The Scandi summerhouse or lakehouse is a refuge from the world - a destination of calm relaxation favoured by Nordic families over the summer months. So how might we create our own Scandi garden as the days warm up? With a natural look that’s practical yet breathtakingly simple of course!
What you need for a Scandi style garden
The sommerhus (Danish), sommarhus (Swedish), hytte (Norwegian) tend to be in natural settings uninterrupted by daily markers, and so any Scandinavian style garden must be simple, natural and uncluttered. Not only must the outdoor furniture be Scandi styled and the Scandinavian design outdoor uncomplicated, but the space must also be well equipped so that you can stretch out the days spent outside, and for the days to effortlessly merge with night. Consider adding a firepit, sumptuous outdoor textiles and a well-stocked outdoor kitchen and you’re sure to embrace outdoor reverie Scandi style as if at the lakehouse.
How to take the Scandi style outdoors
Today’s summerhouses come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are no longer the distinctive red-painted buildings of the past. The distinctive cedar-clad interiors tend to remain because the use of natural raw material inside relates so beautifully to the countryside setting. For your Scandi garden furniture set, choose simple designs made from acacia wood for that special get-a-away style. For Scandi look garden accessories opt for raw or a natural material like rattan planters or concrete planters and try foxtail rosemary for accenting your seating area or outdoor kitchen - not only is it beautifully aromatic, but the pines are also dark green and silvery grey, the perfect Scandi colour base.
Enjoy easy Scandi Outdoor Living
The soft white-grey interior of the Scandi summerhouse captures the light mood of summer and those easy days running in and out of the home with doors and windows open. Achieve the same laid back mood in your garden by taking your indoor style out; it will help entice you outside and make being there less of a commitment, and less of a contrast with inside. A Nordic colour palette employed both in and out the home will unify the space, so invest in outdoor furniture that echoes your Scandi indoor style. Keep the look and the soft furnishings pale or monochrome.
Stay out in the garden ‘til late, Scandi style
Sitting out as the day draws in never fails to feel magical, so if you can stay out without the garden closing in on you, or without catching a chill, then you will be rewarded with ample Scandi outdoor living vibes. To create the intimate ambience of the Scandi summerhouse at home, add a chiminea to your social zone and enjoy the flickering light at dusk - there’s nothing better than gathering around the fire. Introduce simple Scandi style outdoor lighting with stylish festoon lights; string from fence to fence with the aid of a festoon holder or two.
Choose Summer Scandi Textiles
For the contemporary Scandi outdoor room, a scheme of rattan layered with Scandi garden cushions in natural or monochrome designs will create a modern yet inviting outdoor space - for a scheme that feels cosy but is still full of slow living style. When a cool breeze signals home, retreat inside to rooms layered with texture by cushions and throws, and a lightweight quilt is a perfect addition to a midsummer bed.
Spend Easter Outdoors, Scandi style
Above all else, for Nordic families, an escape to the summerhouse is to explore creativity and playfulness. As we head into our Easter break take in the mood of our new trend for a look that will serve those playful pursuits of the holiday. The perfect time to set up the outdoor kitchen, or simply toast a few marshmallows beside the firepit– these are life’s simple pleasures, Scandi style.