Celebrating the Winter Months with a Danish Twist

Here in Minnesota, we have much in common with the people of Denmark —  cold, long winters.  Yet the Danish people have been declared the happiest people in the world!  They credit this with the Danish art of “hygge” (pronounced hoo-ga) — their way of celebrating and embracing the winter months. So we gave some thought as to how we could celebrate winter right here in Edina as well…

So what does hygge really involve?  Roughly translated, it refers to coziness, being with family and friends, celebrating light, and having a good time.  Simply making time to relax would be another way to put it.

Here are a few great ideas for embracing winter and bringing a sense of hygge right here to Minnesota:

Enjoy the Outdoors: Sure it’s cold out, but that’s the point.  Celebrate the unique seasonal weather and you’ll find joy in it, rather than annoyance.  Play a game of pond hockey with the family, go cross country skiing, take a walk and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.  Or do something momentarily childish, like throwing a snowball or building a snowman — you’ll have a hard time not smiling.

Be with Friends and Family:  We get busy, and we often forget we need to take more time to be social.  To enjoy the company of those we care about.  It doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic.  The hygge philosophy says keep it simple — light some candles, put out some delicious appetizers or desserts, and enjoy some good conversation.

Seek Warmth & Light: Sure we layer more in the winter and use a blanket on the sofa while watching TV, but how intentional are we about celebrating these cozy moments?  Drink a hot beverage and be thankful (yep, thankful) for the cold weather.  Intentionally set aside time to curl up in a blanket and read a book - with a smile on your face and no guilt.  Embrace the darker evenings by dimming the lights and taking a candlelight bath.  Make a big deal out of hot cocoa with the kids or storytime under that soft comforter.  All of these winter-friendly moments may bring you more joy than you think when you take the time to celebrate them!

These ideas might seem simple, but truthfully, how often are we making them happen?  In the Danish culture, hygge isn’t a spare thing, something to fit in, it’s a way of life.  With a few small steps and a change of heart, we might just be able to find our inner hygge too.

Here’s to winter in Minnesota — let’s celebrate it!

REFINED is a home building and remodeling company located in Edina, MN.  Our goal is to help you “make room for more” — more of life’s joyful moments, no matter the season!  To see what it’s like to curl up inside a REFINED home, check out more of our cozy spaces here.  

The Home Office Space That Offers More

The modern workplace has evolved and with it the home office. Here at REFINED the home office is not an afterthought, it’s a significant part of a home. A place where productivity happens, while the people and things you love are nearby.

We know that your productivity is impacted by the environment around you, and studies confirm it!  In fact, you’re likely to be 20% more productive in a well-designed office space.

Your work experience can and will be enhanced in a beautiful workspace — one that includes natural light, a feel of comfort, organization, and a perfect reflection of your unique style and preferences.

In a workspace, we aim to provide our clients with:

• a layout that helps simplify and declutter
• space that energizes and inspires creativity -- so that work comes easily to you
• an area you look forward to being in, where work brings you joy -- or doesn’t feel like work at all!
• features that enhance productivity and efficiency• a sense of serenity and completion at the end of each day

Home offices by REFINED are designed with just those things in mind, allowing you the freedom to break away and capture more time with those you love.

REFINED builds custom homes with the intent on making room for more of the things that are most important to you. Whether that’s free time, family time, or whatever suits you most. Our home offices are a core part of meeting the modern homeowner's needs — done beautifully.

REFINED builds beautifully-designed, custom homes in and around the Edina, MN area.  To see more of our work, check out our portfolio here.

Real Home Feature: Elegant Eclectic Home for Young Family

This beautiful new home melds traditional elements with surprising design features that make you want to smile.  The homeowners wanted a fresh, family-friendly space, intertwining clean lines, and unique characteristics.  Not afraid of mixing design styles or trying something new, the home is filled with bold color pops and delightful patterns.  Best yet, it’s a home where memories and magic can be made.

Key features of the home include:

• A bright & white transitional kitchen with a spacious island

• Mixed metals within the same space for an eclectic feel

• Shiplap in the entryway and stairwell, as well as the master bedroom

• Vibrant and playful wall coverings throughout the home

• An impressive lower level bar and wine storage wall

• Fantastic mudroom featuring a corrugated steel-backed bench

• Painted-cement heated floor tiles in the master bath

• and even a hidden entry in the kitchen pantry! (what’s more magical than that?)

We’re sure no shortage of amazing memories will be created in this home...Want to see more images of this Edina home?  You can find them here!

Happy Holidays & Warm Thanks from the REFINED Team! | REFINED Custom Homes Edina, MN

Friends & Clients,

It’s been an exciting 2015!  We're so grateful that you've been part of REFINED through your business and encouragement.  We love the spirit of this community and are thankful we get to do what we do best, right here in Edina — help create meaningful memories in fresh, new spaces.

Happy Holidays to you and your families!

With Gratitude,

The REFINED Team