Scandinavian design is more than just a style; it's a way of living that embodies simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature.
Originating from the Nordic countries – Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland – this design ethos is renowned for its clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and minimalist aesthetics.
When applied to outdoor spaces, Scandinavian design can transform gardens into serene, functional, and beautiful retreats.
In this guide, our resident landscaping experts share stunning Scandinavian-inspired garden ideas to breathe new life into your outdoor spaces. From cool, clean minimalism to celebrations of natural materials, these ideas really put the “ooooh” in hygge.
What are the features of Scandinavian design?
Rooted in the concept that ‘less is more’, Scandinavian design seeks to combine functionality with beauty. In Scandi-inspired spaces, you can expect to find.
1. Minimalism
Scandinavian design favours simplicity. Clutter, bold patterns, and statement pieces have no place in a Scandi home. Instead, you’ll find functional furniture and clean, simple lines.
2. Natural colours and textures
The Scandinavian colour palette is neutral and muted. Whites, greys, and soft pastels are common, as well as earthy tones like shades of green, brown, and grey.
Organic materials like wood, bamboo, and natural stone are used in both interior and garden design, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
3. A bright and airy feel
With some parts of Scandinavia getting less than six hours of daylight in the winter, natural light is precious! Scandi design uses large windows, white walls, and pale flooring to maximise daylight shining through and create an airy feel.
15 Scandinavian design ideas for your garden
If you’re looking to bring a touch of Nordic charm to your garden, here are some ideas to help you get started:
Bring the inside out
Nordic summers are short and sweet, so during the milder months, Scandinavians like to live in their gardens as much as possible.
The UK faces a similar sun shortage, so creating outdoor living spaces is a great way to make the most of those warmer spells.
1. Build an outdoor kitchen
Outdoor kitchens can be as simple or as extravagant as you like. From a basic dining table and chairs to a fully functional kitchen with a BBQ and pizza oven, having that space to dine and drink outdoors is quintessentially Scandinavian.
Check out our outdoor kitchen ideas blog post to learn more about the benefits of an outdoor kitchen.
2. Assign zones in your garden
Mimic rooms of the house by creating separate areas for different functions. A paved patio area is ideal for an outdoor kitchen. Meanwhile, adding an outdoor sofa and cushions to a secluded spot turns it into an outdoor living room for socialising on warmer nights.
Our guide on how to create zones in your garden can help you make the most of your outdoor space.
3. Create a cosy fire pit area
Fire pits are popular in Scandinavian gardens, offering warmth and a gathering spot during cooler evenings. Install a fire pit at the centre of an Indian sandstone circle with benches or stone seating to create an outdoor gathering spot which can be used all year round.
Live the lagom lifestyle
‘Lagom’ (pronounced ‘lah-gom’) is a Swedish word that loosely translates to ‘just enough’. Lagom refers to living a balanced, low-fuss life of moderation, a concept that we can apply to garden design.
4. Strive for minimalism
The characteristic minimalism of Scandinavian design isn’t reserved for the inside of your home. Simple paving, walling, or kerbing can create clean lines. Arrange potted plants in structured, geometric patterns or use raised planters for a modern look.
5. Declutter
Like a Scandi home, a Scandi garden should be clutter-free. Prune your plants and de-weed regularly, and use textured features like bamboo screens to disguise eyesores, such as bins and gardening supplies.
6. Be sustainable
The lagom concept teaches us to be sustainable, using ‘just enough’ of the earth’s resources. Upcycling old pallets into furniture and DIY-ing planters can add a touch of lagom charm to your Scandi garden.
Connect with nature
The earthy, muted colour palette and natural textures of Scandinavian design can be effortlessly incorporated into your garden.
7. Highlight earthy colours
Scandinavian gardens typically feature a palette of whites, greys, and earthy tones. This muted colour scheme allows the natural beauty of the plants and materials to shine through. Use natural wood or white furniture with grey paving slabs or neutral outdoor tiles to achieve an elegant finish that celebrates your garden’s flora.
8. Include natural textures
Scandinavian design champions natural textures. Use limestone and sandstone for landscaping elements, decorate outdoor furniture with wool and linen cushions or blankets, and use bamboo or wood to add finishing touches.
9. Think green
If your garden lacks natural greenery, use large potted plants to create the illusion of a thriving ecosystem. Climbing plants are a Scandinavian favourite; ivy or clematis on garden walls or fences can add greenery without taking up too much room.
Find more expert tips on how to bring wildlife into your garden and boost the eco-friendliness of your home’s outdoor spaces.
Create hygge garden spaces
‘Hygge’ (pronounced ‘hyoo-gah’) is a Danish term that describes a cosy, contented atmosphere and the act of enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Introduce the concept to your garden by creating relaxing spaces and encouraging appreciation of the little things. <
10. Create cosy spaces
Comfortable seating areas piled with soft cushions and thick blankets are great for creating snug outdoor spaces. Include outdoor heaters and fire pits in your design for a hygge garden that will be enjoyed all year round.
Red, brown, or buff paving slabs are perfect for adding a touch of warmth to your garden, and you can enhance the fiery undertones of these materials with accents of colour elsewhere.
11. Use ambient lighting
To complement your cosy corners, add warming lighting elements. Fairy lights, outdoor lanterns, and oversized candles are the perfect finishing touches for a welcoming space.
Having atmospheric lighting in your garden will also help you create the perfect environment for outdoor entertaining. Read our guide on design ideas for outdoor entertainment areas for more inspiration.
12. Find pleasure in the everyday
Adding sensory elements to your garden can help you enjoy the simple pleasures that usually pass us by. Plant distinctively scented plants such as lavender, rosemary, and honeysuckle and add a wildlife feeder for daily birdwatching and squirrel spotting.
Water features will add another dimension to this sensory garden and create a tranquil oasis for you to escape the busyness of everyday life.
Get infected by Pelargonsjuka
‘Pelargonsjuka’ translates as ‘pelargonic disease’. It jokingly refers to the Swedish obsession with the pelargonium (or geranium) flower. Include these in your garden as a nod to the latest Scandi trend.
13. Plant pelargoniums
Pelargoniums are low-maintenance plants that can add the perfect pop of colour to an earthy-toned garden. Plant them in ground-level flower beds, raised beds, or in pots for blooms that last all year. If you have a paved garden without dedicated planting areas, potted pelargoniums provide the ideal solution.
14. Connect with Swedish traditions
With bright light and enough warmth, pelargoniums make excellent indoor house plants that survive the winter. These flowers are an uplifting reminder of the garden in the colder, darker months.
15. Include other Scandinavian plants
Pelargoniums aren’t the only flowers found blooming in Scandi gardens. To recreate a Nordic forest, you could plant:
- Berry bushes
- Herbs
- Lilacs
- Irises
- Lavender
Top tip: Lay edging stones at the borders of your flower beds to create subtle yet tasteful definition in your Scandi-inspired garden. For more inspiration, read our guide on creative garden edging ideas.
What landscaping materials are best for a Scandinavian Garden?
When it comes to creating a Scandi-inspired garden, choosing natural, durable landscaping materials that blend with the environment is a must.
- Wood: Unpainted, weathered wood is a hallmark of Scandinavian design. It’s perfect for decking, furniture, and even planters. If you want the aesthetic of wood with the durability of concrete, our wood effect paving slabs are ideal.
- Stone: Natural stone, especially in neutral tones like grey or beige, is ideal for garden paving, natural stone walls, and edging.
- Gravel: Light-coloured gravel adds texture and brightness to garden paths and borders.
- Concrete: In slab form, concrete is a modern, durable choice for planters, benches, and garden paving.
How to create a Scandi garden using materials from Marshalls
Our high-quality, sustainable landscaping products are an excellent choice for your Scandinavian garden.
Use paving slabs or kerbs and edging to create clean lines for a minimalistic look. Use garden walling to create planters for your plants and flowers which will keep your garden clutter-free.
With our hard landscaping products, you can evoke the Scandinavian colour palette in gardens of all shapes and sizes.
Paving, outdoor tiles, garden walling, and kerbs and edging are available in earth tones, including charcoal, grey, buff, brown, and white.
Our range includes slate, limestone, and sandstone solutions, so you can seamlessly incorporate natural textures in your Scandi space.
If you’re ready to give your garden a Scandinavian makeover, our Marshalls Registered Installers are on hand to make your garden dreams a reality.
FAQs about Scandinavian gardens
How can I create a Scandinavian garden on a budget?
Scandinavian design is all about simplicity, so you don’t need to spend a lot to achieve the look. Focus on natural materials, clean lines, and functional elements. A few planters, carefully chosen plants, and a cohesive colour scheme can go a long way.
Upcycling palettes, old cushions, and bottles are also a great way to practise Lagom and Scandify your garden design.
Read our guides on budget small garden design and budget garden patios for more ideas and inspiration.
Scandinavian design vs hygge, what’s the difference?
Scandinavian design and hygge are often mentioned together, but they’re not quite the same. Scandinavian design refers to the overall aesthetic, focusing on minimalism and natural elements.
Hygge is more of a lifestyle philosophy. It describes a cosy, contented mood and finding joy in the little things.
By combining the two concepts, you can create a space that is beautiful in its simplicity and comfortable to live in.
Is a Scandinavian design suitable for a small garden?
Absolutely! The Scandi focus on functionality makes it ideal for small gardens. Strip back or disguise any clutter to create the illusion of a bigger space, add potted plants, which take up less space than planters, and include vertical elements like climbing plants to maximise the space.
