10 Elements to Add Hygge to Your Ottawa Home
If you’ve ever been to Denmark, or a book store in autumn, you likely have heard the term ‘Hygge’. Hygge is one of those wonderful Danish words that does not directly translate to English. It essentially means cozy togetherness, pleasure from soothing things or the art of creating intimacy. Hygge is more of a feeling and atmosphere than about physical things, yet there are objects that you can gather to create a cozier environment.
Picture this; you spent the day outside, maybe hiking, playing with your kids, or pumpkin picking. The sun is setting outside, and you’re curled up in a fluffy blanket on the couch. You’re basking in a quiet moment with candles flickering in the background as you hold a warm cup of tea.
Here are 10 ways to add coziness into your home, complete with local examples of course!
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A Warm Beverage
Francesco Coffee is a modern coffee roaster in Ottawa. The company is 100% Canadian, offering fair trade coffees in a variety of blends and flavours. My favourite is the Mokha Cavour. $2 from each sale goes to the Ottawa Food Bank.
Cloud Forest Coffee is based in Ottawa with the roaster in Hull, QC. The quality coffee is purchased from a farmers cooperative, that begun as an alternative to mining in the region of Ecuador.
Tealee is a loose-leaf tea store based out of Ottawa. All of their original blends are high quality ingredients and additive free. You can create a custom blend!
Tease Tea is not only ethically sourced, quality tea, it supports women in business globally through community enrichment programs and particularly their Founders Fund program.
If you’re looking for a local shop that sells tea, look no further than Mint & Honey Gifts in Kanata. Nadine is a genuine lover of tea and has curated a great selection, among other gifts and preserves.
Looking to snuggle up at a coffee shop this season? CLICK HERE for a list of cozy coffee shops in Ottawa.
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Blankets and Throws
Pokoloko is a local Quebec based company, and the products are all artisan made, cruelty free, ethically sourced and fair trade! They are mainly known for their versatile Turkish towels, but the coziness does not stop there. Find a variety of blankets, towels, wraps, scarves and pillows!
Anupaya has a ‘One Pound Promise’ initiative, committing to removing one pound of waste for every product sold. Their cozy blankets are a recycled wool blend and very soft, the fabric is ethically sourced and sewn in Ottawa. They also have cushions and are well-known for their fedora hats.
Mini Tipi is a Quebec, women-owned company, creating beautiful blankets and shawls inspired by their Canadian and Indigenous heritage. The blankets are extremely soft, the perfect indoor-outdoor transition. They also carry shawls, bags, and a line of baby blankets and accessories.
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Candles
Doozy Candle is a minor obsession of mine. I love how long they burn for, truly offering a cozy feeling that lasts hours at a time. They are also environmentally friendly since it’s all wax and no glass used – bring your used candles and have them refilled in Chelsea, QC. To read more CLICK HERE.
Wick Witch in Merrickville is such a vibe. I recommend visiting their shop, as it is beautiful. Not only to they have their soy candles (made locally) they carry other bath and body products.
Blackett & Co. are hand poured using a soy wax, with scents inspired by memories and special moments. Some wood wicked candles available to enjoy the addition of that crackling fire sound.
Arrow it Forward has a candle called Hygge… if that wasn’t reason alone to shop, all candles are soy based and hand poured. Sprays, wax melts and car air fresheners also sold.
If you’re not a fan of candles, adding twinkly lights can offer a similar affect.
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Plants and Flowers
A significant component of adding Hygge elements to your home, are all things outdoors and nature. Imagine bringing the forest indoors, and what better way to do that than with indoor plants! Ottawa has a number of local florist and plant shops, and there is already an Ottawa River Lifestyle blog post naming a few! If you’re looking to shop house plants and florals in Ottawa, CLICK HERE.
Flowers Talk Tivoli is hosting multiple virtual workshops this season – check them out for some inspiration and add some hygge to your home.
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Natural, Wooden Elements
Maker House Co, local shop in Hintonburg, specializes in wooden furniture, home décor and Canadian gifts. They have rustic benches, beeswax candles, throws and pillows, plants… basically all things you need to add some Hygge to your home.
Rustic Urban Furniture; the name says it all. Unique recycled or reclaimed wooden pieces made right here in Ottawa. Benches, tables, shelves… message for a custom order!
Midnight Knits is a local maker and Etsy shop offering toques, headbands and, my favourite for this season – knitted pumpkins! Such a cute addition to your fall décor.
Knotted River is a new macramé maker in the Ottawa Valley. I absolutely love my plant hanger she made me and have my sights set on a full wall hanging eventually.
Within the Grain is an Ottawa wood working maker. They create serving boards, ornaments, salt & pepper shakers, bottle openers and salad bowls, among other things. Shop their selection on Ottawa Artisans, along with other local makers.
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Cozy Canadian Clothing
Province of Canada tributes a time in history when Quebec and Ontario merged, both a province and country at a time when quality and locally made were most valued. Simple tees, sweaters and sweatpants in a variety of colours.
Smash & Tess; simply hearing the name should make you think rompers! They have revolutionized the romper look in a variety of styles and colours. Made from a bamboo and cotton blend, these comfy rompers are made to wear everywhere. Check out their new waffle collection.
Blondie Apparel started with infinity scarves and have worked their way up to being a well-known cozy Canadian brand. The first sales were in the Ottawa Region and they pride themselves on keeping it Canadian and responsible.
Illbury & Goose uses the slogan, ‘Truly Unique, Entirely Canadian’ as a nod to entrepreneurship, family and our Canadian journey. The clothing is manufactured in Toronto using sustainable practises.
Ten Tree Apparel has been one of my go-to for hoodies and cozy tees for years. Their clothing options have increased as they’ve grown. Ten trees are planted for each item sold, and you receive a code in order to track where in the world your trees are planted.
There are so many great Canadian brands to shop from; CLICK HERE for 20 Canadian clothing brands!
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Books and Stationary
Hobbry Ltd design studio creates beautiful, practical products. They specialize in planners and calendars. My last two annual planners were Hobbry and they’re now my go-to brand! Find products at Indigo.
Danica Studio is a Vancouver based brand designing beautiful stationary, in addition to other home goods and accessories. Find greeting cards, notebooks, keepsake boxes and much more. Many products, and other cozy finds available locally at Boogie and Birdie.
The Gifted Type is an Ottawa shop that is now virtual. Shop here for all your stationary needs; guided journals, notebooks, interactive books, greeting cards, bookmarks, calendars, sticky notes, pens and markers… I could go on.
The Penny Paper Co is a Toronto based stationary brand. They have many colourful printed notebooks, greeting cards, pencil sets and stickers. They also have items like candy, drinkware and keychains. Build your own gift box online!
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Ceramics
Wildtree Ceramics is a one woman show, handcrafting all pieces in Ottawa. She creates colourful clay jewelry, spoon rests, plant pots, ring holders and other goods.
Hollow Clay Works creates small batch ceramics in Ottawa. They have colourful bowls in various sizes, mugs, plates and more. Find them at local shops such as JV Studios, Cheerfully Made and Red Brick Emporium.
Steffi Acevedo is a local ceramic artist, handcrafting pottery. ‘Big Cuppa’ mugs, bowls, plates and tiny spoons can all be found in subtle colours and lovely pastels. You’ve likely seen her ‘Ottawa’ or ‘Hintonburg’ tumblers around town.
Grow Studios are breaking barriers through handmade goods. They create jewelry, pottery (coasters, mugs, pots etc) and woodworking. In addition, they provide employment opportunities and job skills training for people with exceptional needs. (Currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions).
The Mud Oven is an independently owned paint-it-yourself ceramics studio. Choose an item from their substantial inventory, receive a short explanation from staff and get painting! They glaze your unique piece once complete.
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Sweets and Treats
Suzy Q Doughnuts and Mavericks Donut Co; there is debate in the capital of which is better, but why choose? They both offer fresh donuts, made from scratch in a variety of flavours.
Strawberry Blonde Bakery. Calling all vegan, nut-free and gluten-free dessert lovers!
Three Tarts Bakery on Bank street is a quaint, low key shop offering up some classic goodies.
Oh So Good Desserts was one of my early go-to’s in the Byward Market. Their cakes are my favourite, but they also have pie, tarts and cookies.
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth outside of the city? Some must-mention bakeries include; Grahame’s Bakery in Kemptville, Mightyfine Bakehouse in Arnprior, Perth Pie Co in Perth, Black Walnut Bakery in Cumberland, and Wilkies in Pembroke.
I can’t forget about my friend Olivia (@inspiringolivia). She takes custom orders for cupcakes and cakes, currently offering seasonal flavours like pumpkin spice and chai.
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Vintage Pieces
Vintage touches and accents in a home vary person by person. No matter what your taste is regarding vintage finds, there are a number of local stores to hunt through. I personally love the activity of wandering antique shops, and the browsing itself feels like a very hygge event.
You will find antique shops in different locations in the capital region. Browse the Ottawa Antique Market on Bank street, then walk a couple blocks to Yardley’s Antiques. Browse A Fine Thing in Little Italy, Highjinx in Centretown and Nostalgia Warehouse in Hintonburg.
Almonte has multiple vintage and antique shops including Almonte Antiques and Collectibles, Nine Lives Antiques and Big Vintage.
Arnprior has quite the collection of antique shops such as Antiques Treasures & Treats, Prior Things, Treasure Chest Antiques, Antiques Etcetera and The Vintage Crate.
If you’re looking for an easy way to add some Hygge into your home, check out the Manitoba based company Hygge Canada. They curate cozy subscription boxes quarterly, including mainly Canadian products to add some coziness to your home.
Find similar blog posts about Ottawa:
- Where to Shop Locally Downtown
- Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide
- 30 Day Social Distancing Challenge
- The Best Canadian Made Candle
Thanks for the Pokoloko shoutout Megan! Love seeing the way you bring so many creators and makers together in this piece – there is so much talent in this city!
I love that you have highlighted so many incredible Canadian businesses. It is SO important to support local, now more than ever with everything going on in the world. There are a few here that I haven’t heard of before now, but I’ll be checking them out now.