3 days Ago By [email protected] (Sarah Wilson)
When considering how to create a Scandi-style garden, make simplicity, functionality, and the use of natural materials your guiding principles. Another key element is sustainability, with the emphasis on using natural and recycled materials, ideally in a refined color palette. Relaxed Scandi design is up there with the best backyard ideas , creating exactly the right balance between function and aesthetics.
In this style of garden everything that exists within the space has a purpose, meaning the end result is beautifully restrained and clutter-free. Exactly the sort of place where you can enjoy a restful interlude whenever you step outside. The good news is this kind of design isn't difficult to achieve.
We spoke to Scandinavian garden designers to find out how to get the look in our own outdoor spaces. Ornamental grasses are one of the most versatile plants used in Scandi-style garden design We have focused on the key principles of how to create a Scandi-style garden design to help you achieve the look, as well as tap into some of the healthy lifestyle benefits. You'll soon want to find out how to create a Scandi wellness area in your yard too, by creating a serene space that will restore mind and body.
1. Make natural style your starting point Swedish family-owned company Grythyttan Stålmöbler have been designing and manufacturing outdoor furniture since their first piece was introduced in 1930 The concept of naturalness is a key element in how to create a Scandi-style garden. After all, 'friluftsliv' (open-air living) is essential to the Scandi way of life.
Nordic gardens are relaxed and informal, featuring loose and free planting rather than organised flower beds and uniformity. They are not about showing off topiary skills or cultivating a manicured lawn. 'In Scandinavia it is viewed as a privilege to be close to nature, and we have an enormous respect for our surroundings and how to care for them,' says Annika Zetterman , landscape designer and author of New Nordic Gardens (available from Amazon ).
'We are born and raised close to nature, acquiring knowledge of how to treat our surroundings and how to respect and care about the wild.' Explore wildflower garden ideas and prairie garden planting to get the right mix of beautiful native flowers and translucent grasses that goes hand in hand with this look. Annika Zetterman is one of Scandinavia's most influential landscape designers.
She creates captivating gardens with a love for the land. Annika is the author of the bestselling book New Nordic Gardens , published by Thames & Hudson. 2.
Opt for a calm and uncluttered look A winning combination of understated landscaping and a neutral color palette 'A Scandi-style garden is all about creating an experience, a feeling of calm and ease,' says garden designer Rosie Wilkins , who is half-Danish. 'It's about designing spaces with purpose that foster a deep connection between people and place. It's not about being grand or showing off.
Instead it's about understated style, elegance and usability.' The concept of 'less is more' is definitely a key element to consider when thinking about how to create a Scandi-style garden. But it's about more than just simplicity and functionality.
'It's about creating something that you want to engage with,' explains Rosie. 'A Scandi garden is designed for purpose but also invites personality, playfulness and connection. Ultimately it's about creating a space that you want to spend time in.
' If you love minimalist design and want to try reworking the look in your own yard so it becomes a calmer, Scandi-inspired space, check out more modern garden ideas for inspiration. Rosie Wilkins studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield, and now heads up Rosie Wilkins Landscape Design. She enjoys working on both domestic and small public projects.
With a Danish mother Rosie takes great design inspiration from Scandinavian culture. 3. Enhance sensory qualities Flowering plants add delightful color, texture and scent to the garden, while ornamental grasses are just made for brushing your fingers through In Scandinavian culture the garden is seen as a place to escape from stress and boost your wellbeing.
Part of what makes it so special is creating a stimulating environment that awakens the senses. 'Sensory qualities are of great importance in Scandinavian garden design and these go far beyond the use of scented plants,' says Swedish landscape designer Mia Witham . 'In my mind Swedish design is more connected to the Earth, using natural materials such as wood, stone and clay in the development of spaces and products.
' The use of natural materials offers a range of textures to play with and it is this that gives a space warmth. 'Swedish design involves the consideration of many factors,' explains Mia, 'This can include sensory garden ideas such as wind exposure to the skin, the sound of rain on a roof, dappled shade slanting through canopies, scented plants, textured surfaces, movement, the sound of wildlife, and water.' Mia Witham is an award-winning Swedish landscape and garden designer, and the owner of Forma Landscapes.
She has a passion for plants and works both in the UK and abroad on wide ranging projects. She seeks inspiration from nature where she studies plant communities, the shapes and forms of plants, and how they combine. 4.
Use a pared-back color palette Every shade of gray works in Scandi-style garden design Using natural materials and colors is important when considering how to create a Scandi-style garden. The classic Scandinavian color palette is a combo of stark black, white and cream, with the addition of gray and earth tones. This gives the impression of being closer to nature.
'Scandinavians really appreciate the light, and perhaps that is why we tend to use a lot of pale colors in our designs,' says Annika. 'Generally speaking gardens contain a color palette for each season, with the most neutral color palette in winter, of dead seed heads and brown bark.' The concept of a Scandinavian color scheme extends to hardscaping and furniture too.
'Choose natural materials like wood and stone in neutral colors that complement the surroundings,' says Rosie. 'Rather than using lots of materials try limiting yourself to just one or two and explore how you could use them in different forms and finishes.' Stone can be used for paving, landscaping ideas with rocks and boulders, and landscaping with gravel , while wood works well for benches, walkways and screens.
'This approach will give you a space that has depth and interest while maintaining simplicity and cohesion,' explains Rosie. 5. Choose furniture that fits the Scandi aesthetic Simple yet functional furniture designs are a staple of Scandi design Following the guiding principles of clean lines and simple forms when considering how to create a Scandi-style garden extends to furniture choices too.
Make a point of only having items with a purpose that blend into the natural surroundings. This simple, no-clutter approach to design will transform your outdoor space with a truly Scandi aesthetic. 'Danish design has always been very minimal and pared back, which creates the perfect canvas to build upon,' says Rikke Blaeside , design manager at international home furnishing retailer JYSK, experts in Scandinavian outdoor living.
'To make a design-led statement, choose garden furniture pieces with minimal impact and pared-back silhouettes that are perfect for adding a Scandi touch, and provide a modern, easy-breezy feel for outdoor spaces.' According to Rikke, the best approach is to opt for furniture items that do not feel bulky or heavy within the space, but seamlessly blend into the garden, without impacting the surroundings and atmosphere. Choose from the best wooden outdoor furniture to get that natural Scandi vibe.
When making furniture choices incorporate natural textures such as wicker, linen, and faux-fur to dress up the look. Keep the color palette cool and calm, using soft, neutral hues. Rikki is a Denmark-based design manager at JYSK, a Scandinavian home furnishing retailer.
She has extensive knowledge about interior aesthetics and trend analysis. 6. Create atmospheric lighting Style up the lighting by using different types at different levels, as you would for your interior Thoughtful lighting is an important part of how to create a Scandi-style garden for an enchanting ambience once the sun goes down.
The best way to get the look is to use a mix of festoon lights, lanterns, solar-powered lamps, and candles to create a warm glow. This typically results in diffusing soft light throughout the space to create an inviting atmosphere. 'The key to a successful lighting composition is to leave some areas unlit,' says Annika.
'Balancing illuminated spaces with darkness creates dynamic contrast and the space will resonate with tranquil unity. Artificial lighting is a powerful tool and gives a sharper contrast and depth to a space than natural shadows and light.' Light pathways, patios and pergolas to enhance key design elements in the garden and make favorite objects much more prominent as part of your backyard lighting ideas .
Meanwhile nothing beats the flames of a fire pit both for atmosphere and to encapsulate the cosy concept of hygge. 7. Care for the environment Source natural materials locally for hardscaping projects Focus on creating a space that works with nature not against it, making your garden greener and a better place to be.
'I favour natural materials to man-made and regularly use clay pavers, boulders, and timber structures with an abundance of plants to create dynamic spaces which change with the seasons and over the years,' says Mia. ‘ Lagom ’ is a Swedish word that loosely translates as ‘just enough’ and refers to living in a more sustainable way. It encourages the use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, and buying quality products that will last, for example avoiding plastic, and aiming to reuse, reclaim and recycle wherever possible.
'Scandi design values resourcefulness and a light environmental footprint,' says Rosie. 'Use sustainable and, where possible, local materials that will age well. Consider adding features like rainwater harvesting, composting, and raised vegetable beds.
Growing you own produce, especially berries, is a classic Scandi touch.' FAQs To plant a Scandi-style garden successfully consider layering. 'Create a secluded, immersive garden by incorporating planting across all levels, from the ground up to the trees,' says Rosie.
'Use a mix of groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, climbers and trees to build height and fullness without the space feeling overgrown.' Combine structural evergreens with more delicate textures, like landscaping with ornamental grasses and ferns, and include plants that offer different seasonal highlights to ensure the garden looks great all year round. Once you have the design principles and landscaping ideas sorted, you'll be free to explore the best plants for a Scandi-style backyard , to fill your garden haven with soft, naturalistic, Nordic planting schemes.
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