Höstmys: Cozy Autumn

Autumn's arrival in the desert Southwest can sometimes feel anticlimactic. We don't usually get the moody weather and colorful leaves that cooler climates get. But that doesn't stop us from loving the season just the same. It doesn't matter that temperatures are still high and days are still sunny, as soon as September hits, out comes pumpkin spiced everything, porches get decorated, and we even get to wear a sweater or jacket now and then. 

It's the feeling of autumn we chase, no matter how it looks outside. Swedes have a word to describe the feeling of autumn. It's höstmys, and translates to autumn coziness. But like so many words in Scandinavian countries, the idea is bigger than the translation. It's a way of making the ordinary feel special just by slowing down and paying attention to the season. And that is something we can do here just as well. 

Soften the Light

Scandinavian interiors master the art of atmospheric lighting. Rather than flooding a room with a bright overhead light, a rule of thumb is to have 4-8 different light sources in a space. A floor lamp beside a chair, a small light on a shelf, a pendant hanging over a table, a candle burning in the window, etc. Each does its own job depending on the task at hand and together they change how a room feels. 

Bring in Texture

Höstmys isn't necessarily about filling your home with seasonal decorations. Many people love seasonal decorating and if you love it, that is wonderful. But it's not necessary. Höstmys is more about making a space feel good to inhabit. Think thicker textiles and heavier ceramics with weight to them. Layer a throw over the arm of a sofa, add a cushion to a chair, put a rug under your feet or change up some throw pillows. Take blankets out of the closet and stack them in a visible basket. 

Let Nature Decorate

A walk outside can provide everything you need. A few branches snipped from a tree, dried grasses in a vase, a piece of interesting wood or stone, a bowl of dried botanicals. A typical Swedish fall color palette of rust red, mustard, and earthy brown are all natural and accessible to us here too. One of my favorite fall desert plants is rabbit brush (pictured). It turns the most beautiful gold color in the fall. With the backdrop of dusty sage and red rock, it sure is breathtaking.

Harvest and Preserve

Autumn in Scandinavia often means harvest sharing and local foraging to preserve food for cooler days. My husband's family told us they have secret mushroom foraging spots in nearby woods. One of my Swedish immigrant relatives, Hannah, loved to preserve fruit and make wines and cordials and took pride in sharing them. They were so beautiful, people said they looked like little stained glass works of art. My attempts at preserving have never looked great, but I think of her every time I try. Here in my community, September brings farmer's markets, festivals, and Peach days. 

Make Something Warm

Höstmys is about the rituals that happen at home. What is more cozy than a pot of soup simmering on the stove, fresh bread baking in the oven, or a mug of something mulled and warm. There is something special about finding pleasure in the simple rituals of everyday life. Try this hearty Swedish split pea soup on a cold night.

Ärtsoppa, serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:
  • 2 1/2 cups dried yellow split peas
  • 6 to 8 cups water
  • 2 large yellow onions
  • 1 vegetable bouillon cube
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried marjoram
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 5 oz fresh button mushrooms, about 2 cups sliced
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • Mustard and fresh marjoram or thyme, to serve
Directions:
  1. Soak the peas in plenty of water for at least 12 hours. Drain, rinse, and put them in a pot. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and skim off the foam.
  2. Peel and thinly slice the onions. Add the onion, bouillon cube, thyme, marjoram, and salt to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the peas are soft and part of them have broken down into the soup. Season with mustard and more salt to taste.
  3.  Slice the mushrooms and fry in oil until well browned. Season with salt, add the liquid smoke, and cook one more minute.
  4. Serve the soup topped with the mushrooms and extra mustard, with fresh marjoram or thyme on top

Create a Place to Linger

It could be that the most important part of höstmys is creating a place and a pace to linger. Maybe that looks like a chair next to a window, or a reading lamp by your bed. Maybe it's putting on a favorite record while cooking so you don't feel rushed. Or it could be piling extra cozy blankets on the bed to make it that much more appealing. Autumn invites us to slow down and savor it. 

Höstmys, Desert Style

Scandinavian design doesn’t have to be copied literally. You don’t need a snow-dusted landscape outside to create the feeling. Höstmys can live beautifully in the desert. Think warm neutrals, natural materials, sculptural forms, soft lighting and plenty of texture. 

Add the colors of the landscape outside: sand, clay, rust, sage, charcoal and sun-faded ochre. Open the windows on a cool evening. Light a candle. Put on some great music. Make dinner. Go on an evening walk. That is höstmys.



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