Hygge Comes to San Miguel: Designing A Cozy Winter Sanctuary

By Jessie LaFalce

Hygge is more than a style of decorating; it’s a way of living. It’s about creating spaces that nurture the soul — spaces that invite us to slow down, savor a cup of coffee, and appreciate the small, quiet joys that make life feel full.

Originating in Denmark, Hygge centers around the pursuit of contentment through simplicity and warmth. Candles, natural materials, layered textures, and soft lighting all play their part — but at its core, Hygge is about how you feel in your home. This philosophy aligns beautifully with what I call the Authentic Design Philosophy — designing your interiors from emotion first.

Hygge Meets Calidez and Convivencia

While Hygge may be Danish in name, its spirit has long existed here in México. It lives in the calidez — the emotional warmth — that defines Mexican hospitality, and in convivencia — the joyful connection that happens when friends and family gather around a table. You don’t need a frigid climate to embrace these cozy-vibe philosophies. Here in San Miguel, winter’s chill offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and create intimacy within your home. Begin by focusing on texture and tone. Layer organic materials like linen, wool, alpaca, and woven cotton. A neutral color palette — creams, taupes, or soft terracotta — provides calm, while accents of cinnamon, ochre, deep greens, and plum reflect the richness of our local landscape.

Lighting is essential to the mood. Instead of relying on bright overhead fixtures, scatter warm light throughout your rooms.

Table lamps and candles or wall sconces cast a soft, flattering glow that encourages relaxation.

Think about your lighting outside too… I use flickering warm LED outdoor bulbs in all my outdoor fixtures. They provide a warm, natural (albeit faux) gaslight glow instead of the cold, stark white light commonly associated with outdoor lighting.

Introduce elements that tell a story. This is the time to bring out and display your handmade artisan items. Ceramic bowls and mugs, layers of soft, handwoven throws and patterned, colorful rugs, or a bundle of dried lavender in an artisan glazed clay vase — each piece carries both beauty and soul. These artisan details not only warm the space but connect you to the artistry and heritage of San Miguel itself.

Don’t overlook scent and sound — two powerful triggers for comfort. A Diptyque candle like Feu de Bois (wood fire scent), the aroma of cinnamon simmering on the stove, or the faint strum of a guitar drifting through an open door all deepen the sensory experience of home.

Designing for Convivencia

Hygge reminds us that our homes are not just for looking beautiful — they’re for living beautifully. Create spaces that invite conversation and connection. A cozy reading chair near a window, a bench beside the fireplace, or an intimate dining nook lit by candlelight all encourage the art of gathering. In México, we express Hygge through convivencia — the effortless joy of just being together. It might be an impromptu evening with friends and mezcal, or a quiet Sunday morning shared over coffee with someone you love. The décor simply becomes the backdrop for those moments of presence.

The Soul of a Sanctuary

Ultimately, whether you call it Hygge, Calidez, or Convivencia, the essence is the same — to create a home that reflects how you wish to feel. As temperatures drop and the city slows into its short crisp-weather season, let your home become a refuge of softness and light.

Luxury isn’t about excess; it’s about intention. It’s the candle you light as dusk falls, the texture of a soft, woven blanket wrapped around you, the laughter shared across your table. In those simple, mindful gestures lies the true art of Hygge — and the timeless warmth of San Miguel.

Jessie LaFalce, 30-year interior design, building and renovation expert, offering full interior design services, teaches online design courses and hosts architecture and design lifestyle retreats. www.JessieLaFalce.com