Cozy Book Nooks, Banquettes & Built-ins

The prospect of cozy book nooks and built-ins? More complicated than cozying up a corner with a comfy reading chair or purchasing a bench and pillows. There’s architecture, construction and upholstery. But the beauty of them goes beyond a new place to read or daydream. Winters can be long and lonely. Whether it is breakfast nook seating, sleeping nooks, or even built-in pet perches, all of the snug options are lovely. Cozy Book Nooks, Banquettes & Built-ins hints at what dreams may come.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Cozy Book Nooks, Banquettes & Built-ins

What is HYGGE?

One of my favorite hygge descriptions is “socializing for introverts.” I love that as one closer to introversion on the spectrum.

I feel more fully myself when in a small group where the volume is turned down.

The emphasis hygge places on presence and mindfulness resonates.

Think about those stretches of time where you don’t have to rehearse a long list of chores or appointments, where you choose not to worry about what will happen then but rather sink into the now.

I haven’t always been able to sink into the now, and for me, it is only with daily practice (meditation or contemplative prayer) that it becomes a bit easier.

Hygge’s Relationship to Intimacy

Another aspect of hygge I admire is how it quite naturally fosters intimacy.

Just think about how merely lighting a candle at dinnertime elevates the focus.

Do you feel compelled to scroll on your phone or flip through television channels at a candlelit dinner?

Opportunities for intimacy shrink when we are rushing, watching the clock, and feeling pressures to be productive.

We can all do better, and I think we all long for more intimacy with friends and family. But it’s not going to simply happen without intention.

Hygge provides architecture for more intimate moments to occur. Fireplaces, pillows, flickering candlelight, soft landings, comfort food, and a soothing atmosphere invite us to slow the pace.

Beyond Cozy Factor & Hyggekrog

The Danes are experts at hygge, and many folks in Denmark have a “Hyggekrog,” which is essentially a cozy nook.

They are quite natural next to a window where connections to nature may be experienced within a safe shelter.

As far as hygge-friendly winter food and drink? If it’s healthy nutrition-dense food, it’s probably not hygge-ish…hahahaha.

However, because of my GI and autoimmune issues, I have learned to adapt my hygge-fantasy treats so I don’t end up in the ER.

If your diet allows rich comforting stews, sweet desserts, and savory breads, ooh la la, how wonderful to treat yourself fully to winter hygge wonder.

One of the obstacles to hygge-savoring that I have noticed is the tendency to eat mindlessly.

For example, if you are forever multi-tasking and not paying attention to the deliciousness you are consuming, you’re missing out on the pleasure of hygge.

Gratitude & Hygge

Perhaps more than any temporary benefit of relaxing into a hygge state of bliss is the benefit of allowing a deep sense of gratitude to settle.

We have no idea what our lives will bring tomorrow and the next day. And we never know when we are smack dab in the middle of the good stuff, the good life, the good chapter.

Slowing down to savor and seek pleasure mindfully is a radical act of freedom available to you this moment while you are alive on this orbiting sphere in outer space.

Hard working Americans struggle to feel worthy and entitled to such lavish thinking, and systems are firmly in place to encourage hustling. (Time is money…right?)

In my experience, hygge moments with their intimacy and potential to slow time, may set the right tone for experiencing divine presence.

No matter your faith or spiritual container, there are unseen realms and subtle energies nurturing us along the path. When we’re quiet enough to open our hearts, to receive blessing and help, we are changed and maybe freer than when our hearts are bound.

Finally, what I admire about hygge winter moments shared with others is how they lead to deeper connection.

I’m sorry, but when I am savoring bits of densely rich chocolate ganache icing in hygge heaven, I cannot seem to harbor feelings of anger or resentment!

Within families, we disagree on so many hot topics these days, struggling to find common ground. Hygge brings a warm comforting backdrop with the potential to bring us back to the purity and indisputably delicious human things.

The Little Book of Hygge

It should tell you something that the author of this book is the CEO of happiness research.

If the holidays seem to deliver less hygge moments, here’s a peaceful assemblage of gift ideas. (The gloves and seed pot thing in the lower right corner are meant to encourage cozy moments in winter dreaming of springtime gardening!)

The BillionDollar ArtGallery is a gift for art enthusiasts, and you can get a taste of PACIFIC NATURAL AT HOME right here…you’ll love cozying on down with it!

Peek at These Shelter Books for Cozy Time

Finding Home: The Houses of Pursley Dixon

Oh, this is glorious, and if you’re not familiar with the work of Pursley Dixon…

you’ll soon be swooning:

The Well-Loved House

If you are a fan of classicism and color, treat yourself to the treasure trove of THE WELL-LOVED HOUSE.

For Francophiles & Everyone Else

An American in Provence (Simon Element, 2022) by Jamie Beck engages all of the senses with its captivating commentary, authentic South of France lifestyle, and breathtaking photography.

While so many beautiful design and art books serve as pleasing companions, this one feels set apart. More of an invitation to companion with the artist.

Prepare to be DAZZLED and AWED and also GRATEFUL that an artist would share so much of her process and story unfolding in the light of the French countryside! Also, if you have yet to pick up a copy of THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE…it’s the perfect gift, and you’ll thank me.

psst. I’ll keep you posed on my window seat scheming and dreaming!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.