Key Takeaways
-
The boho-Scandinavian model combines clear, minimalist Scandinavian design with the daring, eclectic spirit of bohemian aesthetics.
-
Neutral partitions paired with richly pigmented furnishings and accents create a balanced, high-contrast boho-Scandi look.
-
Incorporate pure supplies, layered textures, and sculptural lighting to attain a comfortable, inviting Scandi-boho area.
Like all nice fusions, the boho-Scandinavian design model takes the very best of each aesthetics—the Scandi sense of magnificence in plainness and the bohemian propensity for daring free-spiritedness—and blends them into an suave mashup of pared-back and delightfully undone interiors. But it is maybe due to the 2 kinds’ inherent similarities—not their contrasts—that they work so extremely nicely collectively.
Like the midcentury design model, Scandinavian design, too, is characterised by clear strains, minimalism, accessibility, and performance (and it arose throughout the identical period), however the Scandi model takes an “unencumbered dwelling” strategy that goes hand in hand with the colder Nordic local weather and the need to be at one with nature. Bohemian design, though outwardly reverse with its give attention to international eclecticism and daring colours and patterns, equally celebrates inclusivity, consolation, and the love of nature.
What Is the Scandinavian-Bohemian Design Style?
It’s a mashup born of minimalist tendencies and unfettered design rules. Think impartial partitions, an edited mixture of handcrafted ornamental gadgets, daring patterns, luxurious textures, and clean-lined midcentury modern-inspired furnishings.
Those keen on both strategy will nonetheless love the yin-yang dichotomy of the boho-Scandinavian design model. The Decorist designer Courtney Alexafor one, is a fan of the amalgam’s “selection, give attention to pure, natural supplies and multilayered, cozy, uncluttered aesthetic.”
Meet the Expert
Courtney Aleksa obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts diploma in inside design from the Syracuse University School of Design earlier than becoming a member of Decoristthe place she focuses on residential tasks. She based her eponymous Boston-based design studio in 2018, and her work has appeared in Boston Common journal.
To journey the road between playfully undone and structured, observe these 14 design suggestions and set up your individual well-balanced boho-Scandinavian area.
Rein in Wall Color
“White and impartial colours are the muse for a vibrant, calm, and ethereal Scandinavian aesthetic, and black, in addition to richly-pigmented colours like deep indigo, pinkish-brown, and gray-green accents are high-contrast, high-impact bohemian colours,” says Aleksa. To characterize each kinds, preserve wall colours impartial and relegate intense tones to furnishings and ornamental accents, as carried out on this relaxed, muted-pink dwelling space.
Commune with Nature
Honor the boho-Scandi model’s robust bond with nature by bringing in furnishings that resembles biomorphic and natural shapes, tall timber, potted crops in colourful containers, and contemporary cuttings that invite the surface world. A easy association of flowering branches in a tall, natural vase—as seen on this nature-inspired eating space—is quintessentially Scandinavian and “brings in a sculptural ingredient that is alive with shade and kinetic vitality,” says Aleksa.
Establish Comfort
Creating a relaxing, comforting Scandi-boho atmosphere has a lot to do with how one lives and little or no to do with gilding the lily. Hygge (Danish for the sensation of cozy togetherness) nurtures an emotional state, and each bohemian and Scandinavian properties are supposed to be livable, relaxed, and convivial. Create intentional areas outfitted with creature comforts, like a studying nook with comfortable chairs to twist up in or a big eating desk that household and visitors can all sit round.
To additional foster hygge and a relaxed, boho vibe, encourage significant dialog with intimate, face-to-face seating preparations and at all times keep away from making a TV the focus.
Go Organic
Scandinavians furnish and beautify with organically derived and eco-conscious items as a result of they foster sustainability and beget oneness with the pure world. Collect classic, all-natural, hand-hewn, and wabi-sabi items with a country aptitude, seen brushstrokes, and slight irregularities (they concur with bohemian model, too) and provides them pleasure of place, as seen within the completely imperfect rest room above. Aleksa outlets Bloomist and Etsy for pure, artisanal items.
Choose Patinaed Furniture
Scandinavians put a premium on high-quality, patinaed furnishings meant to final, just like the well-worn midcentury-era couch seen within the room above by Gachot Studios. Temper purposeful funding items by Scandi design giants reminiscent of Alvar Aalto, Bruno Mathsson, Børge Mogensen, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, and Poul Kjærholm (they used resilient hardwoods like rosewood, teak, birch, and ash) with daring, bohemian-inspired items, like a low-lying daybed, a live-edge espresso desk, or stitched-leather poufs.
Practice Just proper
Scandinavians observe the design ethos good, that means “sufficient, adequate, ample, good,” through which litter is eradicated and moderation is vital, as exemplified on this pared-back kitchen/eating space. Lagom is the buzzword on the subject of mastering the magic combine that’s boho-Scandi model: “Always be conscious of what you are bringing into your own home,” explains Aleksa. Plus, she provides, “In an uncluttered area, you’ll be able to higher recognize the sweetness and uniqueness of all of your belongings.”
In an uncluttered area, you’ll be able to higher recognize the sweetness and uniqueness of all of your belongings.
Condense Collections
Resist the urge to load partitions and cabinets with each portray and tchotchke you personal. Instead, condense your collections—as carried out atop this tidy hearth mantel by Penny Cohen Interiors. You can do that by choosing solely the best, most high-quality items, and sticking with stylistically comparable objects, like framed artworks (previous household photographs are a Scandi customized), or these of a selected style, like summary landscapes. Likewise, says Aleksa, “mushy” components, reminiscent of “woven textiles or an assemblage of handwoven baskets, make Scandi-boho areas really feel layered.”
Select Sculptural Lighting
No Scandinavian-bohemian house is full with out sculptural lighting in ethereal, biomorphic shapes. Aleksa suggests natural shades in steel, cloth, and paper, such because the Addition 10A ground lamp by Isamu Noguchi (above) that noiselessly blends into the nook of this moody blue dwelling space. She additionally loves Arturo Álvarez’s mesh Nevo lamp; Poul Henningsen’s “artichoke” pendant; bohemian fixtures in plywood, bamboo, and rattan; and stoneware and birch variations from Cedar & Moss’ Tumwater and Yugen collections, respectively.
Generate Depth
Scandinavian-boho interiors generate motion and depth by advantage of touchable textures and wealthy patterns. “The extra you differ textures and supplies all through the area, the deeper and extra welcoming it turns into.” To wit, even a monochromatic palette jumps to life when infused with fringed, embroidered, and fluffy textiles. Bold florals and graphic Scandinavian patterns, as in textiles by Astrid Sampe, Josef Frank, and Marimekko, additionally work nicely.
The extra you differ textures and supplies all through the area, the deeper and extra welcoming it turns into.
Channel Fireplace
Naturally, candles and fireplaces have turn into purposeful necessities in Scandinavia, as truncated daytime begin in fall and prolong all through winter. Norway even has a phrase describing the sensation of contentment generated by the heat of an indoor hearth: hearth. No hearth? “Candlelight is the following smartest thing,” says Aleksa, who suggests conserving a smattering of chunky pillar candles, skinny tapers (take cues from this inviting eating space by Kristin Lagerqvist), and twinkly tealights lit all through the day.
Curate Displays
Bohemian properties embrace worldly mashups of sentimental, quirky, and distinctive finds. The boho-Scandi model nonetheless accommodates ornamental gadgets however curates them with a eager collector’s eye, akin to this natural mixture of beloved baubles. Think onerous about how, the place, and what you will show. Marry classic and modern-day decor, says Aleksa—reminiscent of midcentury-era ceramics by Bjørn Wiinblad and Arabia Finland—with sculptural, metallic artwork objects from manufacturers like Ferm Living and Burke Decor.
Enhance Natural Light
The Scandi-boho model savors pure mild; choose window therapies that permit as a lot daylight as attainable to pour into each room. This vibrant, ethereal dwelling space nails it. Eschew heavy, double-lined curtain panels for sheerer variations in linen and cotton that simply contact the ground. Aleksa recommends semi-sheer and opaque mobile, Roman, and curler shades, in addition to unlined, grasscloth, natural-woven, and matchstick therapies “that present privateness whereas permitting ample mild to filter by means of.”
Foster Warmth
Hygge additionally extends to each literal and visible iterations of heat, says Aleksa, who loves including a Nordic twist to boho model by draping shaggy sheepskins and fake fur blankets over chairs, benches, and beds for requisite dimension and softness, as proven on this heat boho-Scandi dwelling space.
Wall-to-wall carpeting would not jibe with Scandinavian or bohemian model. Instead, use mixtures of animal-hide, high-pile, and flatwoven rugs to anchor widespread areas.
Make a Messy Bed
Cold Nordic climate begets a layered strategy to bed-making—this wood-clad bed room will get the calculatedly “undone” look proper—and bohemian ideology grants you license to play with patterns (busy florals, paisley) and earthy colours like moss inexperienced, denim and indigo blue, browns, and yellows. Aleksa likes “lived-in,” rumpled linen, chambray, and natural cotton sheets, in addition to mushy, skinny quilts and fake fur, velvet, and wool blankets.
Ready to take this design mashup to the following stage? Here are 5 Scandi-boho merchandise that embody this wealthy, multilayered model.
Bring Boho-Scandi Style Home
You’ll be one step nearer to mastering this design combine with these six sustainable merchandise.
Organic Pendant Lamp
Its shade consists of a blond bent-bamboo body and hand-pressed paper composed of recycled natural supplies—and at 38 inches excessive, it is a positive statement-maker.
Graphic Cushion
Even over 50 years after architect Josef Frank’s dying, his colourful, botanical textile designs proceed to thrill and beguile.
Low-Slung Daybed
Hand-carved teak depicts a Southeast Asian botanical motif—a.ok.a. the epitome of laid-back boho-Scandi model.
Colorful Area Rug
Plush, colourful, and oh so hyggethis high-pile space rug is the boho antidote to impartial partitions.
Freestanding Fireplace
Let the flickering flame of this classic indoor hearth generate hearthand heat your Scandi soul.
Wabi-Sabi Dishware
Handmade in Portugal, with barely irregular, textured edges, this place setting of ceramic dishware seems to be and feels charmingly wabi-sabi.