How to Take Hygge Outside with Scandinavian Design

Hygge is the word on everyone’s lips lately, as it’s the Scandinavian process of creating a warm and cosy space. Scandinavia knows a lot about the cold, so it makes sense that we follow their advice for the warm fuzzy feeling.

In the UK, we rarely venture into our gardens during the months of November, December and January and this seems like such a shame. There’s so much potential for parties, for gatherings and crisp, snuggly evenings, if we just take a leaf out of the book of Hygge.

Via livingoutsideltd.co.uk

A Big Bold Statement

Living Outside / Via livingoutsideltd.co.uk

An easy way to incorporate Scandinavian design into the winter garden is to erect a building that can be used all year. Who says Barbecues are just for summer? A barbecue is a great way to socialise all year round. Imagine the fat, plump juicy sausages sizzling on the gril, as the fat, fluffy flakes of snow fall outside. Consider the cushions, haphazardly positioned for propping up full bellies after a feast, imagine the scent of solid wood, as you warm your hands over the charcoal and think about the feeling of Hygge you’ll achieve as a result.

Hagrid of Harry Potter had the right idea with his quirky hut in the forest and now you can emulate his uniqueness with a Scandinavian barbecue hut of your own. These incredible structures are seeped in Scandinavian history and ensure you can entertain in the garden all year round.

Of course, you don’t have to share. Hygge is about blankets, scented candles, warmth and comfort and a hut like this would be ideal for snuggling up and reading a book.

Smaller Scandinavian Statements

If you haven’t the budget for a BBQ hut, you can incorporate Scandinavian design into your garden for the winter season with very little effort. There are a few rules to follow when incorporating Scandinavian design into your home and garden. If you can master the rules you can pull off the feeling of Hygge.

Simple and Natural

A lot of Scandinavian decorations use natural materials. Untreated wood (you may want to treat it yourself if it’s to last in the great outdoors), freshly sawn logs and simple designs without any fuss. The best woods to use are pine, oak and birch as these give the bleached look that mirrors the Scandinavian style.

White and One Other Colour

Scandinavian style is fuss free, and usually uses only two colours, one of which is white. Clear, simple, white outdoor lights will add the Hygge twist you need in the garden. Red is a popular colour to add and provides a great contrast. Try to incorporate it naturally with red berries, or red leaves in the garden.

Other Hygge Accessories

Fire is a bit part of a Scandinavian Christmas, be it through small tea light candles or a huge roaring fire pit. Alongside this, natural animal skins and hides are used, but you can use fake fur and sheepskin to create the look.

Once you’ve encapsulated the design of Hygge it’s time to eat, drink and be merry!