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Rest is needed to reload creativity juices. Rest for the most part is an active choice that we make to detach from work. It can present itself in different forms, such as visiting a place you’ve never been, reading, cooking, enjoying the outdoors, making art, it can be anything that you truly enjoy doing. These simple activities tend to spark fires where my mind travels fast and help me to develop an idea or a solution to a design challenge I might be facing, other times it is information I store for future projects.

In the quiet of the night is when inspiration may appear, other times I realize of possible mistakes, or find myself second guessing a decision I made. I strongly believe that if it keeps you up at night you need to take a second look at your decision. Design is a process and you need to follow your heart so that the end product is a reflection of what you need and want.

A few years ago a colleague gave me a very special gift, a book about “Hygge” which is the Danish art of living cozily. Hygge focuses in well-being, by creating simple moments of happiness in everyday life. For example, relax by the fire while having a cup of tea, placing fresh flowers on the table, or dimming lights at the end of the day and turning on candles. What I love the most about the Scandinavian way of living is that they live in a clutter free home, where emptiness is embraced. For the most part, this design aesthetic includes meaningful objects that have a purpose, handmade ceramics as part of their décor and everyday utensils, along with warm textures and neutral color palettes.

Hygge focuses in well-being, by creating simple moments of happiness in everyday life.

Rest is a super power that allows you to reset, to start fresh every morning and to consider the same ideas you had on the table from a different perspective. That simple concept is essential for creativity. Making design decisions sometimes can be overwhelming, especially when remodeling or building a new home, although if you sleep on it, it is very likely that in the morning you will make the right choice and find the flow that you need for your project. I always recommend to set aside time to look at the design at different times of the day so you can process these ideas and how well they will work for you during different scenarios.

Overall, rest makes you a nicer person and helps to have a crystal clean perspective. I highly encourage to find cozy routines that not only help you relax in the space you live in but also that make you happy. Life is short, make your days count and enjoy it while doing so!

Got some time on your hands? “The Little Book of Hygge” Danish Secrets to Happy Living written by Meik Wiking is a great book that will help to find happiness with yourself at home during this hard time of isolation. Mr. Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, and in his book he not only describes Hygge beautifully, but also added recipes for comfort. Aebleskiver and mulled wine are the two I am working on this week.

7
DAY
HYGGE
CHALLENGE

Day 1:
Cook dinner with music and eat by candlelight

Day 2:
Add some greenery to your indoor space. Cut flowers, branches and create your own centerpiece.

Day 3:
Screen free time. Play board games or read a book.

Day 4:
Take on an old hobby. Bake cookies, draw, paint, knit…the options are endless!

Day 5:
Watch a movie wrapped in cozy blankets and hot beverages.

Day 6:
Savor a leisurely morning with breakfast in bed, candles and a book.

Day 7:
Head outdoors to enjoy nature.

In order for rest to become a super power, and to implement Hygge routines, you will need seating and lighting. Scandinavian designs are timeless, refined and oh so beautiful. Here’s a few of my favorites: Egg chair and Swan chair designed by Arne Jacobsen, available at Design Within Reach. Last but not least, the famous Danish lamp Le Klint available at Le Klint website. Check out all the photos and links below! Happy Hygge!

You can find the chairs at Desing Within Reach.

Swan chair | Egg chair 

And the Le Klint lamp at leklint.com