Hygge

Hygge actually accomplishes what it claims—it relaxes us in a powerful, profound way.

This will surprise no one who’s read articles we’ve written in the past that have reported that:

• Being in warm, dim light, such as firelight, is very relaxing, for example, here
• Light can establish zones where group members all feel very comfortable, in such good moods that they can really, really relax and have a great time mingling with others, as discussed here.
• Sitting on cushions, as happens a lot when spaces have hygge, encourages us to act more pleasantly, less aggressively to other people (this is discussed here).
• After holding warm beverages, we have more positive opinions of other people and mingle more pleasantly, as reviewed in this article.An important aspect of the hygge experience is drinking warm beverages, tea or otherwise.
• We relax and feel comfortable when we see things that are curve-y (discussed here) and hygge encourages the use of round tables and textiles with curving, not too geometric patterns.
• Look out for more Hygge design tips in the coming issues.