In this fast-paced and often overwhelming world, many of us long for less stress and more joy. As we welcome a new year, there’s an opportunity to be intentional about how we live. I love writing about creating a cozy, authentic home, but even more I love living that process mindfully.
We find the deepest satisfaction in simple things. A home designed to nurture well-being and comfort has a powerful effect on our daily lives.
Our home should inspire us.
You may have heard of Hygge, the Danish approach to life that echoes this same idea: find comfort, cultivate well-being, and enjoy the small pleasures of home. Encouraging people to find joy and contentment where they live is what led me to start The Inspired Room ten years ago. It’s been a joy to connect with others who love creating warm, honest homes — whether you call it Hygge or simply being a homebody.
If you’re excited about possibilities for your home, or want to rekindle a love of home-creating, you’re in the right place.
For new readers, welcome. I also wrote Make Room for What You Love in 2016, a book about decluttering with purpose so you can keep what brings joy. In 2015 I published Love the Home You Have and a full-color photo book, The Inspired Room. All of these works focus on finding contentment and well-being through an authentic home.
Bring it on — we’re ready for the year ahead.
Five ways to Hygge and embrace joyful home-making in the new year
1. Make more room for joy.
At some point many of us believed possessions would make us happy. We keep items because we think we’ll use them someday or because they hold memories. But the more we hold on to, the harder it becomes to appreciate each item. Unchecked accumulation can snuff out everyday joy.
To feel comfortable and content at home, stop equating happiness with an abundance of things. Less creates space for more meaningful enjoyment.
Excess possessions crowd out what truly matters. Start with a small, manageable goal — clear a drawer or a shelf and intentionally return only the items you genuinely love and use. Removing clutter makes room to notice and enjoy what counts.
2. Intentionally seek simplicity.
Simplicity in home and life invites joy. Before starting a new project, moving, or making a big change, ask honest questions: What is the simplest way to reach this goal? What choice creates the least mess and stress while delivering the most benefit? Is this the right season for this commitment? What are your time and budget limits?
Sometimes reaching a simpler, more comfortable place requires a season of hard work or complexity. If that’s the case, embrace the effort but keep the ultimate goal in view: simplicity and lasting ease.
3. Feel more connected by disconnecting.
As our online lives grow, it’s easy to lose presence in real-life moments at home. The online world can be valuable, but constant connection often leads to distraction and disconnection at home.
To be more creative, calm, and connected, try stepping away from screens regularly. Being intentionally disconnected for a set time each day helps you be fully present, reduce frazzled feelings, and reconnect with the people and spaces you share.
4. Create serene spaces to inspire your life.
Your home should be a haven that reflects and supports your family, not a storage space for things you rarely use. Commit to self-care and greater well-being by clearing clutter and designing cozy, comfortable areas everyone can enjoy. Make those peaceful spaces a priority so clutter and chaos don’t find their way back in.
Design with comfort and beauty in mind: a few well-chosen touches, paired-down belongings, and intentional storage can turn rooms into restorative places that invite relaxation and inspiration.
5. Welcome others into your home.
As an introverted homebody, it’s tempting to keep a cozy sanctuary all to myself. Yet part of the joy of a comfortable home is sharing it. Think of the people you can bless — and be blessed by — when you invite others in. Hospitality often motivates us to make our homes more inviting and can lead to meaningful connection.
Your home doesn’t need to be perfect or impressive to be welcoming. Focus on comfort and warmth: small gestures that make guests feel cared for will create memorable hospitality for everyone.
