Creating a Cozy Outdoor Space for Summer with Hygge

Hey there, eco-conscious friends! It’s Sienna, and today we’re diving into the wonderful world of hygge—pronounced "hoo-gah." While hygge is often associated with cozy winter nights, it’s just as enchanting in the summer, especially when you’re creating a cozy outdoor space. Let’s explore how to infuse your summer with hygge magic using eco-friendly practices and some fabulous products from Haiku Designs.

Understanding Hygge

Origin and Meaning: Hygge is a Danish concept centered around comfort, coziness, and well-being. It’s about savoring the simple pleasures and creating inviting spaces that foster relaxation and happiness.

Core Principles: At the heart of hygge are simplicity, presence, and the joy of small moments. It’s about slowing down, appreciating the little things, and making your environment warm and welcoming.

Design Elements for Hygge in your Outdoor Living Spaces

Cozy Corners: Transform your outdoor areas into serene retreats with soft cushions, blankets, and gentle lighting. Imagine lounging in a beautiful outdoor sofa from Harmonia Living, made with HDPE wicker and Sunbrella fabrics. These materials are not only comfortable but also eco-friendly and durable.

Lighting: Create a magical ambiance with string lights, lanterns, and candles. Solar-powered options are a fantastic way to keep things eco-friendly while adding a warm, inviting glow.

Connect to Nature with Natural Elements

Greenery: Bring nature into your space with plants and flowers. Fresh-cut blooms, potted plants, and small herb gardens can add life and color, promoting a connection to nature. This is a simple yet effective way to incorporate hygge into your summer decor.

Natural Materials: Incorporate wooden furniture, wicker baskets, and natural textiles like linen and cotton. Haiku Designs offers stunning Teak tables and chairs from HiTeak Furniture, perfect for enhancing your outdoor hygge vibe. Teak is a sustainable and durable option, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious living.

Summer Hygge is all about Cozy Social Gatherings

Small, Intimate Gatherings: Host cozy get-togethers with close friends and family. Think BBQs, picnics, or outdoor movie nights. Quality time with loved ones is a cornerstone of hygge.

Pictured: HiTeak Oakville Picnic Table Set in Premium Teak, featuring the Oakville Dining Table and Oakville Picnic Benches.

Shared Meals: Celebrate the joy of communal eating with simple, fresh, and seasonal foods. Supporting local farmers and choosing organic ingredients can make your meals even more hyggelig.

Pictured: Harmonia Arbor Outdoor Dining Sets. Available in sets and a-la carte! Constructed of durable and functional HDPE wicker.

Peaceful and Mindful Activities during the Summer

Relaxation: Encourage relaxation and mindfulness with activities like reading in a hammock, meditating outdoors, or practicing yoga in the garden. These peaceful moments are the essence of summer hygge.

Pictured: Take a moment for yourself: rest, relax, meditate. Be you.

Creative Hobbies: Dive into creative pursuits like painting, gardening, or journaling. These activities can be both relaxing and fulfilling, especially when using sustainable materials.

Comfortable Attire is Totally Hygge

Light, Breathable Fabrics: Opt for clothing made from natural, breathable materials like cotton and linen. Loose, comfortable attire helps maintain a sense of ease and is often more sustainable.

Soft, Neutral Colors: Choose clothing and home decor in soft, neutral tones to create a calm, serene environment that reflects the tranquility of hygge.

Pictured: Harmonia Living Wink Canopy Daybed is perfect for cozy summer lounging on the patio or poolside--also built with durable HDPE wicker. 

Natural Colors: Refresh your living space with colors inspired by summer, such as soft blues, greens, and whites. These hues can bring a sense of peace and freshness.

Minimalist Touches: Keep decor simple and clutter-free, focusing on pieces that bring joy and comfort. Sustainable and ethically produced decor items can enhance the eco-friendly vibe.

Indoor Hygge Essentials for Summer

Flexible Furniture: Embrace flexibility with furniture like a convertible sleeper sofa. It’s perfect for transforming your living space from a functional gathering area to a cozy bed for guests. Haiku Designs offers beautiful options that combine style and practicality.

Pictured: The new Neah Sofa Bed from Innovation Living, comfortable, cozy and functional.

Solid Wood Pieces: Incorporate living room or bedroom pieces made from solid wood. These durable, eco-friendly options add a touch of nature indoors and align perfectly with hygge principles.

Pictured: The new Greenington Azara Cube and Azara Cube Rectangle are functional storage coffee tables made from Solid Bamboo wood. Match it with a light-colored fabric summer hygge Sofa like the Neah, Newilla or Malloy.

And of course, Don't Forget the Planet!

While embracing hygge, let’s not forget our commitment to the planet. Opt for reclaimed, upcycled, and recycled materials wherever possible. These choices are not only stylish and unique but also significantly reduce environmental impact.

Reclaimed Materials: Incorporating reclaimed wood furniture can add character to your space while supporting sustainable practices. Haiku Designs’ solid wood pieces are a perfect example of how beautiful and durable reclaimed materials can be.

Pictured: Home Trends & Design Cordoba Bar Set made from Reclaimed Teak wood in an airy pastel finish and a coastal charm, perfect for summer hygge gatherings.

Upcycled Pieces: Get creative with upcycled items. Whether it’s turning an old ladder into a plant stand or repurposing vintage textiles into cushion covers, upcycling adds a personal touch and a story to your decor.

Pictured: Copeland Linn Platform Bed and Copeland Linn Collection, constructed with Upcycled Lumber left over from Copeland Furniture process to mindfully use the wood without waste.

Recycled Products: Choose products made from recycled materials. Harmonia Living’s HDPE wicker sets are a fantastic example—they’re made from recycled plastics and are designed to last, combining sustainability with style.

Pictured: Harmonia Living Dune 7 Piece Bar Set with sustainably harvested Teak Tabletop and HDPE Wicker. Dune Collection also features performance Sunbrella fabric chairs.

By integrating these eco-friendly choices into your hygge-inspired spaces, you’re not only creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere but also contributing to a healthier planet.

Conclusion

Hygge is more than just winter warmth; it’s a year-round philosophy that can transform even the sunniest days. By focusing on comfort, simplicity, and the joy of small moments, you can create a hyggelig (hygge-like) atmosphere this summer. Enjoy the warm weather, cherish time with loved ones, and find contentment in the beauty of everyday life, all while embracing sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Sienna Fernwood, Haiku Designs Guest Blogger

Signing off with a heart full of green and a mind buzzing with design ideas!