COCOONING – THE NEW HOMELINESS TREND

COCOONING – THE HOMELINESS TREND

More and more people are enjoying spending time at home. This retreat to private life is known as cocooning.

It’s not a new phenomenon, really. The American researcher Faith Popcorn came up with the term cocooning as early as the 1980s. Its origin lies in biology, where it describes the pupation of insects, such as butterflies. In her book ‘The Popcorn Report: Trends for the Future‘, the author describes cocooning as a stimulus to retreat within your own four walls, for example when the outside world becomes too rough and frightening. People find protection and security in their cosy homes, just like the butterfly caterpillar in its cocoon.

This behaviour is particularly noticeable during crises. It’s not really surprising that the term cocooning was coined during the time of the Cold War. Faced with economic uncertainty, people retreated into their own homes.

The home thus becomes both your central living space and a place of retreat. A place of warmth and intimacy. A place where the world is still OK. Somewhere to feel safe, relax and unwind. Instead of being tossed around at the mercy of the stressful, complicated, overwhelming world, we retreat into our own small and manageable space. We swap a restaurant visit for a delicious meal at our own table, or an evening at the pub for a box-set binge on the sofa. Copious mugs of hot tea and soothing music are also available on demand. The door closes behind us, the mobile phone is switched off, and we snuggle down on the sofa and escape the hectic pace of everyday life. Your personal nest is the perfect place to relax and switch off.

Our cocoon needs to be furnished with beautiful things: a simple sofa enhances a cosy living area where you can spend the whole day. A variety of light sources, green plants, carpets and textiles such as pillows and blankets make the living room an oasis

of well-being. Cocooning represents a new campfire mentality and is closely linked to other home furnishing trends, such as the Danish hygge style and the Swedish Lagom attitude to life. But a cosy evening at home isn’t just about a comfortable couch and the right blanket to wrap yourself in. Your clothing must also be made of warm and cosy materials. Banish your office clothes to the wardrobe. Replace the tight blouse and the stiff jeans with a soft sweatshirt, pyjama bottoms and fluffy knitted socks. A warm, comfortable, layered look is also perfect for cuddling up on cold days when you prefer not to leave the comfort of your own four walls. Cocooning isn’t just for cold weather either – your home is the perfect place for a relaxing break whatever the season. In the summer, your balcony or garden can be transformed into a green oasis that creates the feeling of being on holiday. In addition to comfortable cushions and blankets, a hammock is absolutely essential here. And colourful, warm light from lanterns and light chains makes your favourite ice cream taste even better.

Your time at home is important – both in summer and winter. The most important thing about cocooning is making yourself as comfortable as possible in your own four walls.

COMFORTABLE AND

BEAUTIFUL: the lovely Clara non-wired bra with front closure offers maximum comfort for snuggly evenings in the warmth of your own home. It‘s also ideal for wearing while you sleep. Contact your local retailer, visit our shop in Southampton or buy online and see for yourself how comfy Amoena‘s seamless bras really are. You can find more information, together with a list of Amoena retailers on our website at www.

amoena.co.uk

TIPS FOR A RELAXING TIME AT HOME:

1. MUSIC

The right music is indispensable for a cosy day at home. Pick a Spotify playlist that’s designed for relaxing – there are several to choose from. What could be better than reading a book to background piano music while cuddled up on the sofa?

2. AMBIENCE

The crucial thing for a cosy atmosphere is getting the lighting right. Wall and floor lamps with warm, dimmable bulbs can work well as indirect light sources. And you can’t beat candlelight for a cosy atmosphere.

3. MEET FRIENDS ONLINE

Friends don’t have to be left out during a cosy evening at home. Apps such as Skype, Houseparty or Zoom make it easy to bring your friends into your own home digitally. So you can mix with all your favourite people from the comfort of your sofa.

4. OFFLINE

On quieter days when you’d rather just be on your own and in peace, you should put your mobile phone and laptop aside for at least a few hours. Enjoy your free time offline and stress-free, maybe with a good book.

5. FOOD

A delicious dinner rounds off the cosy day at home perfectly. You can choose between your favourite home recipe or a takeaway – the preferred option, as no cooking means even more relaxation.