What happens when you mix the relatively minimalist Scandinavian design aesthetic with the maximalist Bohemian look? Well you get Boho-navian or Sandi-hemian. Whatever you call it, it’s a pretty distinct pairing that’s as unique as you

Master These 5 Essential Ways to Mix Scandinavian & Bohemian Like a Pro.png

I love this look because it allows you to be creative and colorful while keeping the space clutter free and meaningful.

Out of the 3 design styles I mixed in recent weeks, The Scandi- boho look is ideal for small spaces because you take the best of the more is more Boho look and edit it down to just the most meaningful and special pieces instead of everything and the kitchen sink.

You get to have all the color and whimsy of Boho with the restrain and curation of Scandinavian. And that can fit delightfully well in small homes.

And, in case you missed the first two installments of this series, 5 KEY TACTICS THE PROS USE FOR MIXING MID CENTURY MODERN & FARMHOUSE DESIGN and 5 QUICK TIPS FOR MASTERING THE ART OF MIXING MODERN CLASSIC & RUSTIC LIKE A PRO, You can check them out for a bit more inspiration on how to combine two distinct looks to arrive at a unique style all your own.

Just as with the first two posts, I arrived at the pairing of Scandinavian and Bohemian by looking back through my archives and tallying up the number of emails, DM’s and socials I got asking about how to combine these two different design styles. I also cross checked my findings on the interwebs by keyword research and public interest. You gotta love technology.

That’s enough back story, let’s get into, Master These 5 Essential Ways to Mix Scandinavian & Bohemian Like a Pro.

First, Let’s define these two distinct design styles for context.

According to the website, Scandinavia-design.fr, “Several key factors unite the Scandinavian approach to design. A number of these have their origin in the characteristics of the Nordic environment. The northern countries are famously dark, cold and snow-covered for long months of the year, with brief, intense light-filled summers. Important areas are mountainous and heavily forested. It is therefore not surprising that many Scandinavian designs have been inspired in some sense by organic forms, materials or natural patterning.

The first golden age of Scandinavian design extends from the 1930s to the beginning of the 1970s. Its founders are called Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, Borge Mogensen, Hans J. Wegner, Verner Panton, Poul Henningsen, Maija Isola, etc.

Source: Finn Style, Couch Potato Company, Frederica, 1st Dibs

These precursors have provided the model and set of values which still inspire the new scandinavian design: durability, functionality, reliability - but also less tangible values such as simplicity, equality, joy, courage, daily pleasure visible through the creations of new scandinavian brands.”

Justina Blakeney, a designer wrote in House Beautiful that “Bohemian design is generally inspired by those who lead a free-spirited, norm-defying life, like travelers, writers, artists, etc. "What we now understand as 'bohemianism' from a design perspective emerged from early nineteenth century France, when artists moved into the lower-rent Romani (gypsy) areas of Paris, in order to seek alternatives to bourgeois expectations. This convergence of cultures gave rise to a kind of vagabond lifestyle, where the pursuit of wealth was abandoned in the search for a creative life and alternative ideals of beauty.”

Bohemian design today is about incorporating many different things from different philosophies, parts of the world, and ways of life. The result is an eclectic style that's as diverse as the people who inspire it.

"It's a free-spirited aesthetic rooted in cultural mixing and an artistic sensibility," Blakeney says.

Much like the mixing of Modern Classic and Rustic, Scandinavian and Bohemian are quite opposite styles, but they compliment the other very well.

Where Scandinavian is functional and durable with a penchant for minimalism, Bohemian is free, eclectic and irreverent, leaning more in the direction of maximalism.

The combination of these two styles is a like controlled chaos and curation all at once. When done right, it’s deliciously cohesive and contrasting.

White Space Base Then Color

The base layer of this design duo is an all-white color palette. Because the two styles are so different, having white walls and ceilings gives the individual aspects of each to shine. The colorful Boho elements have a gallery wall back drop to shine and the more reserved elements and natural accoutrements of the Scandinavian side have an equal chance to balance the look. Each side of the equation is represented and can shine.

Having white walls also allows you to explore your personal color choices very easily. White will enhance any color, warm or cool, that you decide to decorate with.

Unlike pure Boho design, the Scandinavian – Bohemian pairing is colorful but a little more reserved. For instance, colors are typically analogous – form the same side of the color wheel, instead of a rainbow of colors like in most boho decorating schemes.

By keeping the art, accessories and accents in an analogous color scheme, it balances the Scandinavian side by being intentional.

2. Curate Your Collection

Speaking of being intentional, this design pairing is curated and meaningful. Yes, there is an embracing of color, texture, and all the wonderful things that make Boho so eclectic and interesting but, the things that make it into the space are purposeful and important.

That means, you won’t see a lot of items piled in that don’t have a function and aesthetic.

Where Boho enjoys multitudes of items, this style mix enjoys negative space between its colorful displays. So a couple treasured items is prioritized above 5.

The look is curated, not cluttered.

Where you might see a plethora of floor cushions scattered about in Boho, you’ll see a few sofa cushions and more order to the display of textiles and patterns.

Source: Pinterest/ Amy John Headley, Michael Helwig Interiors

3. Layer, Layer, Layer

Much like Boho, layers are important to achieving the look. Definitely embrace colorful and textural pillows. Include a throw blanket to add more dimension. Place a rug on top of an existing rug and vary the size and shape.

There is still a great opportunity to really focus on building a story with your décor here and unlike Boho, that narrative is clear and intentional instead of hyper abundant.

Again, the look is curated.

4. 86 The Matchy Matchy

In order to really make this look work, you’ll want to avoid getting matching furniture. That means, you don’t want a sofa and chair from the same collection, with the same lines and structure.

Instead, be bold and go for mismatched furniture and mixed construction. An upholstered sofa with a wooden chair, A metal bed with rattan bedside tables. A metal cocktail table mixed with painted and distressed accent tables.

The look is collected, not pristine. So, a wonderful thrift store cabinet or hand me down console will always work with a new, custom sofa or dining table.

Source: My Shopping Plaza, Havenly, Foter

5. Get Your Plant On

This look would be incomplete without an abundance of plants.

Emphasis on natural elements: stone, wood, and live plants hammer the aesthetic home.

Go big and almost unruly here as well. A large fiddle leaf tree, an organic and billowy philodendron that commands space and occupies a good part of the floor space will not only add a natural architecture to the space but will emphasize the organic structure that is the foundation of Scandinavian-Boho.

One last tip for plants, don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of plants. Utilize large and small varieties in different containers. The look isn’t about making your home look like a greenhouse, but it is definitely not about absolute restrain either.

Layer plants in groups of three or keep one large plant on a pedestal in a corner as a showpiece.

If the plant is taking up as much space as a human, that’s good.

That’s it, Master These 5 Essential Ways to Mix Scandinavian & Bohemian Like a Pro.

White Space Base Then Color
Curate Your Collection
Layer, Layer, Layer
86 The Matchy Matchy
Get Your Plant On

I hope you enjoyed this 3 week series on mixing different design styles. And, I hope you’ve gained a bit of confidence to try some of the looks out for yourself.

Even if you enjoy different design styles or you have a partner with a completely opposite aesthetic, just remember, there’s always a way to make it work.

My best advice is to not get caught up in the “rules” of design. Hopefully I’ve been able to get my point across that design and decorating is really about what makes YOU happy, not what the “experts” say is the right or wrong way to pull off a particular style.

Have fun with your decorating. Be bold and take some chances because you just might find the look you’ve been searching for all along.

And, if you’d be so kind as to leave a comment, I’d love to hear what you’ve experienced with mixing two or more decorating styles.

Join the Fun

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a few minutes here with me.

Don’t forget to subscribe to see the last installment of this 3 part series next week. The best way to do that is to subscribe so you don’t miss out. You can subscribe by downloading my 11 Secrets Only Designers Know to Make Your Space Rock. If you’re curious about how decorators and designers make a home look magazine ready, you’ll love taking a gander at these 11 secrets. You’ll learn how to style your room from the floor up and it will work for ANY space you have.

“This man is a plant shaman. He not only designs beautiful rooms, he’s got a green thumb that works like magic! My peace palm never looked better.”

— David K.

“Michael Helped me to get my home office in magazine ready form. Thank you a million times for helping me figure this room out. It’s now my favorite room!”

— Dawn Z.

And if you missed the first two posts in this series, 5 KEY TACTICS THE PROS USE FOR MIXING MID CENTURY MODERN & FARMHOUSE DESIGN and 5 QUICK TIPS FOR MASTERING THE ART OF MIXING MODERN CLASSIC & RUSTIC LIKE A PRO, make sure to check them out. You never know, they could be the exact style combo’s you’re looking for!

Until next week, keep your dreams big for your small house!

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.