The concept of Hygge peaked in 2016 but, as we move into the 2020 winter season, we are reminded that the feeling of warmth, contentment, and well- being is still ever present. Pronounced “hoo-guh,” the word is Danish in origin and translates to cozy, and winter is the most hygge time of the year. It can be used as a noun, verb, adjective, and compound noun and is present in the small things in life – but particularly it is a psychological state or feeling of warmth. Louisa Thomsen Brits, a British-Danish writer, casts hygge as a state of mindfulness: how to make essential and mundane tasks dignified, joyful, and beautiful; how to live a life connected with loved ones.
As the change and turn of the seasons evokes our traditional nesting instincts, we at DEI feel introspective – focusing on the successful projects we have built and designed this year as a team. We remember there is no specific recipe to creating a successful project. The secret ingredient is listening to the client and creating pertinent solutions for their consumers and associates. To translate hygge in the built environment is not about what is specifically in it but combining key ingredients of togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence, and comfort to invoke happiness. It is not always how things look but rather how they feel. We strive to design a facility that creates that feeling relevant to your market, customers, and needs.
Since Denmark is continually ranked as one of the world’s happiest countries, we think taking a nod at hygge and focusing on friends and families while enjoying the small things in life is essential to the winter doldrums. Take a moment this holiday season to decompress, unplug, enjoy that extra cookie, or find time for that hobby you enjoy. In other words, indulge this season for the most hygge holiday season. Happy Holidays from the DEI staff!