See more of our Vol 22 Summer cover home

It's time to move outside, with summer fast approaching. Scandi-style gardens are places that work with the weather, offering sun and shade, spaces to relax and also entertain

Our cover for Vol 22 Summer features a Scandi garden that works for the whole family. Belonging to Ellen and Samuel, along with their three sons, the outdoor space of their Norwegian home is easy to use and adapts to the family's various needs. We loved the inside-outside vibe, making it the perfect choice for our 2026 summer cover. Here are a few ideas we loved (and that are definitely going on our own Scandi garden wishlists)…

1 Be clever with zoning in a Scandi garden

Ellen wanted to divide the garden into zones that could still be used by everyone in the family. Samual likes shade, while Ellen loves sun, so he spends time in the conservatory, while Ellen likes to sit on the west-facing deck. "We can still talk to each other through the open sliding door," says Ellen.

2 Allow an outdoor space to evolve

Ellen and Samuel took time to find a solution for their outdoor space that worked. Where the conservatory stands today, they first built a wooden deck. "Then we developed the space further, with a wall on the outer edge with beams over the deck attached to the house wall. Next, we added a roof, installed sliding doors at either end, while adding the steps," says Ellen.

3 Create an outdoor dining space

A large wooden table dressed with a linen cloth and plastic chairs, turn a patio space into a lovely outdoor entertaining area. Ellen's added fresh flowers and a few pieces from inside, adding simple Scandi style.

4 Set up an outdoor kitchen

A stone worktop withstands both the heat from the pizza oven and the freezing temperatures of winter, creating the perfect outdoor kitchen space, where the family enjoy pizzas.

5 Decorate all-year-round

Ellen loves to style her conservatory space, whatever the season, even dressing for Christmas. There's a firepit table, which helps the space stay useable in winter. But for now, during the summer months, pops of foliage and fresh flowers are her go-to.