I don’t think I’m alone when I say that “hygge” became one of my favorite words about a decade ago. Isn’t it such a privilege to have a home over our heads with the option to decorate it? Something I learned last year is that in addition to the visual aesthetic, there is a spiritual aesthetic that every home needs as well. The heartbeat doesn’t come from your lamps or throw pillows – it comes from you and the master you serve.

Joshua 24:15
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

I had to learn that to have a peaceful home, I needed more than decluttered countertops. I often felt like the chaos could be solved by tidying things up. But I realize that peace has to start inside and can overcome visual stressors. I truly don’t feel great when my home is disorganized, but peace comes from God, not my home. A home could be spotless and clean, yet not peaceful or cozy, if you know what I mean. A home could also be slightly messy (not everyone will like the cover photo of ours, but it’s one of the nicest sights for us!) and still feel great.

So let’s make truly cozy homes and enjoy life together – all to the glory of God!

Note: if you don’t have a home yet, or circumstances are not allowing you to decorate as you might prefer, I hope this post will not discourage you. I recognize that I am in an easy season, and that sometimes we will be in survival mode and life will not feel ideal. We have to trust God with every circumstance – rich or poor, full or empty (Phil 4) – and know that He is generous and does everything with our benefit in mind (Romans 8:28).
Hang in there! He got us through a season of homelessness last summer, and was with me through widowhood and loss of my home 6 years ago, and several years of not wanting to be where I was in a cramped space. So I don’t say it lightly when I say that He can be the comfort in any situation you find yourself in, as difficult as it may be. That said, let’s jump in!

Elements of a cozy home:

  • Peace
    • Your heart
      • Spend time in prayer and with God’s word
      • Remember God’s love for you as demonstrated through the Gospel and all the blessings in your life 
    • Your relationships
      • Learn to speak with truth and love (not just truth!)
      • Serve one another (VERY important)
      • Ask for feedback (prepare yourself!!!)
      • Talk things out sooner than later (don’t go to bed with wrath or give bitterness an inch!)
  • Tidy
    • Your mind
      • Write lists and don’t try to remember it all
      • Ask for help if you don’t live alone
      • Only one step at a time – don’t overwhelm yourself with personal goals
    • Your space
      • Make a routine- simple procedures make things easy in the long run!
        • Dishes before bed
        • Laundry in the hamper
        • Hang up jackets
      • Find joy in donating when there is just too much to tidy up
  • Senses
    • Visual
      • Give homes to every item you own
      • Decide where drop zones are allowed and which counters are meant to stay empty unless you are working on it (like desks or kitchen islands)
      • Find art that shows the heart in the home (We have calm nature paintings, but also citrus art for my husband, and elephant statues for me)
      • Choose colors that bring the atmosphere you are looking for (we do calming blues paired with colorful patterns that feel lively)
      • Choose inviting lighting (We do twinkly lights and warm lamps more than overhead lights, and also stay away from cold blue light, even on our screens)
    • Auditory
      • Worship music
      • Favorite playlists
      • Windchimes
      • Edifying radio station
      • Your own tone of voice!
    • Olfactory
      I try not to use much perfume or Febreze but I’ll still mention them here, haha.
      • Candles
      • Oil Diffusers
      • Meals (a great way to make the house smell amazing!)
    • Somatosensory
      • Fuzzy, soft blankets and pillows
      • Rugs
      • Books
      • Crochet… hahaha
    • Gustatory
      • Favorite, affordable, and healthy meals planned out
      • Special cozy drinks (tea blends, cocoa, cider)
      • Warm desserts

Okay, so those last two sensory words are new for me – hopefully I used them correctly! But I’m sure you get the idea.

I would love to hear in the comments below what you have done to intentionally express love and honor in your home!!! I am always looking for more ideas.

What’s your favorite sense to cater to?

View Results

Loading ...