Bring the inside out

Give yourself a better work life balance and get back to nature by making the most of your outside space so you can feel more Zen. Why not reap the wellbeing benefits of your outside space? Whether you have a garden, patio or balcony, design your outside area as an extension of your inside space and use it as a calming retreat to dine al fresco, have a post-work glass of wine or relax with a book.

Your garden is an extension of your home, and can offer you an ‘extra room’, especially if space indoors is limited. Interior trends are making their way outside more than ever before. As us Brits are beginning to want more comfort from our outside spaces, so think about creating your garden as you would an interior room or a conservatory. Both of the major Swedish interiors trends – hygge and lagom – translate to the outdoors. Whether you want the cosiness of hygge or favour the more minimalist, pared-back approach of lagom, that being not too much, not too little, the latest Scandi trends will work in your garden, too.

For hygge influences look out for furniture with soft lines and sumptuous cosy cushions, and for lagom influences keep it minimal and understated with sleek, pared back furniture in natural, raw and recycled materials and elements of metals. There is no reason why you can’t blend the two styles for your own unique look and personal preferences.

SWEDISH TRENDS – GET THE LOOK

You’ll be able to recreate this look with ease from a variety of department stores and high street chains that all provide beautiful garden furniture. From places like Debenhams, Argos Wilko and B&M Stores for large ticket items to Home Bargains, Primark, Poundland, Poundworld, Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda for accessories.

Home 8 Seater Rattan Effect Corner Dining Set £399.99 Argos

Home Rattan 2 Seater Duck Egg Patio Set £199.99 (was £269.99) Argos

Venice Rattan Hooded Day Bed £399.99 and Venice Hanging Egg Chair £125 both B&M Stores

Garden Snuggle Egg Chair £275 and Garden Egg Lounge Set £225 both Wilko

NATURAL MATERIALS

As the popularity of natural materials rise in interiors, so it is with patio and garden furniture. Less synthetic materials, more natural timber, and free-flowing pieces are the key.

Forest Sleeper Benches and Table Set £399.99 Argos
Pine Potting Table £79.99 Clas Ohlson

Miami Swing £279.99 and Reclaimed Wood Rocking Chair £49.99 B&M Stores

INSIDE OUT LIVING

The distinction between indoors and outdoors has become more blurred as homes are now being designed and renovated to “open up” – creating open plan spaces inside leading to the garden or patio via glass sliding doors, the same applies to balconies. That feeling of flow warrants a comfortable outside space with lounge like seating that resembles a three-piece suite, or sturdy dining furniture that helps to create a feeling of an ‘extra room’.

Outdoor Sofa with Chaise Longue £199.99 and Aluminium Furniture set £189.99 both Clas Ohlson

Westbury Luxury Corner Rattan Set £299.99 (was £399.99) B&M Stores
Venice Rattan Effect Sofa Set 4pc £169.99 (was £300.00) B&M Stores

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Layer up chairs with dreamy cushions and bright-coloured throws, add some fairy lights, lanterns and candles to create a calm and magical ambience. Garden and patio lighting is an important feature, rather than a functional afterthought. Use solar lights and motion sensor lights to conserve energy and use beneath big plants, hanging from trees, and to light pathways.

Cushions, candles, tealights and fairly lights all Primark

Solar powered garden and patio lights all Poundland