my scandinavian home: Search results for outdoor

8 Ways to Pep up Your Outdoor Space, Scandi style

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:

Ten ways to maximise your tiny balcony / outdoor space

16 outdoor terraces for every style and budget

7 boho ideas for outdoor spaces (big and small)

Outdoor shower round-up

An idyllic Finnish cottage with an outdoor kitchen

Here's to a glass of rosé, alfresco!

Niki

Photography credits: 1 & 7. Malin Nilsson / @vittvittvitt 2. Garden designer Bonnie Hall 3 & 4: Tia Borgsmidt / Rikke Larsen / Monika Petersen 5. Janniche Kristoffersen 6. Anitta Behrendt / Rikke Graff Juel 8. Gardenista

*This post contains some affiliate links

12 outdoor shower ideas from rustic to semi-luxury!

At our summer cottage, the garden is one big open space waiting to be converted into a series of 'rooms'. I have so many dreams of how to make the most it, from flowerbeds and a vegetable patch, to an outdoor kitchen and hot tub. But where to start?

I know exactly where! One of my biggest dreams is to be able to shower under the open sky. For those of you living in warmer climes maybe this is something you enjoy often. In Scandinavia, where the weather can be, shall we say, temperamental, it's something of a luxury!

But wherever you call home, isn't the idea of washing off the sand from the beach surrounded by bird song or, if you live in the city, showering away the stresses and strains of the day in the evening sun wonderful?

Here are 12 outdoor showers I am using as inspiration for our summer cottage, some rustic, some more substantial! Do you have a favourite?

The unshielded shower

Sometimes, it's enough just to make use of what you already have, a tree, the garden wall, side of the house, or a simple shower surrounded by greenery!

Sometimes, it's enough just to make use of what you already have, the garden wall, side of the house, or a simple shower surrounded by greenery!

The semi-shielded shower

This type of shower uses the structure you already have - whether it'a the side of the house or a garden fence, but also includes an added section to create an L-shaped space. Notice how the soil directly beneath has been dug out and replaced with simple pebbles, topped with a small wood decking for comfort.

The shower above uses an upturned pot for towels and other items.

I love the use of a wooden ladder to hang towels.

A bench provide s a nice spot for shower gel, a lantern and other bits and pieces.

Here a section between the main house and guesthouse has been used as an outdoor bathroom complete with a bench, hooks and wind-chime for the ultimate in relaxation!

The private shower

While it's lovely to be able to see the shower from a distance, you might also value some privacy - in which case these ideas might be more your style!

A spiral structure is great for stand-alone showers - while the lovely natural wood blends in with nature and serves as a place to hang towels. Here are some dimensions to follow if you're thinking of building something similar.

This stand-alone shower has a full structure more like a cubicle - with space for a small bench and towel hooks.

This structure makes clever use of the garden fence to create an ivy covered alfresco shower.

I love the idea of an outside mirror - it's taking the outdoor bathroom idea to the next level! Plus it will reflect the surrounding nature and sunlight! Whether you go large or small (like the mirror below) is up to you! Both are lovely though!

I hope you've enjoyed this round-up! Is there a style that stood out to you in particular?

Are you thinking of building an outdoor shower this spring? If so, check out this DIY guide by Better Homes & Gardens.

There are a variety of outdoor showers available online from off-grid solar to fully plumbed hot water. I'll let you know which one I find for our garden when we get nearer the time.

Maybe you already have an outdoor shower? If so, please do share your tips and experiences with us!

You can find more outdoor bathroom inspiration here today:

16 beautiful outdoor bath and shower ideas

10 summer cottages with inspiring outdoor spaces

An idyllic swedish summer cottage with outdoor shower and kitchen

Stor kram!

Niki

1. Dwell 2. anon 3. AAL design 4. Birgitte Wolfgang Bjørnvad / Bolig 5. Frederikke Heiberg / Femina 6- 9 Anon.10. Birgitte Wolfgtang Bjørnvad / Bobedre 11. Employee shower at the Grounds for Sculpture 12. Sibella Court

18 Ideas to Create a Swedish Summer Oasis - From Basic to Blowout!

The Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea is a true summer paradise. It's a place where wild flowers sway in the wind, and the pin sharp light catches the rocks on the rugged coastline and glistens on the blue of the Baltic Sea.

Swedes flock there in July and August to relax and catch up with family and old friends while soaking up the long hours of daylight.

There are many beautiful houses dotted around the island - some basic, some luxurious and everything in between! Today I stumbled across this contemporary oasis on the North east of the island which is currently for sale (I know!) - and I couldn't resist sharing it with you.

Why? Firstly, it had me dreaming of wiling a way a summer here with family and friends. Secondly, more importantly, because although we might not all have the space / budget for everything this wonderful house to offer - there are lots of ideas to steal - both big and small to channel that wonderful Swedish summer house vibe!

Ready to take a look?

1. A covered outdoor dining and barbecue area: Summer is all about spending as much time outside as possible and making the most of the abundance of daylight hours. An outdoor dining / BBQ area is essential. The trouble is, the Swedish weather gods aren't always on our side so a pergola, with fabric to draw across on rainy days is ideal!

2. Solar powered lanterns: who needs to be faffing around with turning on and off outdoor lighting when the sun can do the job for you? IKEA sells solar lamps like these. They look beautiful hung in the trees at dusk (as seen in yesterday's home tour).

3. Outdoor kitchen: If you can't take the heat, create an outdoor kitchen (if you only have a small outdoor space or balcony, mini versions are possible with some creativity!). A perfect way to prolong your time outdoors and save from shuttling everything to and fro on trays!

See more outdoor kitchen inspiration here and here.

4. The double sun lounger: there's something luxurious about a double lounger, don't you think? Pick one that can lay flat or prop up so you can enjoy a book or a siesta at whim!

Note, bamboo is not very weather resistance so best kept under a covered terrace.

5. Permanent Cover: let's just say the weather in Northern Europe doesn't always do what we want it to do. A covered terrace is ideal for ensuring you can still enjoy the great outdoors on rainy days - and it's perfect for shade on warmer days.

6. A sauna: On chillier summer days, a sauna is a perfect way to relax and feel some much needed warmth. But on winter days it' really comes into its own. And the health benefits are numerous!

7. An outdoor shower: why wash off in a steamy bathroom, when you can lather under an open sky?

8. A swing: There's no better way to bring out the child in you like a swing. In my mind I'm already sitting on it overlooking the pool with a drink in hand, how about you?

9. A comfy outdoor social area: a perfect spot for relaxing with friends and enjoying a fika (the swedish ritual of enjoying a coffee and cake) - or better still, a pre-dinner aperitif!

10. Somewhere to take a dip: this house has a wonderful pool - and I can totally see myself drifting around on a lilo - I mean, how lovely! But if like me, you don't have the space / budget, how about a small plunge pool or wilderness bath / hot tub? Or a nice cool dip in a nearby sea / lake / stream is also a wonderful way to cool off!

11. Sports: table tennis, badminton, darts, Kubb (a classic Swedish garden game), croquet... it doesn't really matter which you decide on, it's just fun to have some social activities to enjoy in the sunshine!

12. A relaxed indoor kitchen: At the Swedish summer house it's all about keeping life as simple as possible and the indoor kitchen should reflect this. Simple open shelves allow for a relaxed, 'grab and go' feel and natural materials like wood and stone help to bring the outdoors in.

13. Let there be light! The Scandinavian winters are dark, so when the light returns it's important to embrace it. Glass doors help light to flow through to rooms further away from the window. A simple curtain can be pulled across for privacy.

14. Hooks and more hooks: there's no simpler way to store your summer clothes than a rail of hooks. Besides, all you'll be needing (with any luck) is a robe, bikini, kimono and sunhat! Oh, alright then, maybe a cardi / jumper for the evenings. And a raincoat.... but let's not get bogged down in the details!

15. A simple dressing room area: a mirror, hooks and chest-of-drawers = a basic walk-in-wardrobe, Swedish style!

16. A space to work: A quiet place by the window will help you to feel connected with the great outdoors and keep that holiday feel alive while you work!

17. A simple outhouse for guests: when it comes to the Swedish summerhouse, it's about accommodating as many people as possible - whether that's extended family or friends passing through for the night. I for one, would be perfectly happy to wake up in this little poolside cabana! But I've also seen garden sheds transformed into wonderful little guest houses (size permitting of course!).

18. Bring your own bedding: In Sweden, it's customary for guests to bring their own sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases and you provide the bed, pillow and duvet. Which means less work for everyone, and more time catching up!

So many ideas - I for one would love a table tennis to have outside at our little cabin this summer - so fun! I might just have my eye on a double sun lounger too.

Is there anything that stood out to you?

For more ideas on how to spice up your outdoor space, Scandi style, see:

18 beautiful outdoor baths and showers

8 ways to pep up your outdoor space, Scandinavian style

7 boho ideas for outdoor spaces big and small

10 ways to maximise your tiny balcony and outdoor space

Kram!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bertwig with thanks

FILED UNDER: outdoor shower outdoor spaces outhouse Summer cottage

A Swedish House with an Outdoor kitchen and Living Room

While up at our cabin, rather than relaxing, I can't help but spend my time plotting our next update. A long way in the future, we'd like to have an outdoor kitchen! Do you love them too? There's something about cooking alfresco (and I don't just mean on the barbecue!), don't you think?

The swedes who own this house have got there outdoor space right!

The outdoor kitchen has a gas barbecue, sink and all the utensils you might need to throw together an evening meal. We recently bought a portable plug-in induction stove from IKEA for our cabin and it would make a nice addition here too!

I also like the plant boxes. Placing raised beds around a terrace like this is a nice way to add flowers beside the seating area.

Around the corner they have created a covered terrace with a lovely sitting room area for cosy evenings. I love the pendant lamp for a true 'living room' feel!

Cushions, blankets, candles - all the things you need for a cosy evening! I often bring out a basket of blankets late afternoon and plonk it beside our outdoor seating - so that blankets are at the ready as soon as the chill sets in! Having tried and tested many blankets - from budget to blowout (hey, it's cold up here in the north!), my favourite actually turns out to be the wool-blend ones from H&M Home - they are really soft and a firm family favourite.

A simple bench serves as a perch for a reflective morning coffee for one.

Water tight Glass / plexiglass roofing can get really hot in the sunshine. A wicker cover like this one helps to keep the area cool and looks pretty too!

I couldn't resist sharing a few snapshots from the downstairs living area too - perfect inspiration for anyone who loves serene white / neutral spaces!