With Spring’s arrival, the lines between the inside and the outside of our homes begin to blur and we start to anticipate the potential of our outside room now that the evenings are longer. Lifestyles have changed over the last couple of years, the garden is a destination we value greatly and we’re itching to get out and enjoy our outdoor spaces beyond the summer season. Interiors writer Reena Simon, @hygge_for_home, shows us how, with cosy garden chairs, some clever soft furnishings and outdoor lighting, we can begin our wholesome connection with nature and our outdoors right now, even if it’s still a little chilly.
“I think the reason why the idea of “hygge” is so appealing here in the UK is that we experience the same seasonal weather as our Scandinavian neighbours. Seeing the way they embrace the elements, no matter what is hugely inspiring.”
REENA SIMON
Wrap up warm with cosy garden cushions and throws
A sumptuous look outside will make the most of those magical late summer nights and ready the garden in spring, so as not to overlook this beautiful time of the year when it comes. It’s easy to make an inviting cosy corner as Reena explains, simply convert the comfortable outdoor furniture you enjoyed throughout the summer with cosy garden cushions and throws.
“The key is to make the garden as inviting and warm as possible. I layered our wooden garden furniture with textured cushions and a wool blanket which was perfect to keep warm. And I added soft wool rugs with sheepskins on the floor which kept it a comfortable experience to walk over barefoot.”
REENA SIMON
Design a cosy corner around your comfy garden sofa
Once you have converted your garden furniture for the cooler days, arrange carefully for extra hygge. As Reena has shown, the focus on nature is what is important, embracing the season, as if camping under the stars. A casual arrangement of deckchairs and hanging chairs around your main outdoor sofa captures the campfire mood and the natural textiles unify the look. Fire up the spring garden’s essential accessory, the fire pit and stay stylishly cosy for hours.
“Make the most of the extra light by enjoying cosy nights in the garden with a roaring fire pit. I don’t think there is a more “hyggelig” piece you could add to your garden.”
REENA SIMON
Add the feeling of shelter for a cosy mood
Creating a sense of shelter will help make the most of your outdoor through the autumn. Reena’s spot under the trees is easily decorated with lights from above to give the impression of a roof. Add height to your outdoor room with outdoor tables decked with springtime decoration in the form of dried or faux plants and stems, add decorative outdoor lighting and accessorise with bags and baskets to hold the cosy textiles and logs for the fire.
“I like to continue my interior design in the garden and mirror the materials I have used in our outdoor space. Wood, rattan, linen, ceramics and textured furnishings are key elements for a cosy garden.”
REENA SIMON
Capture the cosy ambience with lighting
For an evocative glow, Reena choose the part of her garden she really wanted to draw attention to and planned the outdoor lighting scheme around it. This might be a deep flower bed or tree when you’re inside looking out and your outdoor cosy seating area when staying out after dark. If you are blessed with a large garden, combine a variety of outdoor pendant lights, lit decorative accessories and traditional festoon lights to add to the magic of your cosy all-season garden.
“The dream has been to light up the trees, I draped festoon lights, hanging them from branch to branch and then added the most beautiful rattan pendants at different heights to create the cosiest nook in the garden. Even when retiring indoors we have left the lights on which creates a magical ambience and casts shadows across the garden late into the night.”
REENA SIMON
Quoted words, photography. styling @hygge_for_home