Creating a cozy autumn aesthetic at homešÆļø
A peek into how I keep it simple + mysig at home all season long
Happy Sunday, you.
Itās evening. The sun has just slipped below the horizon in the west. There is a slight chill in the air. Twinkle lights are twinkling on the balcony. Candles are lit throughout the apartment. My autumn mixtape is playing. The vibe is cozy, moody, and mysig. Dare I say it is the perfect September evening?
Iāve had the whole day alone at home and it was just what I needed. I found myself faffing and nesting and rearranging in the middle of chores, reading, resting, and self-caring. Itās been a slow, intentional, relaxing early autumn day. Mysig, as we say here in Sweden.
Mysig is the Swedish version of the Danish word hygge. Mysig means cozy, often used by English speakers to refer to warmth, blankets, candles, and a hot drink in the cold, dark winter. But, mysig is so much more than that. Itās a word we use when we want to express deep contentment, comfort, pleasure, and yes, coziness - no matter what time of year and in many different situations.
One of the best things about seasonal living isnāt just the joy of following and watching nature change and shift as we make our way around the wheel of the year. I find that actually bringing the energy and mood of each month into my home helps me to lean into each season as it comes and goes.
And that, in turn, gives me a deeper sense of appreciation and acceptance for the season. But, more than that, bringing the season into my home keeps me deeply present. It is a grounding ritual and practice that creates a certain mood, aesthetic, and feeling that carries me, day by day, through the season.
In an effort to keep things simple, I mostly just move things around, take things out from closets and storage, and buy as little as possible.
Of course, I also like to bring symbols of nature in. For autumn, I may gather acorns, sticks, pine cones, dead flowers, and leaves on my walks - even right here in the middle of the city. But, I also fill my home with candles again, pull out blankets, change the decorative pillow cases to brown and gold and orange, and bring down the rust-colored bedding.
By just shifting things around, the energy in my home shifts. Itās a very simple shift in intention that makes all of the difference, I think. And, of course, I add in a tiny bit of creative magic.
As we move deeper into autumn, Iāll continue to make tiny changes here and there. Perhaps more black candles in October. And a few spooky decorations that Iāve saved throughout the years. Iāll shift candles around, perhaps add a tablecloth in November, and definitely bring in some pumpkins. Iāll let the season speak to me and inspire me to continually create the cozy, mysig aesthetic of autumn from now until the end of November.
Do you do seasonal decorating? Or just holiday decorating? How would you define your aesthetic in autumn? Do you have any favorites or must-haves? Iām dying to know - inspire me!
xoxo. liz.
Liz, this is SUCH a beautiful post!!! I loved reading it, and the pictures made me feel so autumnal and cozy (or should I say mysig?!). Iām a big lover of hygge so love learning about how to say it in Swedish. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this glimpse into your cozy days. Also your home is beautiful!!!
Such a cozy space, Liz! Came here thanks to Hunterās note sharing your post.
Will use your photos as inspo since Iāll have to make my space more cozy after moving and all the fun...