Why Aina Næss’ garden room and terrace made our Autumn cover…

Our cover home for Vol 11 Autumn is the perfect hybrid of an outdoor space for this time of year, with cosy areas both inside and out (after all, what happened to summer this year?). It belongs to Aina Næss, and the garden room and terrace are part of the house she bought in Sandefjord, Norway, 19 years ago. During the cooler months, this addition really comes into its own, allowing her to prolong outdoor entertaining – it’s just so easy to picture yourself sat around the firepit, with a snug blanket on your lap, chatting until it gets late. Art director Jo and I both knew this was the shot for Vol 11 Autumn Simply Scandi cover story.

But there’s plenty of other ideas to inspire your own outdoor space…

1. Aina’s look starts with a neutral base

With white painted flooring and panelling and black decking, Aina created a great blank canvas to style with cosy pieces. “I’ve used the same colour palette in my garden room for almost 15 years,” she says, “just renewing the details.” We love the orange, green and ochre accessories, which, combined with lots of natural texture, make a recipe for a hygge-inspired space we love.

2. The way she’s brought nature in

Looking at Aina’s dining table, and there’s plenty of texture to take in, with wooden platters, candleholders and bowls, plus smaller glass vases filled with seedheads and foraged finds. Touches of white, brought in through candles and napkins, help keep the look fresh.

3. Her year-round attitude

Aina believes an outdoor space should be year-round ready, and we agree. Who wants to have to move garden furniture or take off heavy covers when all you fancy is a place to sit and drink a coffee? The bench remains in position all-year-round, with the pelts and cushions moved inside when it rains. “We have just a few things that need to be stored under cover,” she explains, “so we just tuck these into the garden room.”

4. The built-in fireplace

Heating both areas is key, with a large firepit outside and a built-in fireplace the hero in the garden room. It’s Aina’s biggest success of the garden room. "We opened up the back wall of the garden room to allow a view of the landscape beyond and give the impression of sitting in nature. We then installed a fireplace, which gives a lovely warm glow while providing heat. We've also fitted a heater under the dining bench.”

5. Her use of coloured glass

In an outdoor space, as summer blooms fade, bring out homeware pieces and branches to create interest. Aines has used glass vases, lanterns and stools to style the area around the firepit. It’s a great idea as we head towards Christmas, where you can swap the foliage for more seasonal pieces. “Don’t be afraid to use indoor things outside,” says Aines, “they can make a powerful statement.”

See more of Aines’ outdoor space in our Simply Scandi Vol 11 Autumn 2023.

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