get cozy and get comfortable.
