Embrace Hygge at Moosehead Lake

We are excited to share our inspiration for embracing hygge at Moosehead Lake. Hygge (pronounced HYOO-guh) is a Nordic concept of being cozy or comfortable with increasing a person’s contentment and well-being. For some, it is an aesthetic; for others, it is a lifestyle, but deep down, it is all about creating a wholesome environment through life’s simple pleasures.

Those of us who live a hygge lifestyle believe being cozy is good for you. Winter in our part of Maine presents the perfect opportunity to embrace coziness and comfort. We have integrated many of hygge’s principles into our inn, and they bring us warmth and contentment during these winter months.

Defining Hygge

Hygge is a core part of Danish culture and has become a buzzword. It encourages us to live simply and to focus on things that make us feel content or warm. In her book Holy Hygge, Jamie Erickson elaborates:

“Hygge favors the ordinary and familiar. It is unpretentious and imperfect. It encourages satisfaction in everydayness. This attitude of gratitude helps them ignore the urge to reach for more. Many Danes quickly admit that having too much of anything undermines its value. Extravagance begins to feel exhausting and overwhelming when it happens all the time. Simple pleasures, on the other hand, cultivate contentment.”

In other words, Hygge is the exact opposite of hustling. It embodies the feel of arranging a fresh bouquet on the table, sitting in an armchair by the fireplace, lying down with a good book, or enjoying a fresh-baked pastry. It is taking things slow, establishing a sanctuary.

collage of woman arranging flowers, cat sleeping, girls walking in snow, and person reading book by fire

Hygge Inspiration

We want to share the hygge design concepts that help us make the Lodge at Moosehead Lake an inviting and serene place. We hope these ideas help you create a similar feeling of peace in your home.

Look to Nature

Those looking to embrace hygge need look no further than the outdoors. The sights, smells, and textures of nature can invoke feelings of serenity. Try to connect with nature by adding flowers, indoor plants, or natural materials to your home decor. Fresh greenery or a bouquet of wildflowers instantly brightens up a space.

The decor in many of our rooms reflects the colors of our gardens or Moosehead Lake’s natural surroundings. We have found that incorporating natural elements such as river rock stone walls or reclaimed wood into the room decor helps to make our rooms and suites feel like home. Most of our Moosehead Lake suites and rooms overlook the mountain or lake to help the spaces harmonize with the natural surroundings.

Cozy doesn’t mean cramped. Consider the layout of a space before committing to decor to ensure the room doesn’t feel cluttered.

light breaking through snow covered firs

Winter is the Perfect Time to Start

With winter around the corner, now is the best time to start incorporating concepts of hygge into your life.

The darker, shorter days of winter have been linked to chemical changes in our brains, but certain things associated with the winter season provide people with comfort. Close your eyes and see if you can picture (or smell) these things: bonfires, fluffy blankets, snow, warm drinks, pine, and dim candles.

British poet Edith Sitwell said it best, “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, and a talk beside the fire: it is time for home.”

There is something about the winter season that makes us want to snuggle up with a warm blanket and mug of hot cocoa in front of the fireplace.

The winters at Moosehead Lake are spectacular. Many conduct thorough research on where to stay at Moosehead Lake in winter so that they don’t miss out on the views of the winter season here. There are winter adventures aplenty for those looking to get outdoors, but many of our guests come merely to enjoy the views. Enjoying the beauty beside a fireplace is peak hygge.

Candles and Lighting

Lighting is a big deal for the hygge aesthetic. We try to ensure the lighting is warm and inviting throughout the inn. From the lightbulbs in the lamps to the warmth of our crackling fireplaces, our inn has a relaxing atmosphere. We also use smells such as vanilla and cinnamon to heighten that feeling of warmth and well-being.

Pay Attention to Colors and Textiles

The textures of any pillows, blankets, and cushions are another hygge way to make a space feel inviting. The goal is always to create a feeling of comfort. Some ideas to get you started include linen, cotton, velvet, silk, and ramie. Go for fabrics that feel good–the softer, the better!

Colors should be neutral and calming, as these colors usually inspire feelings of warmth and safety. That doesn’t mean everything has to be beige. Many of the spaces in our suites and rooms incorporate calming blues, greens, and stone.

warm drink on table with dried oranges and cookies

Good Food Makes Good Memories

While it may seem this blog is about home decor, some of life’s simplest pleasures come from delicious food and warm beverages. Good food is central to the hygge lifestyle.

At the Lodge at Moosehead Lake, we love food. Food is such an integral part of the experience that a full-course breakfast is included for all overnight guests. Our chef creates fun, delicious, and beautiful food at our on-site restaurant, 368 Maine. We also offer cheese and fruit plates, picnic lunches, treats, drinks, s’mores, and cheese platters as add-on amenities.

Hygge means enjoying food together with loved ones. Strive to have family meals at the table to share the joy of delicious, homemade food together.