Transforming a Minimalist Nordic Ambiance in Your Outdoor Haven

Transforming a Minimalist Nordic Ambiance in Your Outdoor Haven

Whether you've got acres or just a patch, Scandinavian design is perfect for your outdoor space. Here's how to turn your garden into the serene retreat you've always wanted.

Scandinavian design was born out of necessity – small homes in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark meant creative solutions for making the most of limited space. So, even if you're not living in a forest or communal allotment, you can still embrace the Scandi ethos in your garden.

Use Wise Materials

When designing your outdoor space, follow the same principles as Scandinavian interiors. That means – you guessed it – natural materials! Look for light woods like oak and birch, as well as durable textiles. All décor should be clean-lined, minimal, and of high quality. A coffee table with storage space for blankets and other outdoor items can be even better.

Remember that outdoor furniture needs protection from the elements – coating wood with a matt varnish will do the trick, and there are also proofing sprays for fabrics. Opt for heavy-duty materials like linen that can withstand weather while keeping the Scandi vibe alive.

Don't forget to think about color. While Scandinavian design usually favors light colors, dirt shows easily on them in an outdoor setting. Choose neutral or natural-inspired shades like grey or sea blue for a Scandi look that's practical too. Check out our solid-color Scandinavian design duvet covers for inspo.

Make it a Social Space

If you're lucky enough to have a garden and warm weather, make the most of it. Hyggeligt activities like barbecues and card games should happen outdoors. Ensure your patio set layout encourages social connection, with chairs facing each other and enough space for people to move around easily. A coffee table around 4 inches higher than usual makes it easier for people to eat and play games without bending over too much.

For a circular patio set, aim for a width of around 120 inches to avoid shouting. Don't forget to consider heat sources too – an outdoor fire pit or stove can add to the hygge factor, especially in cooler weather.

Create Cozy Nooks

According to Danish happiness expert Meik Wiking, a spacious lawn isn't very hygge. Instead, a properly designed garden can be like an old European city – full of surprises around every corner.

Divide your space using walls, plants, or a trellis or pergola. If you have a terrace with tables and chairs, Wiking recommends surrounding them with pot plants to create a sense of privacy. If you have the space, building walls or planting trees and hedges can offer a more permanent solution.

Get the Lighting Right

Once you have the perfect layout, set up your lighting. Opt for warm, neutral-toned lights – no multicolored Christmas lights, please! Fairy lights, whether battery-powered or not, can make a space feel warm and inviting. For a more substantial option, layer on floor lighting beneath pergolas to add depth to your space. Candles – basic white jar candles or tealights in a bowl – can be a hygge favorite for any outdoor space.

Grow Your Own

Fresh produce fromhome isn't just more delicious – it's more hygge too. Gardening is another way to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.

Whether you have a large garden or just a window box, growing your own food can be rewarding. Consider plants that can be preserved and enjoyed all winter, such as jam fruits like lemons, oranges, and berries, or vegetables that can be pickled, like beetroots and cucumbers.

Once you've had a day of tending to your garden, it's time for some well-deserved rest. Check out our collection of Scandinavian design duvet covers and make bedtime a hyggeligt affair.

What's your favorite outdoor activity? What's your dream Scandinavian-style garden? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter!

Written by our team.

Enrichment Data:

Overall

To achieve a serene Scandinavian outdoor space, focus on incorporating natural materials, minimal, functional furniture, inviting lighting, and thoughtful gardening designs that reflect the essence of Nordic living. Detailed strategies include:

Materials

1. Embrace sustainable, natural materials like wood, stone, wool, jute, leather, and linen for a cohesive, eco-friendly appearance.
2. Opt for outdoor rugs and textiles made of materials that can withstand weather but still align with Scandi style – neutral colors, simple patterns, and natural fibers that add texture without clutter.

Social Layout and Cozy Nooks

1. Maintain minimalism with clean lines and uncluttered arrangements that foster calm and functionality, avoiding excessive ornamentation.
2. Design seating arrangements to encourage intimate conversations and social connection, such as a circular grouping of chairs or a built-in bench with cushions.
3. Create cozy nooks using soft textiles like throws and pillows in muted tones (white, cream, soft gray) to add warmth and softness, inviting relaxation even in colder weather.
4. Consider modular or multifunctional furniture to optimize space while maintaining the minimalist appeal.

Lighting

1. Maximize natural light by positioning seating areas where sunlight naturally falls throughout the day, reflecting the Scandinavian emphasis on bright, airy spaces.
2. Utilize soft, indirect outdoor lighting such as string lights, lanterns, or candles to add warmth and atmosphere during evenings without overpowering the serene vibe.
3. Use fixtures made of natural or unobtrusive materials that blend harmoniously with the surroundings.

Gardening Tips

1. Establish a capsule garden by curating a limited, cohesive plant palette with native or hardy plants that mirror Nordic simplicity and resilience.
2. Incorporate paths, fences, and planting designs inspired by Scandinavian garden aesthetics - simple, geometric shapes, clean edges, and restrained planting schemes that emphasize greenery and texture over flowers.
3. Emphasize slow living by choosing plants and gardening practices that promote mindfulness and a calm pace of life, aligning with minimalism and environmental respect values.

By combining these strategies, you can create an outdoor space that embodies Scandinavian tranquility, simplicity, and environmental respect while making the most of your garden.

Incorporate Scandinavian-inspired interior design elements into your home-and-garden, such as natural materials and minimalistic furniture, to establish a serene lifestyle in your garden. Implement the Scandinavian ethos in your gardening by focusing on practical, high-quality, and low-maintenance plants, and create cozy nooks using outdoor rugs, throws, and lighting for a hygge (cozy) atmosphere. Consider making your garden a social space by hosting outdoor activities like barbecues and card games, and grow your own produce for a touch of Nordic simplicity.

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