Hygge, Hawaii-Style

The Aloha State could take some tips from Scandinavia when it comes to feeling safe and warm. In fact, the chilly northern European region’s restful tradition of hygge would work well in the Islands, particularly during the winter, when breaks from work and school, and rainy days mean more time spent at home.

Louisa Thomsen Brits, author of “The Book of Hygge,” describes the tradition as “a quality of presence and an experience of belonging and togetherness. It is a feeling of being warm, safe, comforted and sheltered.”

Brits, whose book is available at local libraries, notes that hygge is pronounced “hoo-gah” and is a Danish word that defies direct English translation. The concept has become superficially associated with self-care, but Brits explains that hygge encompasses three key themes: “interiority,” “contrast” and “atmosphere.” These themes, she says, are especially important in creating a sense of place within a home, centered around holistic well-being.

“The architecture of the shelter that we create is physical and psychological,” she says. “We need places that respond to our unique rhythms, to the movement of our bodies. … Ideally, buildings and cities would be designed with our enduring human needs in mind.”

Your Hawaii home can be a place of hygge. Simple tweaks can shift your perspective: rearranging your furniture to create a thoughtful respite next to a window, bringing some blankets and cushions onto your deck or lanai on a cool day, or refreshing your décor with art and items that are meaningful to you.

“Homemaking is a hyggelig experience in itself,” writes Brits. “Making beds, watering plants, or laying a fire all give intimate focus to our daily lives.”

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

By the fire
This North Shore home has a fire pit built by Steve Dewald of Steve’s Gardening Service. It’s an idyllic spot for hygge themes of comfort and connection, with a priceless view.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Reading up
Finding ease and leisure with books that fill your home — and your heart — with new information or a sense of wonder is a good hygge practice.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Truly gifted
The holidays are a great time for giving and receiving, and for hygge enthusiasts in Hawaii, it can be all about local comforts, such as blankets, mugs and art for the home, from Island vendors.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, subscribe to our digital edition or pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.