DESIGNING OUTDOOR SPACES WITH PURPOSE

 A CONVERSATION WITH BENGTSSON DESIGN

Bengtsson Design was founded nine years ago by Eva and Gustav Bengtsson. Today, the company is a team of driven, creative individuals committed to delivering top quality in everything they do. Together with a selected network of professionals, they create unique spaces to be enjoyed for decades to come.

In this conversation, we explore their philosophy on outdoor design, and how thoughtful choices – including timeless furniture from Skargaarden – can elevate a space beyond trends. From Mediterranean dreamscapes to year round functionality, Bengtsson Design shares insights on sustainable outdoor living, current trends, and how to avoid the most common design mistakes.

What is the key to truly great garden design for you?
A well-thought-out whole where function, aesthetics, materials, and plants interact with the surroundings and the character of the house. It’s about creating a timeless garden that feels harmonious – both visually and functionally.

What are the most important factors to consider when choosing outdoor furniture for a sustainable and stylish outdoor space?
The quality of the materials, timeless design like Skargaardens furniture and how they harmonizes with its surroundings are crucial. The furniture should not only withstand the climate but also create an inviting atmosphere. A clear trend this year is the harmony between indoors and outdoors, where color palettes and material choices from the home are reflected in the outdoor space.

Can you share a project where you successfully integrated Skargaarden furniture?
We chose to use Skargaarden’s furniture in a coastal garden where we wanted to enhance the feeling of relaxed elegance. The timeless lines blended in perfectly and created a cohesive and natural connection to the surroundings.

What are the biggest trends in outdoor design right now?
We’re seeing a growing interest in creating outdoor environments as a natural extension of the home, where the boundary between indoors and outdoors becomes blurred. Many want gardens with different “rooms” for relaxation, growing edibles, well-being, and socializing. Sustainability and biodiversity are also gaining more focus – something that not only benefits the environment but also creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere. In terms of color, natural materials and earthy tones dominate, in harmony with greenery, often complemented by atmospheric outdoor lighting.

How do you create a garden that feels inviting and vibrant all year round?
By working with different levels, structures, and plants that provide interest throughout all seasons. Furniture, lighting, and decorative details in natural materials also help keep the garden alive.

What mistakes do you often see in outdoor design, and how can they be avoided?
Underestimating the importance of clear structures and functional spaces in the right scale. By planning carefully from the start and choosing materials and plants thoughtfully, a long-lasting garden can be created. We also sometimes see that people don’t invest in high-quality outdoor furniture, which often proves to be an unsustainable solution in the long run.

If you could design a dream garden anywhere in the world, what would it look like?
A charming, timeless Mediterranean garden, with swaying grasses, lush, fragrant plants, wonderful citrus trees, warm-toned stone paving, and carefully selected furniture that invites long hours spent outdoors

Read more about Bengtsson Design: bengtssondesign.se