At My Cosy Store, we are all about cosy and hygge living. When it comes to summer with rising temperatures, sunny days and heatwaves getting cosy needs a little bit of a re-think from typical winter hygge associations of chunky knits and hot chocolate.
Hygge is a quality of cosiness creating a feeling of contentment or wellbeing. Hygge is a state of mind, not a season nor an interior decoration trend.
Bring the Outdoors In
Nature is such a key element of hygge and being connected to nature is great for your wellbeing. What better way to connect to nature than to bring it indoors? If you needed an excuse for some fresh-cut flowers, here it is. A vase of fresh blooms is sure to bring a smile to your face.
During the summer, we tend to eat more fresh foods, which is why making a miniature herb garden on your window sill will help bring some fresh greenery into your home and make you feel good too.
When you are out on a day trip to the seaside during summer, pick up some beautiful driftwood or washed-up shells to add some beachy aesthetic to your home.
Expand Outdoors
The summer is a great time of year to begin a garden. You can be as creative as you like too! Start off with some small pots or planters, filling them with florals, foliage, fruit or vegetables. You can buy some pots ready planted from garden centres, but there is something satisfying planting seeds or bulbs and seeing them grow before your eyes.
Gardening is another way to connect to nature; it is also stress-busting. Time to grab your gardening gloves and get to it.
If you don’t have garden space or are lacking the inspiration to get started on your own garden, why not go to a local open garden to seek some inspiration?
Summer Cosy Spaces
While winter cosy is associated with armchairs loaded with cushions and super soft blankets next to a roaring fire.
Summer cosy will take your outdoors to your garden patio with comfy garden furniture with seat cushions, light blankets for the cooler evening and a chiminea for ambient warmth. Assess your outdoor space where you will be spending your time during long summer days.
Get creative with your outdoor space and add a hammock for the ultimate summer lounging.
Candles Aren’t Just for a Birthday or Christmas
Hygge and candlelight go hand in hand. Candlelight creates an ambience of soft light that is relaxed and relaxing. Dot some tealight candles around and perhaps a larger candle as a table centrepiece.
Candles can be used inside and outside too. Citronella candles are ideal for the outdoors as they are a natural insect repellent, perfect for bug-free alfresco dining.
An alternative to candles is garden lights, there are so many options too. Garden lights can be used to create soft lighting outdoors for relaxed evenings outdoors.
Embrace the Season
One of the best things about summer is the warm and sunny weather, embrace the summer and simply enjoy it. Take advantage of eating al fresco and spend time with friends and family outdoors. Take a moment to enjoy the fresh air.
With longer days, start the day the right way by watching the sunrise. More of a night owl? Take advantage of clearer skies to stargaze. And there is always cloud spotting as a chilled-out activity for a lazy day.
Let’s not forget in the UK, where we have heat waves, we also have thunderstorms. There is something magical about watching a thunder and lightning storm in action while safely watching from indoors.
During summertime, you may head to places like the beach, and you can take your hygge summer with you. Bury your feet in the sand, let the waves lap over your feet and be in the moment.
Summer is also a great time to take a road trip. Plan a trip and make sure to put together a playlist for the journey. Road trips are great fun you can stop where and when you please to live in the moment.
Summer Cosy Foods
Winter has soup as a cosy food; in summer, it is ice cream. Eat ice cream guilt free and just enjoy, especially while the weather is hot.
If you have been growing herbs, fruits and vegetables in your garden, be sure to add your crop to the dinner menu.
Summer time calls for barbecues, al fresco dining and picnics. These are all made better by getting your friends and family to join in too.
British soft fruits are in season, eat and enjoy all of the local fruit you can. Pick your own berries and make jams to enjoy for the rest of the year. Or use your fruits to make delicious ice cream.
Instead of warming hot chocolate, opt for iced tea or iced coffee or homemade still lemonade for a refreshing drink option.
Hygge Habits
Snuggling and cosying up with a book can be done every day. Lay out a blanket on the grass, lay back and soak up your summer read. Or make your blanket on the grass your very own island to lay back and play your favourite summer music or bring any activity you enjoy doing the outdoors treatment. Summer is a time to bring your favourite relaxing activities to your summer cosy spot and immerse yourself in some quality well-being time.
Soak Up Summer
Whatever you do this summer, live in the moment, nurture yourself and be summer cosy.
“Hygge was never meant to be translated. It was meant to be felt.” Hendy Curzon