How to create a Scandi-inspired wellness area in your yard – advice on planting, materials, and more

As the home of hygge, Scandinavia is renowned for cozy, feel-good interiors that are the epitome of cool. But with its stunning landscapes, it's perhaps no surprise that the Nordic culture is deeply connected to the outdoors, too.

You may have heard the term 'friluftsliv', which means 'open-air living' – the Scandinavian concept of embracing nature for overall well-being. And, while this often relates to hiking and camping, spending time in your own backyard also has its benefits. If you incorporate a sauna or a wood-fired hot tub – other Nordic wellness traditions – even better.

So, while you may live a long-haul flight from these northern lands, if you're aspiring for a healthier lifestyle, a Scandi-inspired wellness area could be the perfect backyard update. Below, you'll find plenty of tips from the experts on how to create a serene sanctuary, including planting ideas.

How to create a Scandi wellness area in your yard

'There is a beautiful word in Swedish: "smultronstalle". It literally translates to "place of wild strawberries",' says Annika Zetterman, a landscape designer and author of New Nordic Gardens (available from Amazon). 'Figuratively, it's your special place treasured and often returned to for comfort and relaxation. It's a personal idyll where you are free from stress; a place that evokes feelings of happiness, joy, and well-being.'

When planning your Scandi-inspired wellness area, keep the concept of smultronstalle in mind and design it in a way that suits you. After all, it should be a place that you will want to use again and again.

Annika Zetterman

Annika Zetterman is one of Scandinavia's most influential landscape designers. She creates captivating gardens with a love for the land. Annika is the author of the bestselling book New Nordic Gardens, published by Thames & Hudson.

Create a serene seating space

Every wellness area needs somewhere comfortable to sit. Annika highlights how spaces where you can contemplate and observe the garden and all the beauty within and beyond can restore both body and mind.

Consider having more than one dedicated seating area in larger plots. 'Several spaces, and benches placed in tranquil places, will give you the opportunity to be on your own when needed,' Annika says.

In your main wellness area, a patio cover, such as a pergola, will provide shade from the sun's rays in the height of summer. A louvered design, or another option that provides more shelter when needed, can protect you from unexpected showers, too. This will extend the use of the space, and allow you to enjoy the soothing patter of rain while staying dry.

As for the outdoor furniture itself, Jana Müller of Skargards hot tubs recommends pieces that are built to resist cold temperatures, to make your seating area accessible throughout the year. Powder-coated aluminum tends to stand up to the elements, as does furniture made from teak or other durable woods. Synthetic rattan can also be a good option.

Think about comfort, too – outdoor cushions are a must for lounging alfresco. 'Scandinavians like to place reindeer or goat skins on the seats to keep warm, with faux furs being a suitable alternative as well,' Jana adds. 'For good measure, consider bringing it all together with a fire pit.'

Annika also notes how water in gardens can connect to the landscape beyond, with a soft sound and movement. There are plenty of ways to bring water features into a space, from small ponds and water bowls to rills that neatly cut through paving.

Bring in a sauna or hot tub

A garden sauna will definitely enhance a Scandi-inspired wellness space. As Annika explains, 'A ritual of Nordic wellness, especially during the cold and dark winter, is to regenerate and purify the body and mind in the heat.'

Large glass windows allow you to look out at the frozen landscape with gratitude, Annika continues. An outdoor shower can be placed nearby to cool down afterward. 'Sauna is not only a therapeutic moment, but can be a social activity that brings smiles and happy memories,' she adds.

Alternatively, or additionally, consider a backyard hot tub. Jana says, 'For Scandinavians, a wood-fired hot tub on a cold day is a matter of cultural heritage.' They can be used all year round, but she thinks they shine the brightest in winter. 'Simply fire up the wood stove and admire the snowy surroundings from the warm water.'

Jana Müller

Jana focuses on promoting Scandinavian wellness culture and telling the story about Skargards and its products. She has worked at the Swedish company, which specializes in wood-fired hot tubs, for eight years.

Set the scene with outdoor lights

Outdoor lighting is key for setting the right mood after dark, and is practical, too. For a calming vibe, layer warm-toned lights across different levels – think sleek spotlights set into pavers to illuminate pathways, glowing lanterns on table tops, or even outdoor LED candles for peace of mind against fire risks. These highly-rated rattan-style solar lanterns from Amazon are another option.

'Fairy lights can also make things extra cozy when strung around the side of your house or over the seating area,' adds Jana. 'It’s worth mentioning that Skargards hot tubs can be fitted with underwater lighting, which adds a lovely bluish hue that exudes pure tranquility.'

Choose plants that add to the calming vibe

Annika recommends planting birch trees – 'national trees of the Nordics with delicate fresh green foliage.' They let the light gently pass through, yet make you feel protected and cared for, she says.

'Grasses and ferns are both typical for the Scandinavian region, with many varieties in the wild,' Annika continues, highlighting how they sway in the wind and have a calming effect. She also suggests planting perennials with lush green leaves and delicate flowers, such as anemones 'Wild Swan' and 'Elfin Swan', Campanula persicifolia, and geranium 'Apfelblute'. Delicate blooms give you a reason to appreciate and look for the small wonders, she explains.

Annika also recommends plants that evoke memories and trigger positive emotions. 'Lilacs, with profound colors of blues, purple, and whites, are dear to many, with lifetime memories of a beautiful summer,' she says.

Nature Hills has a wide range of lilacs if you're looking for some of your own.

Lastly, Annika highlights how plants for wildlife create a healing energy. 'Asters look stunning in a Nordic autumn garden, as well as sedums and echinaceas,' she says. These three are excellent plants for pollinators. There are many pretty plants that attract birds, too.

Consider using materials that mirror the natural world

'Gardens in the Nordics are created with resilience and care, to be functional, graceful and timeless for decades to come,' says Annika. She explains how quality of the material is essential, as everything is made to last. Not only does this mean it can stand up to the seasonal changes and sometimes severe weather, but also results in minimal impact on the environment.

'Any natural pebbles, rocks, driftwood, or gravel give the space a natural look and feel,' she says, adding how they activate the feet and rest of the body when walked across. Meanwhile, wood, such as pine and spruce, 'lend an inviting warmth to gardens'.

Annika also comments on the wonderful textures of local natural stone, granite and slate, and how their colors can shimmer in the sun. 'Irregular large paving stones make any path or patio peacefully rest, for a solid, stable and calm expression.'

FAQs

Which colors suit a Scandi wellness area?

'With long and dark winter months, Scandinavians embrace light and light colors,' says Annika. 'A neutral palette allows for a coherent, calm and inviting garden. Pale tones look very natural in the Nordic daylight – a light that lingers and a sun that never sets in summer. 'Moving with the seasons, autumn allows for warm and earthy tones,' she adds.

What winter plants make good choices for a Scandi wellness area?

'Though most plants don’t fare well in winter, you can surround yourself with those that do,' says Jana. 'Scandinavian gardens tend to be embellished with conifers such as junipers. Since they don’t lose their needles when temperatures sink, they remain a beautiful sight all year round. You can also plant winter jasmine, snowdrops, Christmas roses and other flowers that bloom during the cold season.'

If you're interested in exploring other ideas for your peaceful outdoor space, our guide on Japanese zen gardens will provide more inspiration.