Stellaaaaaaa!!!!!!!

They’re predicting a “big one” in northeast tomorrow. Winter Storm Stella is apparently barreling its windy way straight toward us. As of this writing, snow total estimates for New Jersey are ranging from 0 to 24 inches. (Way to narrow it down weather people!)

As usually happens, Mother Nature will probably win, so all we can do is embrace the wintry weather using the Danish “Hygge” philosophy. Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a much-talked-about concept these days. (With good reason: Denmark has been rated the happiest country in the world. The United States? Well, not so much.)

Hygge is about coziness. It’s about enjoying a relaxing day free from rushing and to-do lists and deadlines. At Design NJ, we think hunkering down in our homes provides an ideal break for body and soul. Here are some snug spaces that have us dreaming of a crackling fire, a warm cup of cocoa and a good book.

This sleek fireplace features an understated flat-plane facade with no adornments, yet its solid presence manages to capture attention, creating a stunning contrast between the warmth of the fire and the snowy surroundings.

Photo: Bowden’s Fireside Hearth & Home

This exceedingly cool fire feature (not a contradiction in this case!) allows 360-degree basking in the warmth of the “hearth.” It’s also a great way to enjoy a blazing fire safely without a built-in fireplace.

Photo: Stix from EcoSmart.

A fireplace that mimics the linear qualities of the surrounding room adds harmony to the space and, in this case, allows a large number of people to enjoy the warmth of an extended hearth.

Photo of Paul Hobbs Winery courtesy of Fire Features, a design and build firm in Sebastopol, California.

These rooms exemplify the warmth and coziness of the hygge spirit. Spaces such as these offer us a refuge from life’s storms, no matter what form those storms might take.