the_misfit I just love this idea. For me, the coziness is about hot beverages (of course - and I always have whipped cream on hand for the tops), a comfy couch you can put your feet on, with lots of blankets and pillows handy by, and a handful of cookies and a pot of homemade dinner ready to heat up, always at the ready. I definitely agree about giving friends your undivided attention, but I have to say - I think I'm good at really enjoying my hours in the house by myself, and when I'm not doing my chores, that means curling up in a blanket with some hot cocoa for my favorite DIY shows that no one else wants to watch with me. Sometimes it's a book, but I don't think a favorite TV show is necessarily un-cozy. (Yes, the TV has a hulking presence, but when I want to watch a program I enjoy, it's nice to have a decent-sized screen...)

groveraxle What a lovely article. I like the idea that great decor is more than just how one's home looks; it's how it feels.

Anita Roll Murals Very nice post!

sdubova In Dutch we call this "gezellig". I enjoyed your article very much.

jdanifish Great article! As I read this my mind kept picturing my great friend from Norway, she is the epitome of Warmth at Home. She has all 8 secrets down pat and you never leave her home without feeling like you are a very important person in her life and that you are loved and cared for. Five years ago I moved away from WA to AK and we have maintained our great friendship, so it was nice to see this article and think about her this morning. She isn't a computer person so I wrote her a letter and shared your 8 secrets and told her how she embodies each and every one of them. Thanks for the smile

dixie1234 Love this article!

Elizabeth Jacobsen_Snead Would love to find a decorator who understands swedish style! Great article!

frecklefrog Really love this article and I am enjoying lots of your other articles.

Paintings by Kirsten Elizabeth Gilmore I love the description of the "fika" tradition. I never knew it had a name, but it is definitely something my family has always shared.

mountainglory My favorite winter time is that first cup of coffee next to our Norwegian Jotul fireplace in the dining area.

Caterina Eltze What a timely article. Just last week we tried to explain to our very good friends visiting from Texas, what "gemuetlich" means. I think you did a much better job, so I have to send them this article!

ploefff Sometimes I takes an "outsider" to put into words what you take for granted and therefore can't quite explain. The most important thing to understand about the Nordic need for making caves and pillow forts where ever possible is the weather and light conditions here. Roughly half the year it's cold so you want to be inside and light is scarce. I've been trying to take picture of my home for 2 months now but with only 5 hours of daylight it's quite a task - same explanation for why white is a big colour in Nordic design.

eileenanddaan In the Netherlands they have Gzelleg (spell?) and if you have your friends come by the ultimate compliment is that your home is very Gzelleg! Well, at least it is to me. Love this article!

Lanie Brown Twinkle lights on the inside of the door - sweet! Fika, which I'd never heard of but agree sounds wonderful, is my new favorite thing.

judithesl Great piece. I spent a lot of time in Sweden, which led to a memoir cookbook, "A Swedish Kitchen: Recipes and Reminiscences."

acadie In the winter we keep a big bowl of apples and oranges in our front hall. Everyone, from guests to the UPS man comments on the scent and takes a deep, relaxing breath.

retromomma What a great article. I put out a hot cocoa station for the holidays for my daughter and her friends (thanks Houzz) and it is going to stay through spring and I may do a tea bar too! but really this is a lovely post and nice to take 5. @jadanifish-do you know the norwegian equivalent? could you ask your friend? Thanks!

jdanifish Retromama, I will ask her tomorrow

nanaanne I loved this article too. It's so nice to read about what is done in other countries. And cozyness is my new favorite theme too.

jdanifish Retromomma, I haven't forgotten your request. I asked my friend from Norway and she didn't know, she is asking her niece that lives in Norway. I went to Google Translate and it takes Fika and says that Kaffe (coffee) is the translation. Guess that that makes sense, when we ask someone in the US over for coffee we expect to give them a little snack and coffee as well. I will let you know if I find out differently from my friend.

scarbowcow The English word 'hug' is related to the Old Norse 'hugga' which means 'console.' No doubt a relative of the word 'hygga.' So these are homes that 'hug' and 'console' you. Lovely thought.

retromomma Thanks Jdanifish! I'd love to hear but meanwhile we'll take the danish and other versions to "heart"!

deedeelouise My Norwegian daughter-in-law epitomizes these principles in their "koselig" (comfy, cozy) home in Oslo. Whatever the weather or light of day, I always feel welcomed and loved in their home. It helps that we find our 2 granddaughters there, too!

fredericklc What a wonderful concept! I also love the comments posted here. I think I would like all of you and would be happy sharing hot chocolate in your homes. Thanks for sharing.

Laura Gaskill I have to agree with fredericklc - I wish I could invite you all over for a little fika! :)