Scandi summerhouse hacks you'll love… wherever you live
Who doesn't love a Scandi summerhouse? That special place to escape to, where the style – and the living – is easy. Often space-challenged, multi-generation, and decorated on a budget, summerhouses are great sources of Scandi style inspiration.
We see lots of beautiful summer homes at Simply Scandi, with plenty of touches you can bring home, wherever that might be. Here are a few of our favourite summerhouse interior ideas (and once you've finished inside, read our Scandi terraces guide).
1 Simply yet functional hallways
Lots of summerhouses don't have the luxury of a separate hallway, with the main door often opening into the living space from the terrace. Yet you can still create the feel of a hallway, with valuable storage – look for a narrow bench, with handy wall hooks or peg rail fixed to the wall above, like Carina has in her Danish summerhouse. Baskets are a must, ideal for storing those seasonal bits and pieces. Of course, wall panelling is another great summerhouse trick – hiding less-than-perfect walls, and when painted white, makes a space feel lighter and bigger.
See more of Carina's summerhouse in Simply Scandi Retreats Vol 1.
Photography: Tia Borgsmidt/House of Pictures.
2 Open plan living in small spaces
Many summerhouses feature one living-dining-kitchen space, where 'life indoors' happens, often with one or two small bedrooms off this space. By keeping colours soft, materials natural and repeating textures, these open-plan spaces, such as Tine's room in her Danish allotment home, have a lovely sense of flow, irrespective of size.
Take a tour around the rest of Tine's home in our Vol 2 Summer Simply Scandi.
Photography: Tia Borgsmidt/House of Pictures.
3 Everyday essentials on display
We love seeing a glazed cabinet full of tableware and glassware in a Scandi summerhouse, often making up for a small kitchen with sometimes limited cupboard space. Malene's cabinet, in her Danish summerhouse, is wall-mounted, a visual trick that makes a small area feel larger.
Visit Malene's summerhouse in Simply Scandi Retreats Vol 1 Summer 2024.
Photography: Iben Kaufmann/House of Pictures.
4 Shelves that make the most of wall space
Wall shelves make the most of available space in a summerhouse Scandi kitchen design where there isn't much height for wall units to be fitted. Emilia's Danish summerhouse is home to her collection of pastel ceramics, which line a narrow shelf fitted above base units painted a cool grey shade.
To see more of Emilia's home, order a copy of Vol 14 Summer Simply Scandi.
Photography: Tia Borgsmidt/House of Pictures.
5 Elements that reflect the owners
Photography: Iben Kaufmann/House of Pictures.
6 Upcycled pieces of furniture that look completely at home
Painting furniture white is always a winner and a great way to boost that Scandi summerhouse vibe. Here, a donated sideboard has been given a new lease of lighter life by painting white, with the edges distressed slightly by its owner Emilia, adding to the sense of vintage charm.
Find out what else Emilia has done to her Danish summer home in Vol 14 Summer Simply Scandi.
Photography: Tia Borgsmidt/House of Pictures.
7 Uncluttered bedrooms designed for rest and relaxation
Why overcomplicated a Scandi bedroom? With summerhouse bedroom space sometimes limited (perhaps because of trying to plan more sleeping options so friends and family can stay over, or larger living areas), a comfy bed and a side table, with some space to hang up a few clothes are often all that's needed. But the bed can still be beautifully dressed, with linen throws and a few cushions. Add bedside lights ready to indulge in a good book. Yvonne's bedroom, in her Norwegian summerhouse, also benefits from a fantastic view of the coast.
Take a trip to Yvonne's summerhouse in Vol 18 Summer Simply Scandi.
Photography: Filippa Tredal/House of Pictures.
8 Cosy corners to enjoy, whatever the weather
Summerhouses are typically opened up for summer over the Easter holidays, as Niki Brantmark explains. But with the weather a little unpredictable at that time of year, you'll often find cosy corners or sun rooms, where owners can sit can relax inside, still making the most of any view. We love the cheerful patterned cushions from Bungalow, used in this built-in seating nook.
Photography: Block printed cushions, Bungalow.
9 Dining tables where everyone gathers
The dining table is often the heart of a Scandi summerhouse, whatever its size. It's the place where family and friends can gather, and share moments of hygge. The look is relaxed, with often a reclaimed, handmade or flea-market find table, styled with an assortment of chairs, just like Emilia's dining set-up, found in her Danish summerhouse.
Find out why Emilia's dining room was our cover star of Vol 14 Summer Simply Scandi.
Photography: Tia Borgsmidt/House of Pictures.
10 Furniture designed to be used – and moved
The Scandi summerhouse is a flexible space, one that can accomodate just two-to-plenty at the drop of a sunhat. The key is flexible furniture choices that work just as well indoors as out. You'll find lots of rattan, cane, wicker and bamboo, styled with quilts, blankets, cushions and sheepskins, adding to that home-from-home vibe. We love the vintage look of this quilt, from IB Laursen.