Scandinavian and Bohemian (Boho) interior design styles both have their distinct characteristics, but they share a common love for natural materials, comfort, and simplicity. By blending these two styles, you can create a harmonious and unique look that feels both cozy and airy, effortlessly chic and inviting. The key to mixing Scandinavian and Boho designs lies in balancing clean lines with eclectic, cozy touches.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to blend Scandinavian and Boho design elements, offering you practical tips on achieving a stunning and balanced space that reflects your personality and style.
1. Focus on Neutral and Earthy Tones
The Scandinavian Love for Neutrals
Scandinavian design is known for its minimalist color palette, dominated by whites, light greys, and soft pastels. These neutral tones help create a serene, calm environment, which is essential for both Scandinavian and Boho aesthetics.
Introducing Boho Color Accents
Bohemian style, on the other hand, thrives on a mix of vibrant colors inspired by nature and global influences. Think warm terracotta, burnt orange, deep greens, mustard yellow, and rich blues. These earthy and jewel tones can add energy to an otherwise neutral Scandinavian space.
How to Blend the Two:
- Start with a Neutral Base: Use whites, creams, or soft greys as the main backdrop. These colors are synonymous with Scandinavian design and create a bright, airy environment.
- Add Boho Accents: Layer in vibrant Boho colors through accessories like cushions, throws, rugs, and art pieces. Terracotta cushions or mustard throws on a neutral Scandinavian sofa will make a striking contrast while maintaining harmony.
- Warm Wood Tones: Integrate light wood furniture or flooring. Light woods such as oak or birch are quintessential to Scandinavian design, and these natural wood tones can serve as a grounding element when paired with the rich textures and colors of Boho decor.
Pro Tip: A neutral backdrop allows for more flexibility in introducing bolder colors, and the key is to keep it balanced and purposeful.
2. Mix Clean Lines with Eclectic Curves
The Simplicity of Scandinavian Design
Scandinavian furniture and design typically emphasize clean lines, functional shapes, and simplicity. The furniture is minimal, often made from light woods or metals, with an emphasis on function over form.
Boho’s Eclectic Influence
On the flip side, Boho design embraces an eclectic, layered look with curves, textures, and more decorative details. Think vintage armchairs with intricate carvings, ornate wooden tables, and mismatched patterns and materials.
How to Blend the Two:
- Combine Minimalist Furniture with Boho Accessories: Choose Scandinavian-style furniture with clean lines, such as simple white or light wood coffee tables and couches. Then, introduce Boho elements through accessories like floor cushions, poufs, and colorful patterned rugs.
- Balance Structured and Soft Curves: For example, a minimalist Scandinavian chair can be paired with a cozy, curved Boho-inspired throw pillow or a large woven basket.
- Statement Lighting: Incorporate Scandinavian-inspired lighting fixtures like a sleek pendant lamp or a floor lamp with a simple metal base. Add a Boho touch with colorful woven lampshades or fringe details.
Pro Tip: Look for furniture pieces with subtle design details (like rattan or wicker) that straddle the line between both styles, adding interest without overwhelming the space.
3. Layer Textures for Depth and Comfort
Scandinavian’s Minimalistic Approach to Texture
In Scandinavian design, texture is typically understated. Soft textiles, such as wool throws, linen cushions, and light cotton curtains, are often used in simple, understated ways to add warmth and comfort to the space.
Boho’s Embrace of Texture
Boho decor, however, is all about texture. It’s common to find velvet cushions, woven rugs, macrame wall hangings, and other tactile elements that create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
How to Blend the Two:
- Mix Textures in Throws and Pillows: Layer soft linen or wool cushions in Scandinavian tones with chunky knitted throws, silk pillows, or handwoven textiles in Boho patterns. This contrast creates a dynamic and cozy look.
- Choose Complementary Rugs: Opt for a neutral, light-colored Scandinavian rug as the foundation and layer it with a colorful, textured Boho rug on top. The interplay between the smooth Scandinavian rug and the more intricate Boho piece will add depth and warmth.
- Wall Hangings and Art: While Scandinavian wall art may feature simple geometric designs or black-and-white photography, you can introduce Boho’s signature woven wall hangings, macrame, or natural wood shelves to add texture and personality to your walls.
Pro Tip: When mixing textures, be sure to incorporate varying weights. For example, pair a soft wool blanket with a heavier woven rug or a smooth leather chair with a plush velvet cushion.
4. Incorporate Natural Materials and Organic Elements
The Scandinavian Natural Vibe
Scandinavians have a long history of using natural materials in their designs. Light wood, sheepskin, and stone are common elements that evoke a sense of warmth and connection with nature. The minimalist approach is key, ensuring the materials speak for themselves without unnecessary decoration.
Boho’s Nature-Inspired Materials
Bohemian design also draws heavily from nature, often incorporating wicker, rattan, jute, bamboo, and cotton. The Boho style is more eclectic in its use of natural materials, creating a more lived-in and relaxed atmosphere.
How to Blend the Two:
- Natural Wood: Choose furniture that emphasizes light, natural wood tones—common in both styles. Scandinavian designs tend to feature unvarnished wood, while Boho pieces may incorporate woven rattan or rustic reclaimed wood for a more eclectic look.
- Woven Elements: Incorporate Boho-style woven baskets, rugs, or wall hangings made of jute, seagrass, or wicker. These can work well alongside simple Scandinavian furniture, adding texture and visual interest without overwhelming the space.
- Indoor Plants: Bring nature inside by introducing plenty of indoor plants. Both Scandinavian and Boho styles emphasize greenery, but while Scandinavian interiors often feature minimalist plant pots, Boho decor embraces eclectic pots with vibrant patterns or textures.
Pro Tip: Natural elements like wood, stone, and greenery should be balanced carefully to maintain a sense of calm. Too many materials can overwhelm the space.
5. Use Light and Airy Fabrics
Scandinavian Fabrics: Simple and Functional
Scandinavians value simplicity and functionality, and this extends to their fabric choices. Light, airy fabrics like linen, cotton, and wool are often used in furniture upholstery, curtains, and bedding. These materials allow light to flow through the space, creating an open and airy atmosphere.
Boho Fabrics: Rich and Cozy
Bohemian fabrics, in contrast, are often more luxurious and richly textured. Velvet, embroidered textiles, and colorful prints add warmth and layers to the space.
How to Blend the Two:
- Light Curtains with Boho Accents: Use light linen or cotton curtains to maintain the Scandinavian lightness, but opt for curtains in natural, earthy tones or with subtle Boho-inspired prints like florals or geometric patterns.
- Layered Bedding: Use Scandinavian-inspired bedding in neutral tones, then layer with a Boho-inspired blanket or throw in rich, colorful patterns and textures.
- Upholstered Furniture: Choose Scandinavian-style furniture with clean, neutral upholstery and add colorful, eclectic cushions or throws that reflect Boho influences.
Pro Tip: Use light fabrics as your base and layer on heavier, more tactile textiles to add depth and contrast.
6. Create a Cozy Yet Spacious Atmosphere
The Scandinavian Emphasis on Functionality
Scandinavian interiors prioritize functionality and simplicity, often focusing on creating clean, uncluttered spaces. This makes them feel spacious and organized, allowing the natural light to fill the room.
The Boho Embrace of Comfort and Layering
Bohemian design celebrates comfort and coziness, often with a more relaxed, lived-in atmosphere. It’s common to see a mix of furniture, textiles, and accessories that come together to create a warm and inviting space.
How to Blend the Two:
- Open and Airy Layout: Stick to the Scandinavian approach of an open, airy layout. Avoid overcrowding the space with too much furniture or decor. Instead, choose a few statement pieces that serve as the focal point of the room.
- Add Layers of Comfort: Introduce layers of comfort with plush rugs, cushions, throws, and cozy seating arrangements. For instance, a Scandinavian-style sectional can be softened with Boho pillows and throws for a relaxed vibe.
Pro Tip: The balance between light and airy with cozy and layered is key. Ensure there’s still plenty of space for movement and light to flow while adding elements of comfort and warmth.
7. Personalize Your Space with Unique Accents
Scandinavian Simplicity in Decor
Scandinavian design often includes simple, understated decor—minimalist artwork, clean-lined furniture, and functional storage solutions.
Boho Personalization
Boho decor thrives on personal expression and uniqueness. Vintage finds, handcrafted pieces, and travel-inspired accessories are hallmarks of Boho style.
How to Blend the Two:
- Personal Touches: Use Scandinavian-inspired furniture as a base, then personalize the space with unique, Boho-style accessories such as eclectic wall art, handmade ceramics, or colorful woven baskets.
- Vintage Finds: Boho decor loves a good vintage find. Incorporate a mix of vintage textiles, such as a tribal print rug or antique wooden frames, alongside Scandinavian modernist furniture.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix modern Scandinavian pieces with global, vintage, or artisan-crafted items for a truly personalized boho look.
Conclusion: A Perfect Balance of Scandinavian and Boho Styles
Blending Scandinavian and Boho design styles offers a unique way to create a space that is both functional and full of personality. By combining the clean lines and minimalist charm of Scandinavian decor with the eclectic and vibrant touches of Boho design, you can create a harmonious space that is cozy, welcoming, and visually exciting. Remember, the key to successful blending lies in finding the balance—mixing natural materials, vibrant colors, soft textures, and functional design elements in a way that feels both intentional and relaxed.
FAQs
1. What are the key differences between Scandinavian and Boho design?
Scandinavian design is minimalist, focused on light, functional furniture with a neutral palette. Boho design is eclectic and colorful, embracing global influences, layers of texture, and rich materials. The key difference is in the simplicity vs. complexity of decoration.
2. Can I mix Boho with modern Scandinavian furniture?
Yes! Scandinavian furniture works well with Boho decor. Keep the furniture minimalistic and neutral, then introduce the colorful, eclectic touches of Boho with textiles, accessories, and wall art.
3. How do I choose the right color palette when blending these styles?
Start with neutral tones like white, grey, and light wood to create the Scandinavian foundation. Then, add bold Boho colors like mustard, terracotta, deep green, and rich blues through accessories and textiles.
4. What are some essential Boho elements to incorporate into Scandinavian design?
Incorporate Boho elements like woven baskets, macrame wall hangings, textured rugs, plants, and eclectic throws and cushions. These pieces will add warmth and personality to the otherwise minimalist Scandinavian space.
5. How do I add warmth to a Scandinavian room without overwhelming the space?
Introduce texture through layered rugs, throws, and cushions. Use Boho textiles in warm tones to add comfort without crowding the space. Keep the base Scandinavian style minimalist to avoid visual clutter.
6. What type of plants work well with this blend of styles?
Both Scandinavian and Boho styles embrace plants. Large leafy plants like fiddle leaf figs, palms, or rubber plants work well. Use simple pots for Scandinavian elegance, or opt for colorful, patterned pots for Boho flair.
7. Is it okay to mix vintage pieces with Scandinavian furniture?
Absolutely! Scandinavian furniture is minimalistic and timeless, making it easy to integrate vintage Boho finds. A vintage rug or boho-inspired art can add personality without overwhelming the Scandinavian base.
8. Can I mix metallic accents with these styles?
Yes, metallic accents can work if used sparingly. Scandinavian design often incorporates sleek metals like steel or brass, while Boho uses more organic metal finishes, like hammered brass. A few well-placed metal pieces will add sophistication.
9. What lighting styles should I use when blending these two designs?
Use functional Scandinavian lighting, such as pendant lights or sleek floor lamps, paired with Boho lighting accents like woven lanterns or colorful glass chandeliers to add a personal, cozy touch.
10. How can I maintain a calm and serene atmosphere while blending these styles?
Focus on balance. Keep your base Scandinavian elements simple and airy, then use Boho touches like colorful cushions, layered textiles, and plants to add warmth and character without cluttering the space.