The prospect of hygge-friendly cozy nooks and banquettes or built-ins? Certainly requires more effort than cozying up a corner with a reading chair. Yet the beauty they bring stretches beyond just one more place to read, scroll or eat breakfast. Whether for breakfast nook seating, bedrooms, or even built-in pet dens, there exists a wealth of lovely, creative, and snug options. Beautiful Built-in Nooks and Banquettes sings with what dreams may come.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Hygge, Beautiful Nooks & Banquettes
Built-ins With HYGGE Style
One of my favorite hygge descriptions? “Socializing for introverts.” I am especially fond of this definition as someone who requires a good deal of solitude.
There’s something about a cozy nook that encourages whispery conversations, small groups, and slower everything. This was my cozy spot in our former home we transformed. The window seat was existing, but I added the cushions:
I brought the cushions (RH) with me when we moved from the home and recently repurposed them in our dining area in Arizona:
As you’ll see, sometimes a banquette can be mobile and NOT built-in. Sometimes it can even be a DIY made from FREE materials.
Our DIY Banquette
Yep. The base is a MCM style shelf with iron we picked up for free on FBMktplc.
The wood on top is solid oak salvage from our primary closet remodel at the Georgian…
and my existing 6’6″ wide bench cushion, back pillows, and accents finish it off.
The throw is from Cozy Earth, and the colors of the antique religious book are lovely, yes?
There is space between the dining table and banquette for everyday use, but it can be pulled into service as needed.
I’m still auditioning various dining chairs like these and accessories in here…more to share very soon!
Back to hygge…
In an era where information comes barreling at us a mile a minute (with a whole lotta shouting), hygge offers presence and mindfulness.
Think about a time gone by when there was not a long list of chores or appointments to rehearse. Was there a season you were less worried about what is ahead and could sink into the now.
Sinking into the now does not just happen naturally for me. Only with daily practice (contemplation, spiritual practice) can I settle into the present and let go of scattered thoughts tugging me away from it.
Hygge’s Relationship to Intimacy
Another aspect of hygge to admire is how naturally it fosters intimacy.
Consider how lighting a candle at dinnertime transforms the focus.
Aren’t we less compelled to scroll or flip through channels at a candlelit meal?
Since I often rise before the sun, I sometimes light a candle at breakfast. Opportunities for intimacy shrink if we rush, watch the clock, or multi-task.
We can all improve, and who couldn’t benefit from more intimacy with friends, with family? It won’t just happen without intention.
Hygge provides architecture for intimate moments to occur. Fireplaces, pillows, flickering candlelight, soft landings, comfort food, and a soothing atmosphere invite a slower 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.
Often beside a window, connections to nature happen within a safe shelter.
As for hygge-friendly winter food and drink? If it is healthy nutrition-dense food you’re after, it is likely not hygge-delish!
With GI and autoimmune issues, I must adapt my hygge-fantasy treats.
If your diet allows rich comforting stews, sweet desserts, and savory breads, ooh la la, what a blessing to treat yourself to winter hygge wonder.
One of the obstacles to hygge-savoring? A tendency to eat mindlessly.
For example, if you are a multi-tasker and too busy to notice delicious flavors, you’re likely missing the pleasure of hygge.
Gratitude & Hygge
Perhaps more than temporary benefits of relaxing into a hygge state of bliss is the deep sense of gratitude which arrives and settles in the spirit.
We don’t know what life will bring tomorrow. And we seldom realize when we are smack dab in the middle of the really good chapter.
Slowing down to savor and absorb pleasure is a radical act of freedom available this moment while alive on this orbiting sphere in outer space.
Plenty of hustling bustling types struggle to feel worthy or entitled to such radical counter-cultural thinking. (Time is money…right?)
Hygge moments with their intimacy and potential to slow time seem to set the right tone to experience divine presence in my experience.
No matter your faith tradition, maybe you agree there are unseen realms and subtle energies nurturing us along the way. When we quiet and open our hearts to receive blessing and help, we change.
Beyond personal transformation, hygge moments shared with others strengthens connection.
Remnants of anger and resentment may recede.
Hygge offers a warm comforting backdrop with potential to lead us back to our original innocence, to purity and heartfulness.
The Little Book of Hygge
The author of this book is the CEO of happiness research.
Sometimes the holidays are a collection of hygge moments, and sometimes they seem to deliver everything but.
These mood boards reflect a peaceful assemblage of finds to give or keep.
Peek at These Shelter Books for More Cozy Vibing
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.
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
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