How to hygge: expert secrets to the coziest lifestyle trend

This season’s hottest trend doesn’t involve waiting in line for a limited-edition sugary pick-me-up. And it doesn’t require making reservations months in advance.

This season, in is in. Staying in — not going out — and embracing the simple pleasures of home and a hygge lifestyle is where it’s at.

What is hygge?

The word “hygge” originates from a Norwegian word meaning “well-being.” It revolves around experiences. It’s about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s about living in a cozy space where you can be with the people you love. It’s the feeling you get when you put on your favorite sweatshirt that’s perfectly worn in. It’s that feeling of being truly comfortable.

Hygge is a feeling of home.

Coffee table, relaxing, living room furniture, entertainment stand, cozy

Coffee table, relaxing, living room furniture, entertainment stand, cozy

“Hygge exemplifies how I want to feel in my space: not in a house, but at home. It’s where I can feel totally at home, being comfortable, free and cozy.” — Jenna Kutcher

“Hygge is the enjoyment of the simple pleasures in life — whether that’s gathering with

close friends and family to share dinner and drinks or simply snuggling up on

the couch to watch a classic movie.” — Haylee and Tyler Shelton

“To me, it’s about creating an environment that allows you to live in the moment; a peaceful place to just be, without pressures of where you have been or where you’ll go next.” — Julia Marcum

How to hygge: 9 simple steps

Achieving that authentic, lived-in vibe isn’t hard. Make your home the center of it all with these secrets from the experts.

1. Surround yourself with things (and people) you love.

Dresser, knitting, lamp, attic, living room, hygge

Photo styling credit: Jenna Kutcher

It’s that easy. Make your space a reflection of the true you — family photos, vacation memories, your favorite books or artwork that makes you smile.

Bar ware, shelving, storage, display shelf, cozy accents

Bar ware, shelving, storage, display shelf, cozy accents

“Add personal touches like pictures from a vacation, or artwork that invokes feelings of home and reminds you to be present in life.” — Jenni Radosevich

2. Keep it simple.

Neutral and muted color palettes help focus the attention on the people you’re with and the experience you’re creating. The same goes for decluttering. Keep only the basics that bring you joy and avoid the nonessentials.

Coffee table, loft apartment, cozy, blanket, couch, urban

Coffee table, loft apartment, cozy, blanket, couch, urban

“We create a positive and uplifting atmosphere by making sure our space is

clean and tidy.” — Haylee and Tyler Shelton

3. Add warmth.

Bring in warm lighting and soft textiles. Add layers with rugs and cozy blankets, and cuddle up with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.

Coffee table, relaxing, living room furniture, entertainment stand, cozy, couch

Coffee table, relaxing, living room furniture, entertainment stand, cozy, couch

Photo styling credit: Jenna Kutcher

“I live for fun throw pillows everywhere, the coziest and softest blankets,

and layers upon layers of textures.” — Jenna Kutcher

Dining room table and chairs, cozy, entertaining, green chair, metal chair, dinner party

“Dining rooms can become a sterile or cold space, but adding textiles and textures, like a woven rug under the table, a table runner or napkins, or even pillows or blankets on an extra chair, all make the space cozier and inviting.” — Jenni Radosevich

4. Bring in nature and texture.

Invoke the outdoor world in your indoor space. Bring in woodgrains and natural materials with distinct textures, like wicker, jute or linen. Add some life with greenery, like succulents or a fiddle fig.

Entryway, dresser, bench, stool, cozy

Julia adds a woven basket for her fig tree, hallway rug and upholstered stool to

her entryway. Photo credit: Julia Marcum

5. Let in light.

Living room seating, living room décor, entertainment stand, accent chair, upholstered chair

Photo credit: Leigh Fager

Natural light, whether filtered or unfiltered, keeps spirits high, especially in chillier months. Embrace that vitamin D.

6. Get a fire (or candles) goin’.

Coffee table, relaxing, living room furniture, cozy

Photo styling credit: Jenna Kutcher

If you’re not blessed with an authentic wood-burning fireplace, an electric one will do. Tight on space? Light a few candles for a comforting atmosphere and intimate ambiance.

“I love adding an aromatic element, whether that be a candle or a good dinner coming out of the oven.” — Julia Marcum

7. Turn off the tech and enjoy the calmness.

Photo styling credit: Jenna Kutcher

Embrace the peace and quiet to recharge and reconnect. Read a book or return to your childhood by grabbing a coloring book. Disconnect and be present. It’s not as scary as it sounds (we promise).

“Just enjoy the moment.” — Leigh Fager

8. Play a game, make something or take up a craft.

Coffee table, relaxing, living room furniture, cozy, board game, card game, cribbage

Photo styling credit: Jenna Kutcher

Create an experience by doing. Grab a deck of cards for a game night. Mix up some homemade cocktails. Spending some QT with No. 1? Bake a loaf of bread or batch of cookies. Take up knitting or painting. There’s just something so homey about creating.

Entertainment stand, living room furniture, board game

Entertainment stand, living room furniture, board game

Photo credit: Leigh Fager

9. Plan a party.

Dining room table and chairs, cozy, entertaining, green chair, metal chair, dinner party, wood table

Photo styling credit: Jenni Radosevich, I Spy DIY

Get together with friends or family for a game night, book club or just because. It’s the quality conversations and togetherness that create memories.

Dining room table and chairs, cozy, entertaining, green chair, metal chair, dinner party, wood table