If you’re a colour lover maximalist like me, chances are the concept of ‘Scandi’ décor doesn’t really do it for you. And I get it: you’re thinking white on grey, hardly any furniture, bare walls, bare floors, and absolutely no neon whatsoever. Where’s the fun in that?
But hold on just a minute, because there’s a new Scandi in town: introducing the home décor aesthetic increasingly seen in some of the world’s coolest homes…Scandi Boho!
Now, the Boho side of Scandi is a look we maximalist rug-lovers can really get on board with, and I’ll bet it’s going to appeal to those who like things a little more pared back, too. Yes, there’s a splash of the clean, bright, minimal vibe we expect from Scandi, but throw in some Boho and you get an arty, eclectic edge to soften things up. Plus – gasp! – a dash of colour. No wonder it’s such a hit.
The key to Sca-Bo is finding a perfect balance between the Scandi and the Boho, as per the pic above and my mood board, below.
1. Christian Lacroix, Croisette Rainette, wallpaper panels, £522 per roll
2. Bxxlght, Neon Cloud Light, £295
3. Kelly Hoppen, Rotan Pendant, £59
4. Bloomingville, Bulky Day Bed, £1399
5. Design House Stockholm, Demi Lamp, from £239
6. Nichola Taylorson, Saavan Pompom Cushion, £88
7. The Knots, "Pioneer Works" Vintage Rug, £1189
8. Bloomingville, Calm Armchair, £899
9. Pols Potten, Teak Tray Set, £105
10. Pikaplant, Coffee Plant Jar, £59.99
Getting the idea? Fancy a bit of the Sca-Bo in YOUR life? OK then, here’s my guide to getting the look in 5 simple steps…
1) Start with a white floor
Light painted floorboards are ideal as a base, and Designers Guild paint has a fabulous range of brights. I particularly like their chalky whites, with a hint – or more than a hint – of grey: check out Alabaster, Polished Cement and Whitewash, below.
2) Soften up your space
This is where you start to loosen things up. Go as large as your room will allow, bringing the boho into all corners of your space with an artisan rug that’s just longing to be lounged upon. If you prefer to keep things neutral, colour-wise, how about this beautiful “Gimme Coffee” rug by Berlin rug house The Knots. It’s super-cosy, with a classic Berber-inspired geometric design, using natural charcoal and ivory dyes.
"Gimme Coffee" rug by The Knots
Or if you can’t resist a shot of pink (guilty), this “Pioneer Works” vintage rug, also from The Knots, has been stone-washed and over-dyed to give it that wonderful, washed-out feel.
3) Add some arty-luxe lounging
Nothing says boho like a day bed (except, perhaps, Sienna Miller in fringed cowboy boots), and this wool-and-oak beauty by Bloomingville (below) also gives a nod to the Scandi side. Practical plus: it folds out into a double bed, should your guests find themselves so chilled out in your stylish home that they have no option but to stay the night.
Bloomingville day bed
Layer it up with an eclectic selection of cushions: I love the Saavan (a Hindu word meaning welcoming the first rain after the dry, hot months) by British textile designers Nichola Taylorson, who took water ripples as the inspiration for this dyed indigo design. Add tassels and texture with this Bloomingville cushion, so very boho-luxe that I’d put money on Kate Moss having one in her home. After something cosy to cuddle up to on those dark Nordic nights? Forget the husband and look no further than Bloomingville’s pure Mongolian lambswool. Bliss.
4) The well-designed details
These are about keeping things natural, but with a contemporary twist. So it’s a big YES to neon (yay!), as long as it’s this neon white cloud light by Bxxlght.
White neon cloud by Bxxlght
Add a sculptural element with this organic tray set from Pols Potten, fashioned from natural plantation teak and perfect for carrying a few glasses of glogg. Or if it’s coffee you’re after, make sure you drink it from Bloomingville’s blue Sandrine ceramic mug with its ocean-blue glaze.
5) Go boheme-green
Green is the best accent colour in your Scandi Boho scheme, and there’s no better way to add it than with actual greenery – either real, faux or in a picture. Display an abundance of plants at varying heights in these minimal Menu wire bases.
Menu wire planter
Or if you (like me) have problems remembering to water your plant babies, try the Pikaplant Jar – coffee plants from Africa which come with their own eco system, meaning no need for H2O– genius. Finally, for a full wall of no-fuss fabulous foliage you can’t go wrong with Lacroix’s stunning palm tree mural, as seen in my mood board.
So there you go: your five-step plan to Scandi Boho perfection. Peace out, man!
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See below for my chat with journalist Georgie from Ideal Home magazine, about how The Pink House London came to be. Photos by the fabulous Susie Lowe.