January 24, 2024 • 31 mins
As I sit nestled within the walls of my 1930s apartment, the story of how these snug spaces became to be feels much more personal. Through our intimate chat, we trace the snug room's lineage from medieval Britain to the American heartland, revealing how these cozy nooks provide a sanctuary from the world's clamor. Our conversation unwraps the reasons behind their resurgence in popularity, spotlighting wellness and the yearning for a digital detox. It's not just about the throw pillows and the soft lighting; it's about creating a habitat that cradles our well-being.
Stepping into this episode, I invite you to wrap yourself in the warmth of snug rooms and the Danish concept of "hygge" as we contrast their unique contributions to our lives. With no special guests but the cherished corners of our homes, I share tips to curate your tranquil refuge – from personalizing decor to introducing elements of nature. This isn't about a fleeting trend; it's about fostering a space that evolves with you, a snug harbor that beckons you to savor life's simplest pleasures. Let's celebrate the joy of crafting a snug room that truly reflects you and your journey to a happier, calmer existence.
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Wall Street Journal article: Why Americans Want a ‘Snug,’ a Special Room That’s an ‘Instant Magic Pill’ of Comfort
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
The Wall Street Journal article begins with a
great quote from LeonArdentavinci from 500 years ago
and it says Small rooms set themind on the right path, large
ones cause it to go astray.
What a powerful quote to beginthis article with.
I actually love that quote somuch I put it in my journal.
It's a keeper for me.
(00:22):
But I want to set the stagewith some history here, and I
did a little research because Iwanted to know where the snug
room came from.
And the concept of a snug roomin Britain has a rich history
rooted in traditional interiordesign practices.
The term snug originallyreferred to a small, private and
(00:42):
comfortable space within a home, often designed for relaxation
and socialization.
Now, while the exact origins ofsnug rooms are challenging to
pinpoint, their presence can betracked back several centuries.
That's a long time.
In medieval times, snug spaceswere incorporated into larger
(01:03):
manor houses and castles.
These smaller rooms provided amore intimate setting compared
to the grand halls, serving asretreats for reading,
conversation and enjoying aquiet moment away from the
bustling activities of thehousehold.
Or I don't know.
The castle castle hold, I don'tknow.
Household just seems a littlelimiting for a castle.
(01:24):
Anyway, let's see During wherewere we Victorian era?
Yeah, the Victorian era.
In the 19th century, the idea ofa snug room evolved, becoming
more prominent in the middleclass homes, so not in castles
anymore.
Victorian snugs werecharacterized by warm and rich
furnishings, plush upholsteryand a focus on creating a cozy
(01:48):
atmosphere.
These rooms often featuredelements like intricate woodwork
, patterned wallpaper and ornatefireplaces, all contributing to
a sense of comfort and hominess.
In the early mid-20th century,the role of a snug room
continued to adapt With the riseof suburban living.
(02:09):
The snug became a space wherefamilies gathered for informal
activities.
It was not uncommon to findsnug rooms furnished with
comfortable sofas, soft lightingand family-friendly decor.
As you can see, the conceptpersisted throughout the decades
, adapting to changing interiordesign trends.
(02:30):
Today's snug rooms often drawinspiration from traditional and
modern design elements,incorporating personalized
touches to cater to individualpreferences for relaxation and
well-being.
In essence, the history of asnug room in Britain reflects a
timeless appreciation forcreating intimate, comfortable
(02:52):
spaces within the home, placeswhere people can unwind, connect
and find solace in their busylives.
According to one interiordesigner in the Wall Street
Journal article, he said it wasthe cocoon of the home.
To me that means a warm,inviting and safe space.
(03:13):
So my question to you is do youhave a snug in your home?
I like to consider my wholeapartment.
I live in an old 1930sapartment which I absolutely
adore.
It is small, but I consider mywhole apartment to be a snug
(03:34):
room.
Like I said, it's small so Ican't accumulate a lot.
I also believe that a homeshould reflect the people living
there.
So therefore, I believe ahealthy, good design takes a
lifetime.
Your home is constantlyreflecting back to you, so make
sure you give your home, yourenvironment, purpose and meaning
(03:54):
.
In FYI, I'm currently working onsome content around this topic
and if you're interested, sostay connected.
I should get it out in the nextcouple of months.
I'm excited about it.
It's exciting to think about.
I do, like I said in thebeginning, I really do believe
that our environments are acrucial part of our health and
(04:16):
well-being, so we need to bemindful and thoughtful about
what we surround ourselves with.
So I always like Maria Kondo Ican't remember her name, but she
tells you to pick up an objectand ask yourself if it sparks
joy in yourself and I really dolove that, because this is what
(04:37):
you look out every single dayand it is always reflecting back
to you, so make sure you likethe reflection.
Okay, so let's move on and thefirst question that I want to
dive into.
The first question that comes tomind is why are snug rooms
becoming so popular today inAmerica?
(04:57):
Now, we know that this is acommon design element in Britain
, but why now?
Why is the Wall Street Journalpublishing an article on snug
rooms in America today?
And I believe that in a worldthat is constantly on the move,
people are seeking solace andcomfort within the confines of
their home.
You know, the Wall StreetJournal article suggests these
(05:20):
snug rooms act as an instantmagic pill of comfort.
What does that tell you?
In our fast-paced lives, havinga dedicated space that exudes
coziness can profoundly impactour mental and emotional
well-being, and I think thetrend of snug rooms in America
can be attributed to varioussocietal and lifestyle factors
(05:43):
that have gained prominence inthe recent years.
So here are some reasons Ithink snug rooms are becoming
trendy in America.
That's.
This is not what the articlesaid.
The article was just a catalystfor all of my thoughts.
So these are mine.
These are not.
I believe her name was Lexi,lexi mainland.
(06:03):
These are my thoughts, so Ibelieve the number one reason is
wellness and self-care focus.
We have shifted to a wellnessand self-care focus.
Mental health and self-care arepriorities today, and snug
rooms provide people with thatdedicated space to unwind, relax
and take a break from thestresses of daily life.
(06:24):
This emphasis on well-being hasled people to seek environments
that contribute to comfort andtranquility.
I think another reason that snugrooms are trending in America
today is it has to do with awork-life balance.
Many people spend more time athome with the rise of remote
work and flexible schedules, andthe need for balance between
(06:48):
work and personal life has ledto a desire for spaces within a
home that fosters relaxation andrejuvenation.
So snug rooms offer a retreatfrom the demands of work and
technology.
I think another one is toescape from digital overload.
I think that more and more ofus are becoming mindful and
(07:10):
aware of the impact of thisdigital overload.
The constant presence ofdigital devices and screens in
modern life has created a desirefor analog, screen-free spaces,
and snug rooms oftenincorporate elements like books,
cozy furnishings and ambientlighting, providing a break from
(07:32):
the digital overload that manypeople experience Now.
This one I thought about, butI'm not sure.
Candice Rogers, my podcast hostof the Health and Wellness
Podcast will be on soon.
I'm actually interviewing herin two weeks about well-designed
(07:52):
, so I'd love to ask her aboutthis.
But I think that people want toindividualize a living space
more.
I think the trend towardspersonalization and
individualization of livingspaces has contributed to the
popularity of snug rooms,because people are looking to
(08:12):
express their unique styles andpreferences in their homes, and
snug rooms provide anopportunity for personalized
interior design.
Now, with that said, I feel likeI have mixed feelings about
that.
I'm gonna kind of talk out loud, or think out loud, I guess, is
(08:34):
what I should say.
Sometimes I feel like, you know, we look at social media, we
look at Pinterest Pinterest isreally big for interior design
and we get all of these designideas and all of these design
concepts and then we implementthem into our space, but what
(08:55):
they're lacking is they mightrepresent us in some way, but
what they're really lacking isthis personalization of interior
design.
So there's nothing personalized, even though it might touch the
surface of their personality.
Like I have a you know very,not me but like maybe somebody
has a very modern you know tasteand so all their furniture is
(09:19):
modern.
Well, yes, that isrepresentative and reflects who
they are, but there's nothingpersonal about it, there's
nothing that has to do withtheir life.
You know, maybe there's apicture of their family up,
which is great and that'simportant.
But I guess what I'm trying tokind of talk out here is that I
(09:41):
think there is this lack ofindividualization for living
spaces right, that we are tryingto replicate to a T this
perfection that we see on socialmedia or in the magazines, and
there is this lack of connectionbecause it's not personalized
(10:02):
not personalized to you.
So I think that's what I meanby that, but I would love to
talk to Candace.
So hopefully I made sensesaying all of that and I have it
on my notes to ask Candaceabout this one and see what she
thinks.
Another reason that I think thatsnug rooms are trending in
America is that the pandemicdriven lifestyle changes that
(10:25):
we've had you know, covid hasreshaped lifestyle patterns,
promoting many to reevaluatetheir home environments.
With this increased time spentat home, I think that
individuals are investing increating spaces that contribute
to a sense of comfort andsecurity, and snug rooms fit
(10:46):
well into this shift.
And one of the last, butdefinitely not the least, reason
why I think snug rooms aretrending in America.
I have talked about this before.
It is a common theme throughoutmy podcast.
I kind of pop it in there everyonce in a while.
(11:07):
I think I just did for theholidays, because it's the
perfect time to talk about Huga,and I think that Huga has
influenced the trend of snugrooms in America.
And for those of you who don'tknow, huga is the Danish concept
which emphasizes creating cozyand comfortable atmospheres.
(11:30):
It's gained popularityworldwide and snug rooms align
with the principles of Huga, andthe trend may reflect a global
appreciation for creating warmand inviting spaces.
There is a difference betweenthe two and I will talk about
that later in this episode.
It will actually be how I wrapeverything up, so, but first I
(11:54):
want to summarize what we'vejust been talking about.
And the trend of snug rooms inAmerica is a response to the
evolving priorities andlifestyle choices of individuals
, with a focus on wellbeing,comfort and the desire for
personalized and inviting spaces.
So that is that piece of ourdiscussion, and now I want to
(12:17):
talk about the health benefitsof snug rooms.
So how does this concept enhanceour wellbeing?
Well, number one stressreduction.
Creating a cozy, comfortableenvironment in a snug room can
help reduce stress levels, andthe calming atmosphere promotes
relaxation and a sense ofsecurity.
A snug room can also improvesleep quality.
(12:40):
So let's just say you have asnug bedroom with comfortable
furnishing and a soothingambience.
This can contribute to bettersleep quality, and we all know a
restful sleep environment iscrucial for overall health.
Another one is a snug room canenhance mental wellbeing.
Having a designated snug spacewhere you can unwind and escape
(13:04):
from the daily stressors canpositively impact mental
wellbeing.
It provides a retreat forrelaxation and self-care.
And the last one I will mentionhere is it promotes mindfulness
, and I love mindfulness.
You guys all know that a snugroom can serve as a space for
(13:26):
mindfulness activities, such asmeditation or quiet reflection.
You can also journal in a snugroom, and this promotes mental
clarity and a sense of presence,and I keep saying this and I
didn't list this here when I waswriting and generating the
content, but I have mentioned itseveral times and it is a sense
(13:48):
of safety, comfort and safety,and sometimes I think we need
that space of safety where wecan actually relax and let go.
So that would be another onethat I would add here.
So well, with all of that said,can you imagine having a snug
room, a space where you canescape from the chaos, unwind
(14:10):
and recharge?
And I just wanna remind youhere, it's not just about having
comfortable chairs and softblankets, it is about creating
an environment that nurturesyour soul.
This intentional focus oncreating comfort can reduce
stress, improve mood and enhanceoverall happiness.
So are you ready to create asnug room?
(14:31):
That is my question.
But before I give you some tipson how to do that, let's draw a
parallel to the Danish conceptof huge.
So huge is about creating awarm and inviting atmosphere,
embracing simplicity and findingjoy in the little things.
It's about cultivating a senseof comfort and contentment.
(14:53):
Interestingly, the concept ofsnug rooms aligns quite well
with the essence of huge.
Both emphasize the importanceof creating spaces that promote
relaxation and connection.
So while a snug room and theDanish design concept of huge
share similarities in creatingcozy and comfortable spaces,
(15:14):
there are some distinctionsbetween the two, and I wanna
share those with you.
There might be a little bit ofoverlap here, but let's just
roll with it.
So I think the number onedistinction between the two is a
cultural origin.
So a snug room the term snugroom is more broadly used in
English to describe acomfortable and cozy space.
(15:34):
Huge is a Danish concept thatencompasses the feeling of
comfort, coziness andcontentment, so it goes beyond
the physical space to includethe overall sense of well-being.
So that's, I think one of thebig differences is that one is
used to describe a space,whereas huge its cultural origin
(15:55):
is about this.
It's much broader.
It's about this overall senseof well-being and not just about
the physical space.
Another one is the philosophy.
So the snug room philosophyprimarily focuses on the, again,
the physical attributes of thespace, such as comfortable
furnishings and a cozyatmosphere.
Huge encompasses, again, abroader philosophy of enjoying
(16:18):
life's simple pleasures, sofostering a connection with
others and creating a sense ofwarmth and connection.
So they talk a lot aboutconnections, a lot about buyers,
a lot about the simplepleasures of just being with
somebody or even being withyourself.
They're very similar.
Another distinction is thesocial aspect.
(16:39):
So snug rooms can be a personalor private space for relaxation
.
Huge emphasizes social aspectsof encouraging shared
experiences with friends andfamily, and it often involves
creating a warm and invitingatmosphere for communal
activities.
I think the concept of Huga inthe West has become more like a
(17:03):
snug room because they talk alot about, you know, kind of
this retreat away from the world, whereas historically in the
Danish concept it was foundedbecause they have such long
winters, long dark winters, andit's cold, and so community and
(17:24):
connection was super importantto them.
So Huga was more focused onthis aspect, the social aspect.
But again, I think it gotwesternized in the States and
became kind of a retreat.
And the last thing I'm going tomention here is timeless versus
trend Snug room, in terms moregeneric and maybe used to
(17:47):
describe any comfortable space,it doesn't necessarily carry a
specific cultural orphilosophical connotation.
Huga, on the other hand,reflects a specific Danish
cultural approach to living andit has gained popularity as a
lifestyle trend beyond Denmark,and I think those are some of
(18:09):
the biggest differences.
So there you have it A snugroom and the concept of Huga
both center around creating cozyand inviting spaces, but Huga
is a broader cultural conceptthat extends beyond the physical
environment to encompass alifestyle of comfort, connection
and well-being.
So historically they aredifferent, but to me from a
(18:33):
wellness perspective they're thesame.
Now for some practical tips andsuggestions.
So remember, creating a snugroom involves thoughtful
consideration of design elementsthat contribute to comfort,
relaxation and a cozy atmosphere.
Here are some tips for craftingyour own snug haven.
So, number one comfortableseating.
(18:54):
Invest in plush and comfortableseating options, such as a cozy
sofa, oversized chair or acollection of soft cushions and
pillows, and choose fabrics thatare inviting and soothing to
the touch.
You know I love my sofa.
I've had my sofa forever.
I really really need a new one.
I got it at Creighton Barreldwhen I was married and I didn't
(19:16):
really like the color, but it'san L shaped sofa and it is just
like a huge cloud and it'sprobably one of my favorite
things right now in my life andI just don't want to get rid of
it.
But I really need to because Ireally need a new sofa.
One day, one day, one day, Iwill, I will get the nerve to
get a new one, okay.
Number two you want to make sureyou have soft texture, so
integrate soft texturesthroughout the room.
(19:36):
So consider using warm blankets, fuzzy throws and soft rugs.
These textures will add atactile element that enhances
the overall coziness.
Another tip is to use warmlighting, so opt for warm
ambient lighting to create asoothing atmosphere.
Use table lamps, floor lamps orstring lights with soft, soft,
(20:01):
warm cues.
You want to avoid harsh brightlights that can disrupt the the
coziness ambience, so definitelystay away from the white lights
.
Tip number four is naturalelements.
You want to bring in naturalelements to add warmth and
connection to the outdoors.
So incorporating plants, woodenfurniture or natural fibers and
(20:22):
decor items so this cancontribute to a sense of
tranquility.
I promise I have a ton ofplants in my house.
Tip number five is personalizeddecor.
We talked a little bit aboutthis earlier.
So infuse the room withelements that reflect your
personal style, not justsomething that you see on
Instagram or on Pinterest.
(20:43):
I don't really know how toarticulate this yet, because you
probably are saying, well, if Ilike that, that's my personal
style.
Well, yes, it is, but I thinkyou have.
That's just scratching thesurface and maybe that's a good
way to say it.
You're just scratching thesurface when you design
something perfect out of, youknow, out of a magazine or off
(21:03):
Pinterest.
So you need to do some selfdiscovery and find out your
personal style and preferences,and you want to display
cherished items, so artwork orphotographs that invoke positive
memories and emotions.
Remember, does it spark joy?
Your space reflects back to you.
So give it meaning and give itpurpose.
(21:24):
Tip number six cozy color.
So choose a color palette thatpromotes relaxation.
So soft neutrals, warm earthtones and muted shades can
create a calming and invitingatmosphere.
And consider incorporating popsof color for accents and visual
interest.
So if you have a very neutralspace, maybe you put a pop of
(21:46):
red in it, but you wouldn't wantto do a space, a whole space.
Well, unless it's your personalpreference and brings you peace
, of a primary yellow.
One thing I've read aboutprimary yellow, the psychology
of color.
And if you want your houseguests to stay limited day, then
(22:07):
you paint the room yellowbecause yellow is very agitating
.
So unless that color for somereason brings you peace, then I
would stay away from like aprimary yellow and do more
neutral, neutral, warm tones andnot stark white.
But you could always do a popif you needed that.
The seventh tip I have for youis a reading nook or corner.
(22:29):
So if you have the space inyour home, create a dedicated
reading nook with a comfortablechair or small corner with a
bookshelf.
This encourages moments ofquiet, contemplation and
relaxation.
This is especially great if youlove to read or love to journal
.
Another tip candles or incense.
(22:53):
Now, this is really big in theDanish concept of huge.
However, they use a lot ofcandles, but mainly for the
ambience of the candles, not somuch for the aromatherapy.
So here I am referring to boththe ambience of a candle as well
as the the senses.
(23:14):
So you want to engage all ofyour senses.
So adding a touch ofaromatherapy with scented
candles or incense could begreat, but you want to make sure
you select fragrances that arecalming, such as lavender or
chamomile, to enhance overallsensory experience.
Another tip is make it atechnology free zone, because we
(23:37):
want that break from technologyand the digital overload that
we get all the time.
So consider making your snugroom a technology free zone.
So limit the presence ofelectronic devices to encourage
that mindfulness and relaxation,and this can be a space for
quiet reflection and escape fromthe digital distractions that
(23:59):
we have every day.
Now I've got a few more tips foryou.
Tip number 10, layer decor.
Layering is key to creating asnug and inviting space.
You want the layers, thetextures, so combine different
textures, patterns, materialsand your decor items.
Layering adds depth and visualinterest to a room, and the next
(24:22):
one I'm going to mention hereis the addition of soft music or
sounds.
You want to incorporate softbackground music or nature
sounds to create a tranquilambience.
So consider using a smallspeaker or sound system to
enhance the auditory experience.
I have Apple, the Apple pod,and many days I just say, hey,
(24:50):
siri, play chill music.
And it's probably going to playright now, so it's fantastic.
Okay, the last tip I'm going togive you here is to include a
fireplace.
A fire place, or you can usecandles, but you want to do this
to add a sense of warmth andcoziness, and the flickering
(25:14):
flames create a comforting focalpoint in the room.
Okay, let's sum all of this up.
So, first, you want to considerthe elements that make you feel
most at ease.
So we're all different, so youhave to do a little
self-discovery.
Maybe you already know, if not,you'll have to do some
self-discovery to personalizeyour snug room to reflect your
sense of comfort, not someoneelse.
(25:35):
Whether it's soft lighting,plush pillows, soothing colors,
candles, incense, whatever aromayou choose, whatever that is,
it should reflect you.
Second, incorporate nature intoyour space.
Plants or natural materials canbe added for a touch of
serenity, I promise.
(25:56):
And finally, embrace the joy ofsimplicity.
Sometimes it's theuncomplicated moments that bring
the most happiness.
The key to a snug room ispersonalization and creating a
space that brings you joy andcomfort.
Experiment with these tips andtailor them to your preferences
(26:17):
to craft a snug room that trulyfeels like your own retreat.
Okay, we did it.
So, as we wrap today's episodeup, I encourage you to take a
moment and reflect on the spaceswithin your home.
Do you have a snug room, orcould you create one?
And remember it's not justabout following a trend, but
prioritizing your well-being.
(26:39):
Thank you for joining me onthis exploration of the power of
snug.
Until next time, stay cozy, myfriends.
The Wall Street Journal article begins with a
great quote from LeonArdentavinci from 500 years ago
and it says Small rooms set themind on the right path, large
ones cause it to go astray.
What a powerful quote to beginthis article with.
I actually love that quote somuch I put it in my journal.
It's a keeper for me.
(00:22):
But I want to set the stagewith some history here, and I
did a little research because Iwanted to know where the snug
room came from.
And the concept of a snug roomin Britain has a rich history
rooted in traditional interiordesign practices.
The term snug originallyreferred to a small, private and
(00:42):
comfortable space within a home, often designed for relaxation
and socialization.
Now, while the exact origins ofsnug rooms are challenging to
pinpoint, their presence can betracked back several centuries.
That's a long time.
In medieval times, snug spaceswere incorporated into larger
(01:03):
manor houses and castles.
These smaller rooms provided amore intimate setting compared
to the grand halls, serving asretreats for reading,
conversation and enjoying aquiet moment away from the
bustling activities of thehousehold.
Or I don't know.
The castle castle hold, I don'tknow.
Household just seems a littlelimiting for a castle.
(01:24):
Anyway, let's see During wherewere we Victorian era?
Yeah, the Victorian era.
In the 19th century, the idea ofa snug room evolved, becoming
more prominent in the middleclass homes, so not in castles
anymore.
Victorian snugs werecharacterized by warm and rich
furnishings, plush upholsteryand a focus on creating a cozy
(01:48):
atmosphere.
These rooms often featuredelements like intricate woodwork
, patterned wallpaper and ornatefireplaces, all contributing to
a sense of comfort and hominess.
In the early mid-20th century,the role of a snug room
continued to adapt With the riseof suburban living.
(02:09):
The snug became a space wherefamilies gathered for informal
activities.
It was not uncommon to findsnug rooms furnished with
comfortable sofas, soft lightingand family-friendly decor.
As you can see, the conceptpersisted throughout the decades
, adapting to changing interiordesign trends.
(02:30):
Today's snug rooms often drawinspiration from traditional and
modern design elements,incorporating personalized
touches to cater to individualpreferences for relaxation and
well-being.
In essence, the history of asnug room in Britain reflects a
timeless appreciation forcreating intimate, comfortable
(02:52):
spaces within the home, placeswhere people can unwind, connect
and find solace in their busylives.
According to one interiordesigner in the Wall Street
Journal article, he said it wasthe cocoon of the home.
To me that means a warm,inviting and safe space.
(03:13):
So my question to you is do youhave a snug in your home?
I like to consider my wholeapartment.
I live in an old 1930sapartment which I absolutely
adore.
It is small, but I consider mywhole apartment to be a snug
(03:34):
room.
Like I said, it's small so Ican't accumulate a lot.
I also believe that a homeshould reflect the people living
there.
So therefore, I believe ahealthy, good design takes a
lifetime.
Your home is constantlyreflecting back to you, so make
sure you give your home, yourenvironment, purpose and meaning
(03:54):
.
In FYI, I'm currently working onsome content around this topic
and if you're interested, sostay connected.
I should get it out in the nextcouple of months.
I'm excited about it.
It's exciting to think about.
I do, like I said in thebeginning, I really do believe
that our environments are acrucial part of our health and
(04:16):
well-being, so we need to bemindful and thoughtful about
what we surround ourselves with.
So I always like Maria Kondo Ican't remember her name, but she
tells you to pick up an objectand ask yourself if it sparks
joy in yourself and I really dolove that, because this is what
(04:37):
you look out every single dayand it is always reflecting back
to you, so make sure you likethe reflection.
Okay, so let's move on and thefirst question that I want to
dive into.
The first question that comes tomind is why are snug rooms
becoming so popular today inAmerica?
(04:57):
Now, we know that this is acommon design element in Britain
, but why now?
Why is the Wall Street Journalpublishing an article on snug
rooms in America today?
And I believe that in a worldthat is constantly on the move,
people are seeking solace andcomfort within the confines of
their home.
You know, the Wall StreetJournal article suggests these
(05:20):
snug rooms act as an instantmagic pill of comfort.
What does that tell you?
In our fast-paced lives, havinga dedicated space that exudes
coziness can profoundly impactour mental and emotional
well-being, and I think thetrend of snug rooms in America
can be attributed to varioussocietal and lifestyle factors
(05:43):
that have gained prominence inthe recent years.
So here are some reasons Ithink snug rooms are becoming
trendy in America.
That's.
This is not what the articlesaid.
The article was just a catalystfor all of my thoughts.
So these are mine.
These are not.
I believe her name was Lexi,lexi mainland.
(06:03):
These are my thoughts, so Ibelieve the number one reason is
wellness and self-care focus.
We have shifted to a wellnessand self-care focus.
Mental health and self-care arepriorities today, and snug
rooms provide people with thatdedicated space to unwind, relax
and take a break from thestresses of daily life.
(06:24):
This emphasis on well-being hasled people to seek environments
that contribute to comfort andtranquility.
I think another reason that snugrooms are trending in America
today is it has to do with awork-life balance.
Many people spend more time athome with the rise of remote
work and flexible schedules, andthe need for balance between
(06:48):
work and personal life has ledto a desire for spaces within a
home that fosters relaxation andrejuvenation.
So snug rooms offer a retreatfrom the demands of work and
technology.
I think another one is toescape from digital overload.
I think that more and more ofus are becoming mindful and
(07:10):
aware of the impact of thisdigital overload.
The constant presence ofdigital devices and screens in
modern life has created a desirefor analog, screen-free spaces,
and snug rooms oftenincorporate elements like books,
cozy furnishings and ambientlighting, providing a break from
(07:32):
the digital overload that manypeople experience Now.
This one I thought about, butI'm not sure.
Candice Rogers, my podcast hostof the Health and Wellness
Podcast will be on soon.
I'm actually interviewing herin two weeks about well-designed
(07:52):
, so I'd love to ask her aboutthis.
But I think that people want toindividualize a living space
more.
I think the trend towardspersonalization and
individualization of livingspaces has contributed to the
popularity of snug rooms,because people are looking to
(08:12):
express their unique styles andpreferences in their homes, and
snug rooms provide anopportunity for personalized
interior design.
Now, with that said, I feel likeI have mixed feelings about
that.
I'm gonna kind of talk out loud, or think out loud, I guess, is
(08:34):
what I should say.
Sometimes I feel like, you know, we look at social media, we
look at Pinterest Pinterest isreally big for interior design
and we get all of these designideas and all of these design
concepts and then we implementthem into our space, but what
(08:55):
they're lacking is they mightrepresent us in some way, but
what they're really lacking isthis personalization of interior
design.
So there's nothing personalized, even though it might touch the
surface of their personality.
Like I have a you know very,not me but like maybe somebody
has a very modern you know tasteand so all their furniture is
(09:19):
modern.
Well, yes, that isrepresentative and reflects who
they are, but there's nothingpersonal about it, there's
nothing that has to do withtheir life.
You know, maybe there's apicture of their family up,
which is great and that'simportant.
But I guess what I'm trying tokind of talk out here is that I
(09:41):
think there is this lack ofindividualization for living
spaces right, that we are tryingto replicate to a T this
perfection that we see on socialmedia or in the magazines, and
there is this lack of connectionbecause it's not personalized
(10:02):
not personalized to you.
So I think that's what I meanby that, but I would love to
talk to Candace.
So hopefully I made sensesaying all of that and I have it
on my notes to ask Candaceabout this one and see what she
thinks.
Another reason that I think thatsnug rooms are trending in
America is that the pandemicdriven lifestyle changes that
(10:25):
we've had you know, covid hasreshaped lifestyle patterns,
promoting many to reevaluatetheir home environments.
With this increased time spentat home, I think that
individuals are investing increating spaces that contribute
to a sense of comfort andsecurity, and snug rooms fit
(10:46):
well into this shift.
And one of the last, butdefinitely not the least, reason
why I think snug rooms aretrending in America.
I have talked about this before.
It is a common theme throughoutmy podcast.
I kind of pop it in there everyonce in a while.
(11:07):
I think I just did for theholidays, because it's the
perfect time to talk about Huga,and I think that Huga has
influenced the trend of snugrooms in America.
And for those of you who don'tknow, huga is the Danish concept
which emphasizes creating cozyand comfortable atmospheres.
(11:30):
It's gained popularityworldwide and snug rooms align
with the principles of Huga, andthe trend may reflect a global
appreciation for creating warmand inviting spaces.
There is a difference betweenthe two and I will talk about
that later in this episode.
It will actually be how I wrapeverything up, so, but first I
(11:54):
want to summarize what we'vejust been talking about.
And the trend of snug rooms inAmerica is a response to the
evolving priorities andlifestyle choices of individuals
, with a focus on wellbeing,comfort and the desire for
personalized and inviting spaces.
So that is that piece of ourdiscussion, and now I want to
(12:17):
talk about the health benefitsof snug rooms.
So how does this concept enhanceour wellbeing?
Well, number one stressreduction.
Creating a cozy, comfortableenvironment in a snug room can
help reduce stress levels, andthe calming atmosphere promotes
relaxation and a sense ofsecurity.
A snug room can also improvesleep quality.
(12:40):
So let's just say you have asnug bedroom with comfortable
furnishing and a soothingambience.
This can contribute to bettersleep quality, and we all know a
restful sleep environment iscrucial for overall health.
Another one is a snug room canenhance mental wellbeing.
Having a designated snug spacewhere you can unwind and escape
(13:04):
from the daily stressors canpositively impact mental
wellbeing.
It provides a retreat forrelaxation and self-care.
And the last one I will mentionhere is it promotes mindfulness
, and I love mindfulness.
You guys all know that a snugroom can serve as a space for
(13:26):
mindfulness activities, such asmeditation or quiet reflection.
You can also journal in a snugroom, and this promotes mental
clarity and a sense of presence,and I keep saying this and I
didn't list this here when I waswriting and generating the
content, but I have mentioned itseveral times and it is a sense
(13:48):
of safety, comfort and safety,and sometimes I think we need
that space of safety where wecan actually relax and let go.
So that would be another onethat I would add here.
So well, with all of that said,can you imagine having a snug
room, a space where you canescape from the chaos, unwind
(14:10):
and recharge?
And I just wanna remind youhere, it's not just about having
comfortable chairs and softblankets, it is about creating
an environment that nurturesyour soul.
This intentional focus oncreating comfort can reduce
stress, improve mood and enhanceoverall happiness.
So are you ready to create asnug room?
(14:31):
That is my question.
But before I give you some tipson how to do that, let's draw a
parallel to the Danish conceptof huge.
So huge is about creating awarm and inviting atmosphere,
embracing simplicity and findingjoy in the little things.
It's about cultivating a senseof comfort and contentment.
(14:53):
Interestingly, the concept ofsnug rooms aligns quite well
with the essence of huge.
Both emphasize the importanceof creating spaces that promote
relaxation and connection.
So while a snug room and theDanish design concept of huge
share similarities in creatingcozy and comfortable spaces,
(15:14):
there are some distinctionsbetween the two, and I wanna
share those with you.
There might be a little bit ofoverlap here, but let's just
roll with it.
So I think the number onedistinction between the two is a
cultural origin.
So a snug room the term snugroom is more broadly used in
English to describe acomfortable and cozy space.
(15:34):
Huge is a Danish concept thatencompasses the feeling of
comfort, coziness andcontentment, so it goes beyond
the physical space to includethe overall sense of well-being.
So that's, I think one of thebig differences is that one is
used to describe a space,whereas huge its cultural origin
(15:55):
is about this.
It's much broader.
It's about this overall senseof well-being and not just about
the physical space.
Another one is the philosophy.
So the snug room philosophyprimarily focuses on the, again,
the physical attributes of thespace, such as comfortable
furnishings and a cozyatmosphere.
Huge encompasses, again, abroader philosophy of enjoying
(16:18):
life's simple pleasures, sofostering a connection with
others and creating a sense ofwarmth and connection.
So they talk a lot aboutconnections, a lot about buyers,
a lot about the simplepleasures of just being with
somebody or even being withyourself.
They're very similar.
Another distinction is thesocial aspect.
(16:39):
So snug rooms can be a personalor private space for relaxation
.
Huge emphasizes social aspectsof encouraging shared
experiences with friends andfamily, and it often involves
creating a warm and invitingatmosphere for communal
activities.
I think the concept of Huga inthe West has become more like a
(17:03):
snug room because they talk alot about, you know, kind of
this retreat away from the world, whereas historically in the
Danish concept it was foundedbecause they have such long
winters, long dark winters, andit's cold, and so community and
(17:24):
connection was super importantto them.
So Huga was more focused onthis aspect, the social aspect.
But again, I think it gotwesternized in the States and
became kind of a retreat.
And the last thing I'm going tomention here is timeless versus
trend Snug room, in terms moregeneric and maybe used to
(17:47):
describe any comfortable space,it doesn't necessarily carry a
specific cultural orphilosophical connotation.
Huga, on the other hand,reflects a specific Danish
cultural approach to living andit has gained popularity as a
lifestyle trend beyond Denmark,and I think those are some of
(18:09):
the biggest differences.
So there you have it A snugroom and the concept of Huga
both center around creating cozyand inviting spaces, but Huga
is a broader cultural conceptthat extends beyond the physical
environment to encompass alifestyle of comfort, connection
and well-being.
So historically they aredifferent, but to me from a
(18:33):
wellness perspective they're thesame.
Now for some practical tips andsuggestions.
So remember, creating a snugroom involves thoughtful
consideration of design elementsthat contribute to comfort,
relaxation and a cozy atmosphere.
Here are some tips for craftingyour own snug haven.
So, number one comfortableseating.
(18:54):
Invest in plush and comfortableseating options, such as a cozy
sofa, oversized chair or acollection of soft cushions and
pillows, and choose fabrics thatare inviting and soothing to
the touch.
You know I love my sofa.
I've had my sofa forever.
I really really need a new one.
I got it at Creighton Barreldwhen I was married and I didn't
(19:16):
really like the color, but it'san L shaped sofa and it is just
like a huge cloud and it'sprobably one of my favorite
things right now in my life andI just don't want to get rid of
it.
But I really need to because Ireally need a new sofa.
One day, one day, one day, Iwill, I will get the nerve to
get a new one, okay.
Number two you want to make sureyou have soft texture, so
integrate soft texturesthroughout the room.
(19:36):
So consider using warm blankets, fuzzy throws and soft rugs.
These textures will add atactile element that enhances
the overall coziness.
Another tip is to use warmlighting, so opt for warm
ambient lighting to create asoothing atmosphere.
Use table lamps, floor lamps orstring lights with soft, soft,
(20:01):
warm cues.
You want to avoid harsh brightlights that can disrupt the the
coziness ambience, so definitelystay away from the white lights
.
Tip number four is naturalelements.
You want to bring in naturalelements to add warmth and
connection to the outdoors.
So incorporating plants, woodenfurniture or natural fibers and
(20:22):
decor items so this cancontribute to a sense of
tranquility.
I promise I have a ton ofplants in my house.
Tip number five is personalizeddecor.
We talked a little bit aboutthis earlier.
So infuse the room withelements that reflect your
personal style, not justsomething that you see on
Instagram or on Pinterest.
(20:43):
I don't really know how toarticulate this yet, because you
probably are saying, well, if Ilike that, that's my personal
style.
Well, yes, it is, but I thinkyou have.
That's just scratching thesurface and maybe that's a good
way to say it.
You're just scratching thesurface when you design
something perfect out of, youknow, out of a magazine or off
(21:03):
Pinterest.
So you need to do some selfdiscovery and find out your
personal style and preferences,and you want to display
cherished items, so artwork orphotographs that invoke positive
memories and emotions.
Remember, does it spark joy?
Your space reflects back to you.
So give it meaning and give itpurpose.
(21:24):
Tip number six cozy color.
So choose a color palette thatpromotes relaxation.
So soft neutrals, warm earthtones and muted shades can
create a calming and invitingatmosphere.
And consider incorporating popsof color for accents and visual
interest.
So if you have a very neutralspace, maybe you put a pop of
(21:46):
red in it, but you wouldn't wantto do a space, a whole space.
Well, unless it's your personalpreference and brings you peace
, of a primary yellow.
One thing I've read aboutprimary yellow, the psychology
of color.
And if you want your houseguests to stay limited day, then
(22:07):
you paint the room yellowbecause yellow is very agitating
.
So unless that color for somereason brings you peace, then I
would stay away from like aprimary yellow and do more
neutral, neutral, warm tones andnot stark white.
But you could always do a popif you needed that.
The seventh tip I have for youis a reading nook or corner.
(22:29):
So if you have the space inyour home, create a dedicated
reading nook with a comfortablechair or small corner with a
bookshelf.
This encourages moments ofquiet, contemplation and
relaxation.
This is especially great if youlove to read or love to journal
.
Another tip candles or incense.
(22:53):
Now, this is really big in theDanish concept of huge.
However, they use a lot ofcandles, but mainly for the
ambience of the candles, not somuch for the aromatherapy.
So here I am referring to boththe ambience of a candle as well
as the the senses.
(23:14):
So you want to engage all ofyour senses.
So adding a touch ofaromatherapy with scented
candles or incense could begreat, but you want to make sure
you select fragrances that arecalming, such as lavender or
chamomile, to enhance overallsensory experience.
Another tip is make it atechnology free zone, because we
(23:37):
want that break from technologyand the digital overload that
we get all the time.
So consider making your snugroom a technology free zone.
So limit the presence ofelectronic devices to encourage
that mindfulness and relaxation,and this can be a space for
quiet reflection and escape fromthe digital distractions that
(23:59):
we have every day.
Now I've got a few more tips foryou.
Tip number 10, layer decor.
Layering is key to creating asnug and inviting space.
You want the layers, thetextures, so combine different
textures, patterns, materialsand your decor items.
Layering adds depth and visualinterest to a room, and the next
(24:22):
one I'm going to mention hereis the addition of soft music or
sounds.
You want to incorporate softbackground music or nature
sounds to create a tranquilambience.
So consider using a smallspeaker or sound system to
enhance the auditory experience.
I have Apple, the Apple pod,and many days I just say, hey,
(24:50):
siri, play chill music.
And it's probably going to playright now, so it's fantastic.
Okay, the last tip I'm going togive you here is to include a
fireplace.
A fire place, or you can usecandles, but you want to do this
to add a sense of warmth andcoziness, and the flickering
(25:14):
flames create a comforting focalpoint in the room.
Okay, let's sum all of this up.
So, first, you want to considerthe elements that make you feel
most at ease.
So we're all different, so youhave to do a little
self-discovery.
Maybe you already know, if not,you'll have to do some
self-discovery to personalizeyour snug room to reflect your
sense of comfort, not someoneelse.
(25:35):
Whether it's soft lighting,plush pillows, soothing colors,
candles, incense, whatever aromayou choose, whatever that is,
it should reflect you.
Second, incorporate nature intoyour space.
Plants or natural materials canbe added for a touch of
serenity, I promise.
(25:56):
And finally, embrace the joy ofsimplicity.
Sometimes it's theuncomplicated moments that bring
the most happiness.
The key to a snug room ispersonalization and creating a
space that brings you joy andcomfort.
Experiment with these tips andtailor them to your preferences
(26:17):
to craft a snug room that trulyfeels like your own retreat.
Okay, we did it.
So, as we wrap today's episodeup, I encourage you to take a
moment and reflect on the spaceswithin your home.
Do you have a snug room, orcould you create one?
And remember it's not justabout following a trend, but
prioritizing your well-being.
(26:39):
Thank you for joining me onthis exploration of the power of
snug.
Until next time, stay cozy, myfriends.
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