If you’ve been looking for an outdoor patio style that is clean and minimalist while still feeling warm and inviting, there’s just no beating the Scandinavian patio design. Whether you’re looking to redecorate an existing patio, or you want inspiration for the design before you call the local builder, this blog will help you achieve a stunning Scandi-inspired patio.
Creating an inviting Scandi patio style at home may seem challenging but with a few simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to hygge heaven. Forget fussy florals and ornate accents, the Scandi patio is all about pared-back perfection. Natural wood, lush greenery and a neutral colour palette are essential. Start by decluttering your space and choose a focal point like a sleek outdoor sofa or fire pit. Group plants together in simple terracotta or stone-coloured pots for an effortless look. Add ambient lighting for cosy evenings outside. Before you know it, your patio will become your blissful Scandinavian sanctuary. The hardest part will be going back inside!
Embrace Minimalism for a Scandi Patio
Embracing minimalism is key to achieving the perfect Scandi patio style. Keep your space uncluttered and avoid overdecorating. Focus on high-quality, natural materials and simple but well-designed furniture.
Scandi patio furniture is made to blend in with the textures of nature while having very distinctive shapes. It’s about having eyecatching shapes, but colours that help blend in to your garden or yard.
Opt for a neutral and earthy colour palette of greys, blacks, whites and natural wood tones. Black or dark grey patio tiles, and concrete or timber decking provide the ideal minimal base. Add texture with natural stone, pebbles or wood accents.
Choose multi-purpose, weather-resistant furniture like wooden benches, dining tables, lounge chairs and sun loungers. Metal frames with timber slats are another classic Scandi option. Group furniture together to create dedicated zones for dining, relaxing and entertaining on your patio.
Layer in cosy textures with outdoor rugs, cushions, throws and lanterns. Add greenery such as potted plants, hedges or vertical gardens. Their natural freshness complements the minimal style perfectly.
Keep ornaments and accessories to a minimum. A stylish outdoor fireplace, chimney or fire pit provides a focal point for your space. Strategically place a few candles, vases or bowls to complete the look without clutter.
By maximising open space, utilising natural materials and keeping décor minimal, you’ll create a stylish Scandi patio oasis. A perfect blend of form and function, your patio will become a seamless extension of your home.
Build a Durable Patio Cover
Scandinavian alfresco areas are expected to handle shine, hail and snow, because of that a patio cover is a perfect design choice, not only for aesthetics but also for protection from the elements.
A patio cover serves as the quintessential element in creating a perfect Scandinavian-style alfresco area, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics. In the pursuit of achieving the clean lines, simplicity, and connection to nature characteristic of Scandinavian design, a well-designed patio cover becomes an indispensable feature. Its minimalist structure provides a sleek and uncluttered appearance, reflecting the Scandinavian ethos of simplicity and understated elegance. Also, the patio cover serves as a protective canopy, allowing for year-round outdoor enjoyment despite varying weather conditions. This fusion of form and function aligns with the Scandinavian emphasis on practical design solutions that enhance the overall living experience. With a patio cover in place, the alfresco area becomes a harmonious extension of the interior, where natural light filters through, and the seamless connection to the surrounding environment embodies the essence of Scandinavian design principles.
If you want a durable patio cover, contact SEQ Patio Group for a free, no-obligation quote.
Use Natural Materials Like Wood and Stone for a Scandi Look
To achieve an authentic Scandi patio style, natural materials are a must. Wood and stone elements will give your space that characteristic minimalist yet cosy feel.
Timber decking or pavers
For flooring, opt for timber decking planks or natural stone pavers in a warm, earthy tone. A rich brown or grey wash is ideal. Wood or stone underfoot instantly creates a sense of rustic charm.
Wooden furniture
Scandi style favours simple, functional furniture with clean lines. Wooden chairs, tables, and benches are perfect. Teak, oak and acacia are all wonderful options. For seating, a wooden bench with plenty of cushions invites languid summer afternoons.
Stone features
Incorporate stone into your design through a fire pit, water feature or pathway. Rounded river stones and rough-hewn boulders work beautifully. A stone fire pit allows for cosy evenings, even as the nights draw in.
Natural greenery
Fill your patio with lush, leafy plants. Ferns, palms and trailing ivy help connect your outdoor space to nature. Potted plants and vertical gardens also introduce greenery without taking up too much floor space, making them perfect for even the smallest patios.
By utilising natural and sustainable materials, your patio will emanate the essence of Scandinavian design. A Scandi patio should feel like an extension of the outdoors. Keep things minimal, functional and close to nature for a hygge haven you’ll never want to leave.
Incorporate Scandinavian-Style Furniture and Decor
To achieve a Scandinavian-inspired patio, incorporate furniture and decor with simple, minimalist lines and natural materials. Think teak, rattan and weather-resistant fabrics in neutral colours.
Seating
For seating, choose armchairs, loveseats and sofas with simple silhouettes and minimal padding. Teak is ideal for patio furniture as it’s durable and develops a silver patina over time. Rattan and wicker are also popular, lightweight options. Use weather-resistant cushions and throw pillows in greys, whites and muted blues.
Tables
Rectangle, square or round tables work well for patio spaces. Look for simple pedestal tables or trestle tables in teak or aluminium. For smaller spaces, nesting tables let you have extra table space when needed but can be stored away when not in use.
Accessories
Add Scandi touches with natural fibre rugs, lanterns, planters and blankets. Jute or sisal rugs bring warmth underfoot. Hurricane lanterns or string lights provide ambient lighting for evenings outside. Fill planters with succulents, lavender or catnip for a low-maintenance garden. Have folding lap blankets on hand for chilly nights.
Overall look
Aim for an uncluttered, minimalist feel with negative space. Only have furnishings and decor that serve a purpose. Stick to a neutral and natural colour palette of whites, greys, light woods and touches of blue. Group seating arrangements together but avoid overcrowding the space. House plants, especially succulents, help bring life to the patio.
With the right selections of simplistic yet sturdy furniture and touches of natural elements, you’ll have a Scandinavian patio oasis perfect for enjoying the warmer months. Keep things minimal, functional and close to nature for a balanced, cosy space to unwind in.
Create Cosiness With Texture and Layers
Creating a cosy space is key to a Scandinavian-inspired patio. Layers of texture and natural materials will make the area warm and inviting.
Add throws, rugs and cushions
Include cosy layers like woollen blankets, sheepskin rugs, knitted throws and scatter cushions. Not only do they add warmth, but also visual interest with their knitted, woven and furry textures. Choose a neutral colour palette of greys, creams and muted greens to keep it Scandi.
Use natural wood
Natural wood is integral to a Scandinavian aesthetic. Wooden furniture like tables, chairs, benches and planters will make your patio feel warmer, without it being overly rustic. For flooring, you could lay wooden decking or use large wooden tiles. If you have an existing concrete patio, wood-effect tiles can create the same look.
Lighting
Strategic lighting will make your patio cosy for evenings. Use natural lighting like candles in lanterns or string lights for a soft glow. For task lighting, wall-mounted lamps or table and floor lamps are ideal. Look for fixtures in natural materials like wood, rattan or woven fabrics to complete the look.
With the right accents and materials, you can create a snug and inviting patio perfect for long summer evenings. Layers of texture, natural wood, greenery and ambient lighting are all you need to achieve a quintessential Scandinavian patio style. Your space will become a cosy retreat for entertaining or peaceful relaxation.
Include Greenery and Plants for a Natural Scandi Vibe
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To achieve an authentic Scandi patio style, including greenery and plants is a must. Plants instantly help create a natural and calming vibe, perfect for the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic.
Choose Hardy Plants
Focus on hardy, low-maintenance plants that can withstand your local climate. Some great options for patios include:
– Succulents like echeverias, sedums and sempervivums. These fleshy plants are sculptural and come in a variety of colours. They only need moderate watering and light.
– Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, chives and mint. Not only do they smell amazing, but you can also use them in cooking.
– Small shrubs like dwarf azaleas, boxwoods and lavender. They provide greenery without needing a lot of space.
– Moss, lichen and small ferns. For shady spots, these options create a woodsy, natural feel.
Group Plants Together
Rather than dotting single plants around the patio, group several of the same or complementary plants together. This creates a cohesive look and the impact of a miniature garden. For example, create a succulent garden in one corner, an herb patch in another, and line the edges of the patio with small shrubs.
Include Pots and Planters
To achieve a true Scandi style, opt for simple concrete, stone or wooden planters in minimalist shapes like squares, rectangles and cylinders. For an ultra-modern look, try metal planters. Keep the planters at a similar height for a cohesive view. Arrange them in a row along one side of the patio or cluster them together.
Add Height with Trellises
Include trellises for climbing plants like roses, clematis or honeysuckle. The vertical greenery helps draw the eye up and adds height to the overall patio design. Wooden trellises with clean, simple lines work well for a Scandi-inspired space.
By focusing on low-maintenance, hardy plants and keeping the arrangement minimal and cohesive, you’ll have a Scandi patio oasis in no time. The natural elements create a calming space for relaxing and entertaining.
So there you have it, everything you need to know to create a perfect Scandi patio oasis. With a few key ingredients like lots of natural wood, minimal decor, and plenty of greenery, you’ll be well on your way. Remember, keep things simple – less is more with this style. If you want a patio roof to help tie your scandi-style patio together, contact SEQ Patio Group today! We have decades of experience bringing dream outdoor areas to life. Give us a buzz for a free, no-obligation quote.
