A dose of hygge could ease Hong Kong’s tiny living woes

11th May 2024 – (Hong Kong) As “Asia’s World City”, Hong Kong is renowned for its high efficiency, which stems in part from its high-density development. But this also comes with shortcomings – epitomised by the city’s shoebox housing units and a residential property market that is the least affordable in the world.

According to the 2021 population census, Hong Kong’s per capita living space is just 172 sq ft, much smaller than Tokyo’s 210 sq ft and Singapore’s 270 sq ft. The difference is glaring when we compare it with Shenzhen’s 300 sq ft – nearly double that of ours.

Hong Kong’s high housing prices have had a significant impact on market behaviour in recent years, most prominently the building of nano flats, some measuring only 128 sq ft – the tiniest flats earned themselves the nickname “king-size bed” units. Buyers snapped them up despite having to spend millions of Hong Kong dollars on a home that is often smaller than a typical car park space (130 sq ft). Ultimately, this is the consequence of the severe land and housing shortages in Hong Kong and the resulting demand-supply imbalances.

But there are encouraging signs. The government is clearly setting out to improve living space, and market dynamics are shifting. It seems first-time homeowners are no longer scrambling for any unit that requires a smaller lump sum initial payment – no matter how small the flat – just to get a foot on the property ladder.

Against this backdrop, could the Danish concept of “hygge” offer a solution to improving the psychological wellbeing of Hong Kong’s shoebox dwellers?

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh”) is a Danish word that encompasses a mood of coziness, comfort, contentment and wellness. It’s about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The concept has gained global popularity in recent years, with many seeking to incorporate hygge into their lives, especially during the pandemic when personal space became even more limited.

For Hong Kongers living in tiny flats, cultivating hygge can be particularly beneficial in boosting their psychological well-being. By intentionally creating cozy and comfortable spaces within their confined homes, they can find moments of respite and tranquility amidst the bustling city.

“The thing about living in a tiny space is…to cultivate the enormity of inner space. Spacious thoughts,” shares a friend of mine who lives in a 700 sq ft tiny house in Maryland. She explains that when her tiny abode occasionally feels “cramped”, she knows it’s time to reassess her material possessions and create more breathing room.

“I often feel that the space is perfect for hygge. It’s beautiful and snug and I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. Everything I need and love…tucked in a close ‘nest’,” she adds, highlighting the cozy and comforting qualities that hygge can bring to a small living environment.

Similarly, in my own experience of downsizing from a two-room setup to a single room during the pandemic, I’ve found ways to imbue my compact living quarters with hygge. From arranging my limited furniture strategically to create a cozy reading nook, to strategically placing candles and natural elements around the room, I’ve been able to cultivate a sense of coziness and calm amidst the chaos.

“Lighting is my number one priority,” I share. “If I’m feeling zen, I usually like a dim-lit, quiet space with only a few lamps on. If I’m in the mood to cook a meal over good conversation with friends, I usually have all the overhead lights on with Italian dinner music blasting in the background.”

The ability to adjust the lighting and ambience to suit my mood has been key in fostering a hygge-filled home, even in my diminished living space. As Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge, notes, “the rule of thumb is: the lower the temperature of the light, the more hygge.”

Beyond lighting, incorporating cozy textiles like throw pillows and blankets that can be swapped out seasonally has also been an effective hygge hack in my small abode. The act of curating these comforting elements helps me feel more in control of my environment, which is crucial when living in confined quarters.

“Having embraced Hygge for a few years now while living in a small space, I’m realising it’s definitely more of a mindset, something that you can live by day-to-day depending on your mood, or where you are in life,” I reflect. “Just like things in your life ebb and flow, so can your space.”

While the hygge approach can help Hong Kong’s shoebox dwellers find pockets of comfort and calm, the psychological impact of living in severely confined spaces should not be underestimated.

Just as solitary confinement in prisons can have devastating mental health consequences, the experience of being trapped in a tiny flat day in and day out can take a significant toll. As writer Albert Woodfox, who spent over 40 years in solitary confinement, poignantly describes, the psychological effects can be severe.

“After about a month in CCR [the solitary confinement block] I was sitting on my bunk when I started sweating, and the walls of my cell started to move toward me at the same time. My clothes tightened around my body…The ceiling was pressing down on me. It was hard to breathe, hard to think, hard to see,” Woodfox recounts, vividly capturing the claustrophobic experience.

This kind of harrowing psychological distress is not just limited to the extreme conditions of solitary confinement. Even those who have chosen to downsize their living spaces can grapple with the emotional toll of feeling confined and restricted.

My friend in the tiny house, for instance, shares that there are times when she feels “cramped” and needs to address the amount of material goods she possesses. “Of course, this spells doom for many of the books…because of the lack of a comfortable reading space. Sigh.”

The constant need to make tough choices about what to keep and what to let go of in a small space can be mentally taxing. It requires a delicate balance of prioritising the essentials while maintaining a sense of personal identity and comfort.

In my own experience of downsizing, I’ve had to get creative in carving out different functional zones within my single room – a reading nook, a workspace, a sleeping area. The haphazard arrangement of furniture and belongings, coupled with the lack of clear delineation between various aspects of my life, has at times felt overwhelming.

“Even so, I love my little bedroom slash home office!” I share. “I love holing up there to write and read and meditate and talk and text with friends. I love that it’s all mine.”

This dichotomy – the ability to find solace and contentment in a small space, while also grappling with the psychological challenges it presents – seems to be a common thread among those navigating tiny living.

The Path Forward: Embracing Hygge and Improving Living Conditions

As Hong Kong grapples with its housing crisis, the Danish concept of hygge offers a glimmer of hope for those confined to shoebox flats. By intentionally cultivating cozy and comforting environments within their limited spaces, residents can find moments of respite and psychological well-being.

“Hygge is about giving your responsible, stressed-out achiever adult a break,” as Meik Wiking eloquently puts it. In a city renowned for its breakneck pace and high-pressure lifestyle, this opportunity to slow down and savour the simple pleasures of home can be truly restorative.

At the same time, it’s clear that Hong Kong must also address the underlying issues that have led to the proliferation of these tiny living spaces in the first place. The government’s efforts to improve living conditions, such as introducing a minimum flat size of 280 sq ft, are a step in the right direction.However, more needs to be done to tackle the land and housing shortage at its root. Major development projects like the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands and the Northern Metropolis will be crucial in providing a solid foundation for better quality of life.

As Hong Kong races towards the 2049 deadline to fix its housing crisis, finding the right balance between creating liveable spaces and cultivating a sense of hygge-filled comfort will be key. By embracing the Danish philosophy of coziness and contentment, even in the most confined of homes, Hong Kongers can find a glimmer of respite and psychological well-being amidst the city’s high-density living.