cozy

Creating Retreat Room For Her In 5 Simple Steps

~ Naomi Pederson

Have you ever read Ann Morrow Linberg’s classic book “Gifts From The Sea”?

It is a great book and is the jumping off place for Showhome furnitures latest design challenge!
 In it she writes ““Women need solitude in order to find again the true essence of themselves.” This is an intriguing idea because women tend to be more social than men are on average.  At Showhome furniture we believe that furniture has to be beautiful, good quality and should function well.
So with thing thoughts mulling around our Showhome design brains, we have come up with 5 things we feel is essential in creating a space to enjoy that ‘solitude’ regularly within your own home.
 First find a room that you can claim as your own.  It can even be a nook if a room isn’t available.  Sunrooms, spare bedrooms, and even a shed can provide that perfect place to retreat.  We have found that when ‘retreating’ having a large room is not as important as having a ‘private’ room or spot.
Once you have a room paint it a color that soothes your soul.  At Showhome Furniture, we have found that light colors are the best for calming one’s self and creating a beautiful spot.
Next pick your furniture.  Make sure it is comfortable and is beautiful to you!  Because this is a place that only a few will enjoy, feel free to get creative and buy some pieces that more beautiful and have more details than you normally would.
 Add accessories.  Find things that compliment the colors of the wall.  Put a picture of your family up, or a favorite quote.  Make the room yours by adding things that mean things to you!  A cupboard full of delicious chocolate (a locked cupboard if you are married or have kids) is the right thing to add to your seclusion (just be sure they are the high quality indulgent kind).
Lastly, add a book case and a sound system.
You may not like reading, but having a good book near by is something everyone should have.  You never know when a book can inspire you to do that one thing that really will change your life.  Consider skipping stocking the shelves with junky books, those brain candy books are easy to read at night or in the bathroom.  If you fill your bookcase with inspiring books, you will be more likely to read them when are alone.
 The bookcase can also house tools that you may need to work on a hobby, whether that is sewing, drawing, knitting or doing puzzles.  This room is created solely to help you unwind, find peace and be able to balance all the demands on your life.  It will work best if you are thoughtful about each thing you bring in.
The sound system is so you can enjoy beautiful music.  Everyone has different tastes in what they find beautiful and that is fine.  Just find music that helps you reflect.
These are the top idea’s that came to us at Showhome Furniture.  If you have any other suggestions, please let us know. 

6 Ways To Bring Hyyge Design Into Your Home

~ Naomi Pederson

When I am working at Showhome Furniture and it is cold outside, I admit I can get annoyed.  I know the snow is pretty, but I sometimes get tired of seemingly endless winter.  My sister recently told me that I needed to embrace the winter, to throw my heart into getting outside and enjoy the freezing air on my cheeks.  I had to laugh when I heard her tell me that it is all about Hyyge.  Obviously her Danish husband is rubbing off on her, and in truth I have to say that I like the idea.

Loosely Hyyge means cozy or comfort, but my brother-in-law says it means even more.  Yes,  the soft socks and roaring fires have a place, but it more than that, it is about family, friends and connection.  I love my family, friends and connecting with others.  I think I am buying into this. That is one thing I love about Showhome Furniture, it helps me connect with the most interesting people and idea’s.

So, with this in mind I went searching for the perfect way to encourage Hyyging in my home (I was assured that Hyyging is really a word).

First keep it clean and fresh.  Don’t over accessorize, or clutter your room with stuff or color.  Monochrome color pallets, or a mix of subtle harmonious tonal shades are what you want to decorate in.

Next add texture.  One way of making your room feel welcoming without being overwhelmed with loud colors and an abundance of decorations is by incorporating texture in your design.  You can do this by bringing in thick wool rugs, luxuriously soft throws, clay pots, stone tiling and comfortable pillows.  At Showhome Furniture, we love mixing different materials together in our displays.

Since Hyyging is about comfort and connection, a perfect way to include this in your design is by displaying some of your memories for others to enjoy.  Your wedding picture, or a close up on your babies feet are both ways of drawing people in and sharing your story with them.

The Danish, I am told, hate waste.  This is why many old and imperfect pieces of furniture grace their living space.  I love vintage furniture.  When we get a load of furniture at Showhome Furniture, from India made from recycled doors and lumber I always marvel at how rich they look and feel.

Bring in the plants.  This is something I have personally started trying and love it.  I love the greens and it amazes me how just a few plants can make a room feel alive.

Lastly, add candles.  The dim light and their warmth is vital for Hyyge design because the dimness encourages people to gather closer to one another to talk and converse.  Even when you are alone, just lighting a few candles can make you feel like you are in good company.

If you follow these simple steps, you can turn any room into the perfect room to Hyyge!  We would love to hear about your Hyyge experience!!