Hey friend - Amy here, your resident designer who’s made a career out of helping spaces feel calmer, warmer, and more alive. 🕯️🧺🌻
And since the cold, grey season we do not name yet (you know the one… starts with a “W,” rhymes with “shminter”) is creeping closer, this is your reminder that cozy isn’t just a vibe - it’s one of the best ways to prep your nervous system for what’s coming.
The Danish call it hygge (hoo-gah) - basically the art of being disgustingly cozy on purpose. So I decided to design my home like a nervous-system hug, and these four things actually worked.
🤔 (Never heard of Hygge? This official article from Denmark explains it really well. I think this cultural concept is just so fascinating!)
1 — Create something cozy
Your brain needs a little art project to chew on when the days get shorter. Scrolling feels good for five minutes; making something feels good for hours, days, or even years.
👉 I’m trying punch needling this month - basically the cozy cousin of embroidery - and I’m starting with this adorable beginner kit on Etsy.
I’m really excited to start! They’ll make great Christmas gifts if they turn out ok, and punch needling is ideal for zoning out while you watch Gilmore Girls reruns and pretend it’s still daylight outside. 💁♀️
2 — Add a cozy soundtrack & light (or fake) a fire
Warm light + cozy sound = instant mood shift.
🎧 Cozy Fall Ambience Playlist on Spotify (I love this one): spotify.com
📽️ Video of a Gorgeous Autumn Scene With a Fire & Rain: youtube.com
🔥 Video of a Fireplace for Vibes: youtube.com
It’s the fastest way to make your home feel like a coffee shop full of people who definitely have their lives together.
3 — Create a sensory corner
Pick one spot - a chair, a nook, even the corner of your couch - and layer textures until it feels like a safe little burrow.
👉 Chunky knit throws, textured rugs, a vibey lamp, layer some art behind the lamp, and always add at least one object that makes you smile. I love the thrift store for finding high-quality classic tchotchkes with character. There’s nothin’ like a thrifted brass duck or antique teapot to brighten my day.
Designers call this anchoring the eye, but honestly it’s more like anchoring your soul.
4 — Warm drink = calm body
Your vagus nerve (the one that tells your brain you’re safe) actually responds to warmth.
So yes - that mug of cocoa or coffee counts as nervous-system care. ☕
👉 Try this maple-chai latte recipe → fortheperfectbite.com
🪄 3 More Cozy-Season Tricks You’ll Love
Smart lighting timers: Have lamps click on before sunset so your body never gets that “ugh, it’s dark already” feeling. These ones are simple & work with Alexa.
Mood scent diffuser: This faux flame essential oil diffuser gives “quiet luxury” as well as max cozy factor for under $30.
Warm textures = instant serotonin: Swap your throw pillow covers to velvet, boucle, and other textural favs that feel luxurious to snuggle into.
🗳️ Quick poll - tell me…
What’s your Midwest version of “hygge”?
Also if you’ve got littles…
…and you’re in the mood for something cozy and fun with the fam, here’s a seriously cute list of 40 fall crafts and activities for all ages - I was so impressed with the unique and adorable ideas in here - click to see! 🍁
40 Fall Crafts & Activities To Do With Kids:
👉 Read more about me here
P.S. If you hygge-fy your house this week, tag @clevelandish_oh on Instagram or TikTok - I might feature a few “Ohio Hygge” corners next week. Let’s prove that we can do cozy just as well as the Danes… but with better snacks. 🥪
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