Looking at the ten-day forecast here in Malmö, Sweden I can see the mercury slowly starting to rise - woohoo! This spring, shall we say, is extra special - meaning we're willing to don all kinds of clothing if it means seeing friends and family! But there's no reason we can't gather in style and comfort too! Today I'm putting Scandinavian outdoor spaces under the microscope so we can glean some wonderful ideas to ensure we're as comfy as possible and surrounded by beauty! Here are eight ideas to steal:
1. Light it up: There's not much use in socialising outdoors if we can't see who we're talking to - and
outdoor string lighting* gives that lovely warm glow, and a romantic touch to any backyard. And here's the best part: even if we're not outdoors, lighting up the greenery helps the indoors to feel larger; giving the impression that the living space is extended, and draws the inside in! You might need to add a wooden post or metal pole in order to help hang them at the right height.
2. Go natural: our Scandi friends love to keep things as natural as possible - especially in the garden! Think rattan, wood and bamboo for a warm, relaxed look. In recent years, there's been a huge increase in all-weather bamboo furniture too!
3. The parasol: Admittedly, in Sweden being blinded by the sun is a bit of a luxury, and a moment we long for year-round! But you can never underestimate the power of the sun - and a parasol, sail or pagoda is essential for blocking out the midday rays. Not only will coverings keep you cool in the heat, but there'll also keep you feeling cosy and dry in the rain - prolonging the hours you get to spend alfresco. Our Nordic friends usually opt for white with wood poles, but these
colourful parasols have become really popular lately among the hipsters. I'm suddenly thinking I might need to do a separate parasol post, there are so many fab ones out there - could that be of interest?
4. The bench: It's all very well creating social areas where everyone can gather, but what happens if you simply want to be alone, gather your thoughts or admire the results from the long hours you spent toiling the soil? It's always a good idea to treat your garden like any indoor living space: organise it so that it caters for different activities / needs! There are so many great garden benches out there - from contemporary (as seen above) to the more traditional.
5. Divide it up: Go a step further and carve out separate zones using walls, windows, hedges or anything else that helps to create a little privacy for showers, sunbathing areas, quiet reading spots etc. The wall with a window above is perfect for creating an intimate dining area while also offering a view of the garden. PS the dining set reminds me so much of the one my parents had when I was young!
6. Mix it up: don't be afraid to throw different looks together. Rattan, wood, concrete - the more varied, the more relaxed!
7. Get comfy: one of the biggest mistakes people make with outdoor spaces in my mind is not making them comfortable enough. Since garden furniture needs to withstand the weather, it's often made from rock hard materials. Make sure you invest in cushions for your chairs and outdoor sofa (even if you do need to bring them indoors each evening!) - or why not add a daybed or hammock (this
boho hammock* is similar) so you can really chill out and enjoy an afternoon snooze!
8. Lanterns: What would a Scandinavian living space be without a candle or three? Since one little gust of wind can snuff out the glow in seconds, lanterns are your best friend, and I firmly believe it's a case of the more the merrier. Place them on the table, on the ground (invest in two different sizes so they look good paired up) and hang them from the branches of a tree for a hyggeligt evening alfresco!
There are so many lovely ideas here! It's got me thinking about prepping my own
mini outdoor space for the season.
What type of outdoor space do you have (if any)? I'd love to hear all about it, and so keen to hear any tips and tricks you might have!
For more outdoor space inspiration check-out:
Here's to a glass of rosé, alfresco!
Niki
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