The outdoor season has begun, and we can't wait for warm days! That makes it all the more important to create an outdoor area where you can feel at ease and relax. Miriam from the Instagram account @scandi.living has a real knack for making outdoor spaces homely. We met the 41-year-old for an interview in her 127 m² home near Coburg in Germany. As well as a personal look at her life, she shared lots of tips for creating a cosy outdoor living room, using her inviting terrace as an example.
Miriam, who's behind scandi.living?
That's me, Miri, 41, with a great passion for Scandinavian interiors. I love our big garden, where there's always something to do. I have a soft spot for a good cappuccino, and I'd do anything for pasta.
Tell us how you live.
I live with my husband Benjamin and our 17-year-old dachshund cross Spike in our new-build home near Coburg, which we built in 2016. It's idyllic, with a lovely terrace and garden, a wonderful view of the fields and all the way to the nearby Staffelberg.
Your name already gives it away, but how is your home furnished?
I've really taken to Scandinavian design. Light colours combined with natural materials radiate a calm warmth, and the interior is simply timeless and, above all, very long-lasting.
Where does your passion for interiors come from?
I discovered my great interest in furnishing on a visit to a garden show, where I held my first interior book in my hands.
What's your favourite spot in your home, and why?
The heart of our home is the kitchen. This is where we start the day together with a cappuccino and end it in the evening with a glass of red wine. In the kitchen we talk about what's happened during the day, cook together, celebrate with friends – and sometimes we even dance.
How and where in your home do you relax?
I can actually relax most in our hot tub in the garden. Every time, it's like a little spa break, and it's heated in summer and winter.
How do you approach a new interior project? Do you have one coming up?
When I want to change something, I browse through my interior books and magazines, get inspiration on Instagram and picture everything in my head first, before finally putting it down as a mood board. We recently redesigned our living and dining area, and next up are the terrace and part of the garden.
Where do you find interior inspiration?
I get most of my inspiration from Instagram, Pinterest, interior books and interior magazines. I also bring back lots of ideas from our holidays.
Do you have favourite interior brands?
Carl Hansen & Søn, DCW, Ferm Living, Hay, Flos, Woud and String Furniture.
Your new garden furniture looks great on your terrace. Why did you choose the Palissade collection by Hay?
It had been on my wish list for a long time. The collection simply stands out for its beautiful, simple design. It's eye-catching and, most importantly, it can stay outside all year round and is very easy to look after.
What matters most to you when buying outdoor designs?
They have to be high quality, so that you can enjoy them for a long time.
The first thing we notice is how homely your terrace looks. How do you do it?
I try to carry my favourite colours from the house over to the terrace. That creates a cohesive look and a cosy feel. I also love decorating it with beautiful candles, throws and soft cushions, which make it even cosier.
Do you have any general tips for designing gardens and terraces?
A garden should be laid out just like the inside of a house. Different levels with different themes, such as a bathing area or an outdoor kitchen, encourage you to explore and use every corner of the plot, because there's something different to experience in each area.
What does that look like?
We planted the garden so that something is always in flower from spring to autumn, and so that it still looks good in winter, when all the flowers and shrubs are covered in frost. We also want lots of bees, insects and animals to find a home with us.
Tell us your personal must-haves for the outdoor season.
Beautiful large storage baskets woven from natural materials for cushions, throws and bath towels are a must.
What does a perfect summer evening on the terrace look like for you?
That's easy: an Aperol Spritz, followed by a delicious three-course meal with a glass of red wine and our favourite music, and then a campfire.
What do you think an outdoor area should never be without?
I'd recommend a large terrace to anyone, because it gives you enough space to move your living room outdoors. Beautiful outdoor furniture, comfortable cushions, and delicious food and drink complete the feel-good factor.
Is there an outdoor trend for 2021 that you've picked up on and like?
DIY is more popular than ever, especially outdoors. I think it's great that the trend is towards building your own pool.
Has your outdoor area become even more important to you because of COVID-19?
Definitely – I love our home. I like being at home and I'm very grateful for our house. That's why this year I want to make it even cosier with beautiful furniture and decorative touches.
What are your personal tips for a holiday feeling in the garden and on the terrace?
Create your own outdoor oasis! A comfortable seating area, something delicious from the barbecue, good drinks always to hand and an open fire. Grab a good book or get cosy on your sun loungers, enjoy the warm sunshine and listen to the splashing of a fountain and the birds singing.
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Thank you so much for this wonderful (outdoor) inspiration and all the useful tips!
https://www.instagram.com/scandi.living
