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I often find that by mid January I am ready to be done with winter. I feel the need to seek out inspiration that will help me find the beauty in whats left of this season. Here is what I found and I hope it also inspires you to embrace the next next couple of months.
Scandinavian countries are known for being the happiest in the world, but they are also known for their long, dark winters. While lack of sunshine and low temperatures are known cause the winter blues for some of us, in countries like Norway, cold winters are welcomed and embraced. Koselig (pronounced koosh-lee) is the idea and feeling of peace and light even in the darkest, coldest months of the year, and is a part of every Norwegian’s life, like hygge in Denmark. In fact, many Norweigians say that hygge originates from old Norweigian, making them the kings of cozy. While reading about these traditions I found myself falling in love with winter all over again. So, I put together this guide to help us all effortlessly apply the seven main aspects of koselig to our homes for a much brighter, happier and warmer winter.
1. WARMTH
For most Norwegians, the most obvious way to introduce warmth into home life is literally by having a crackling fire to gather around. For many of us having an open fire is just not an option, but luckily there are easy solutions to creating a warm atmosphere.
Lighting in general is an essential element to Koselig. Light creates warmth and Norwegians love it. Opt for several table or floor lamps rather than a glaring overhead ceiling light to soften the colors and shadows in a room. This already recreates the kind of glow you would get from a real fire and brings warmth to even the most starkly decorated rooms.
Adding candles to the mix of lighting goes even further by introducing the soothing effect of an open flame. The act of watching flames dancing is said to produce feelings of calm and lower blood pressure. To create the ultimate cozy atmosphere, rather than focusing on the number of candles in a room try to use a few different sizes and shapes, strategically placed in areas where you like to relax. This will create different zones of warmth and intimacy, and results in a relaxed yet stylish aesthetic.
Colors obviously go a long way in determining the warmth of a room (think deep ochres, dusty pinks and earthy terracottas), but if you’re more into a clean white canvas or cool blues and greys don’t worry! With a few subtle accents in warming tones you can easily tip the temperature balance in your home. Even small gold or bronze touches instantly inject warmth, and will complement practically any color scheme.
2. Comfort
Norwegians put a lot of effort into creating a comfortable koselig home. For them, home should be a place where you walk through the door and all the cold and darkness seeps away and your spirits are lifted. An interior which doesn’t require lots of maintenance, and which facilitates relaxation is sure to provide comfort and cheer right through the winter months.
Many would think that to create this comfortable cozy atmosphere requires many fluffy cushions, rugs and blankets. While this can certainly help to get cozy, if you’re into a more minimal aesthetic then there are other ways to give your home a relaxed look.
In the bedroom soft, natural linen bed sheets are not only super comfortable to sleep in but also create a chic contemporary aesthetic with no ironing required! In the living room a natural woven rug immediately gives off an air of natural ease and coziness. To keep things tidy yet inviting, leather and wicker baskets are a great way to store all of your cozy accessories like extra blankets and cushions.
3. Nature
Norwegians love nature. Just look at what they have to work with. They have the sea, the fjords and mountains, no wonder it’s such an important part of life in Norway. Norwegians love to spend time skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating and hiking, especially with loved ones. It’s no surprise that they are among the happiest in the world.
It’s becoming a mainstream fact that spending time outside in nature is good for mood and health. Doctors have even started prescribing nature walks to people with high blood pressure and high stress levels. Scandinavians have known this for far longer than the rest of us. One important aspect of koselig is to go outside and spend time enjoying nature so that coming back into the warmth is that much more pleasing. They repeat this as necessary to promote those warm, relaxed feelings. Think long walks followed by the heat of a fireplace, drinking hot drinks while surrounded by friends.
While we don’t all live near a lake or a forest, small reminders of nature can help to create that koselig feeling. By adopting the Norwegian spirit of embracing the elements in wintertime, rather than running from it we usher a feeling of peace and joy into the home.
Simple color use can be a great way to be in rhythm with nature. In the winter months, deep green, blues and browns remind us of expansive forests and rivers, while subtle greys and light blues remind us of the grey sky of winter and that beautiful blueness of ice.
Organic shapes and textures are also key to creating a natural home environment. Look out for unique hand-made pieces crafted from natural materials, rather than mass-produced items with generic forms. Exposed wood and matte surfaces reflect give a grounding effect sure to make any Norwegian feel at home. Finish off your decor with a few flourishes taken directly from outdoors, such as a few evergreen branches displayed in a vase or pinecones placed in a ceramic bowl.
4. Intimacy
Norwegians love to live in the moment with friends and family. A part of koselig is spending time in the company of others and creating intimacy and trust. The intimacy that going that extra mile creates for loved ones and providing the right ambiance is koselig. Instead of turning the heat up, they light a fire, instead of turning on the light switch, they light some candles, instead of offering a packaged snack, they go into the kitchen and make some fresh baked goods!
Simple steps can be taken to make your home a cozy setting for these intimate moments. A living room with seating centered around a coffee table rather than pointed at a tv is a good start. Keep games and interesting books out on display, ready for a night of fun and good conversation.
A beautifully set table is a wonderful way to create intimacy in the company of friends. Regardless of what is on the menu, taking the extra time to create a simple yet scenic tabletop will show loved ones that they matter. Layered linens, nature-inspired centerpieces, and unique dinnerware will complete that koselig aesthetic.
5. Self Care
Self-care has been a buzz word for a while now. Norwegians knew this long ago and a part of koselig is caring for self. Taking time on those dark winter evenings to do something you enjoy, whether it’s having that manicure or getting into a good book, makes you look forward to the cold time of the year, rather than resent it.
Creating a home which encourages this can be done in the smallest of ways. Adding an extra blanket to your bed, lighting a scented candle or having an extra special coffee cup for your use only are all ways of reminding yourself to make time for those private moments of peace.
For some, getting out for some exercise is the ultimate way to self-care, and can be especially important in the winter months when people tend to stay in more. Creating a cozy atmosphere to come home to after a hard workout is the very definition of koselig!
6. Indulgence
Eating comfort foods is a Norwegian national past time. We all know baked goods are a must. But what else is koselig? Wholesome foods in the company of loved ones is one thing, but it also means indulging in sweets and comfort foods, especially those warm winter foods like soup, stews and casseroles.
We all have our own idea of comfort foods. The more important thing is the way we enjoy them and who we enjoy them with. Thinking back to the most memorable meals, we realize that food tastes better surrounded the people we love and the intimate beauty of a well-set table. To keep things laid-back but all the while special, opt for dinnerware in natural colors with organic forms, and add a few flowers or branches in a jug or bowl.
Any wintertime gathering is incomplete without a constant flow of hot beverages! Create a welcoming atmosphere of hospitality with beautiful cups for whichever drink your guests will enjoy most. After a long nature hike or a day skiing, there is nothing better than a long intimate meal with loved ones or a pre-hike brunch with waffles and hot cocoa.
7. Relaxation
This one almost goes without saying. Since all the aspects of koselig are intertwined, it makes sense that after practicing self-care and preparing a comfortable and warm home, relaxing is the final step. Norwegians try to take the holidays and winter with as little stress as possible. They do not celebrate like the rest of us, trying to do too much in too little time. They take it slow and steady, with time to actually enjoy the special moments.
So pull up your wool socks, grab your favorite mug with a delicious hot drink, light a few candles and gather around with your friends and family. It’s time to settle in for a long and relaxing winter surrounded by comfort and warmth! Mind, body and spirit will be happy you did!
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