Embrace the Danish concept of Hygge in your outdoor hangouts
When I think of fall, I think of Hygge. Never heard of it? According to TheSpruce.com, Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is the Danish concept of contentment and connectedness that evokes the feelings of quiet comfort and extreme coziness all at the same time:
“The commercialized American version has come to mean creating a cozy, relaxing environment, living a bit more simply, and surrounding yourself with the people you enjoy hanging out with the most.”
A common misconception about Hygge is that it mostly happens indoors. While it is often thought of as a way for the Danish to fight long, cold winters, you can Hygge both inside and out… especially here in coastal Virginia! We’re often lucky enough to get an “Indian Summer,” where we can enjoy comfortable weather and endless possibilities for reconnecting with loved ones well into the fall. And what better place to do that than your own yard?
I look forward to this time of year for coming together with loved ones in the blessedly cooler weather—a time to connect with them and with nature. With the crisp air and changing leaves, decorations are literally falling into my lap when I go outside. I recently fired up my fire pit with some neighbors and opened the wine.
Even my teens are willing to step outside and sit in the hammock, now that mosquitoes are fewer and stars appear greater. My husband and I slip out to our screen porch with hot drinks, and the kids beg to have friends over to make s’mores. These are the moments fall is made of—and it’s the outdoor spaces we create that make them possible.
So, curl up by the firepit and check out these ideas for creating the ideal outdoor spots to connect and relax… before the harsh winter weather arrives in full blast.
Fire Fun
Nearly every kid’s favorite fall treat is a gooey s’more! Create the perfect spot to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire, and you’ll have their undivided attention… well, for at least 10 minutes! From luxurious outdoor fireplaces to simple firepits, the warm glow is hard to resist for kids and adults alike. Dress up the area with pumpkins, lanterns and natural materials for an even more festive seasonal feel.
Under Cover Cuisine
Once the hot dogs are ready, no need to head inside. Why not dine outdoors together under a pergola or covered porch? Having an overhead structure means keeping the falling leaves off your plate as you dine, blocking the hotter sun at the peak of the day, and providing a spot to hang string lights or lanterns for ambiance when evening arrives. If there’s a chill in the air, consider adding outdoor propane or electric heaters to your space… and outdoor throw blankets double as décor and warmth.
Screen Time
Once the sun starts to set, head to your screen porch to keep the remaining bugs at bay, while still enjoying the fresh air and sunset together. Screened spaces allow you to extend the outdoor season since they’re partially protected from the elements. Don’t forget to add texture and warmth with cozy blankets, pillows and rugs. I love to use a few pinecones as fall décor on my screen porch, sometimes with a gourd or two mixed in.
Movie Magic
After dark, checking out the cosmos or watching a movie on the lawn is the perfect way to wrap up a fun-filled day together. Don’t forget the hot chocolate! Movie screens and projectors are very affordable these days, and it’s OK to haul out some other indoor comforts during the show. What I really love about the idea shown here is that you can DIY the gathering space with just some inexpensive pavers and some gravel. The barrels are also a great fall touch.
Hygge Hammocks
Hammocks aren’t just for summer! With the right accessories, they can be enjoyed well into the fall. So, grab your favorite blanket, light some candles and hang out in the crisp autumn air with your family and friends. I love how many spaces can work for a hammock – screen porch, between trees, or on a rack that can be placed right beside your outdoor fireplace to stay toasty!
Serene Sunroom
Cool weather just not your thing? When the chill is too much, a nice warm sunroom does the trick! Sunrooms keep the view of the great outdoors, while offering the warmth of the indoors. So, when the mercury drops, bring the fun inside and gather round with loved ones for a game night or soup swap to keep the hygge vibes going. I’ve seen several of my neighbors convert their screen porch into a sunroom (call Quality Built for this upgrade!!!), or even install special panels that can let your screen porch change back and forth to a sunroom at will.
Entertainment Escape
For more grown-up gatherings, go the distance with an entire backyard entertainment space! This photo shows a great example, complete with a bar, TV for football games, and a firepit with circular seating for the perfect spot to chat and catch up.
Luxurious Lounge
Looking for a more upscale space to hang out with your friends, now that the kids are grown? Create an elegant space, complete with an outdoor kitchen, so you can mingle while you cook, and cozy seating nooks by the fire, to encourage conversation.
Autumn Pergola
This dreamy spot is the perfect place to snuggle up with a glass of wine and a loved one (or just a good book)! Pergolas make a great three-season space in the South, providing cover and a great place to hang lanterns or string lights for that fall ambiance.
The key to an outdoor hygge hangout is to create several comfy spaces that bring people together and encourage connections. Don’t forget to add ambiance with lots of glowing lights and warm blankets. Give your family and guests a cozy place to connect, rest and make themselves at home and you’ll feel the hygge vibes before you know it… but be careful, they may not want to leave!
As always, the experienced and professional team at Quality Built Exteriors is here to help you create the yard of your dreams. Call them today for a free estimate.