Decorating & Design
How To Create A Scandi-Style Winter Porch
Updated on April 9, 2017
The season in between Christmas and the arrival of spring is an awkward time for outdoor decorating, but the Scandinavians have perfected an outdoor look we love — natural elements, warm textures and mod accents. With a few simple additions, your front stoop or cottage deck will be feeling Nordic in no time.
Having a deck box is ideal for stashing unsightly bags of salt, kitty litter or whatever else you use to fight winter ice. Wooden ones, especially unfinished ones, develop a nice patina over time and will lend your outdoor space a rustic feel. This slim, tall one does double duty as a bench — perfect for removing wet boots before getting inside.
Candlelight, especially in the dead of winter, immediately makes a place more inviting. Even when unlit, they still look chic! If placing in groups, be sure to keep the numbers odd for maximum visual appeal. Another great thing about lanterns is they’re one of those great accessories that can stay out year round.
A metal tub is an optimal vessel for holding logs, small twigs and kindling. It can used for winter campfires and is typical of Scandinavian style, where metal and wooden accents run amuck. This small copper-plated one would bring warmth to any stoop, no matter the size. When warmer months come, fill it with ice and use as a cooler for those backyard barbecues.
As anyone who’s hit the slopes knows, the best part of skiing is the après ski. Channel those Nordic chalets with a sleek wooden chair and top with a cozy throw or two. For the full Scandi look, opt for a nice blond wood and if you chose one with cushions, go for neutral tones. Not only can the chair be left outside year-round, but the wood will only better with age.
If you want to go for that full chalet-in-the-wilderness look, displaying vintage wooden winter sports gear is a sure fire way to do it. To avoid a ‘staged’ look casually lean skis or snow shoes up against a wall, as if they were just pulled off and are drying out.
To bring a little fun to your front door, get a fun printed door mat in soft tones. This recycled plastic one is easy to care for, and the salt won’t eat away at it like natural fiber one, so it should last several seasons.
Cottage décor is all about bringing the natural elements on the outside to the inside. But no matter if you’re in cottage country or downtown, antlers bring a touch of the wilderness to any space. These ones are replicas so they’re animal-friendly, too.
The great thing about this sleek heater is that it’s actually an oven, too! The squat shape and low ceiling give out maximum radiant heat and then the firewood can be pushed aside once it’s time to cook. It can come in sets with a variety of wheeled tables and plenty of accessories, including, grills, frying dishes and ash scrapers.