Mixing coastal influences with the clean lines of minimalism, discover five ways to master the Scandifornian look with BoConcepts head of Business & trade, Emma Hurst.
Neutral and earthy colour palettes, bright and airy interiors, and mid-century style all come together to create the Scandifornian design trend. Combining minimalistic Scandinavian elements with the naturally sunny Californian warmth, this modern style direction feels right for now as consumers crave calm and optimism from their homes and businesses in equal measure.
“The Scandifornian style brings together the clean lines and functionality of Scandinavian design with the warmth and laid-back vibes of Californian aesthetics”, says Emma Hurst, B2B Business Manager. “It gives the minimal aesthetic a much more relaxed feel.”
So how to achieve the look? From layering textures to low-level seating, discover five ways to infuse your home with coastal-inspired minimalism.
Mixing materials
One hallmark of Scandifornian style is pairing wood with cosy textiles. “We selected soft wood tones, like natural oak, that create a calm and tranquil atmosphere. There doesn't have to be too much consideration in mixing and matching all those wood tones because they're all from the same base.”
Then, it’s about adding softness through textiles. “It can feel too hard with all that wood,” says Emma. “You can inject texture and softness with a wool rug like ‘Form’ and textiles such as plaid blankets and bouclé cushions. To maximise the calming effect, go tonal with fabrics, taking inspiration from the light wood palette.”
Functional elegance
Both Scandinavian and Californian design philosophies emphasise the importance of functionality and simplicity. Choose furniture pieces that serve dual purposes or offer clever storage solutions to maintain a clutter-free environment. A Scandinavian-inspired wall unit, like Calgary, with sleek lines and space for storage and display can coexist harmoniously with a Californian-style lounge chair, creating a space that is both stylish and effortlessly functional. Storage is a practical solution for Businesses, but when on display to visitors and customers, it needs to look good too.
“I love the Lund cabinet for this look,” says Emma. “It’s great for storage but also a really a nice piece to style. We used accessories gathered items from outdoors such as driftwood and pebbles. Then we combined these with functional items like wine glasses, stacked plates and it looked beautiful. The glass doors mean it isn’t too overpowering in the space, plus you can evolve how you style it depending on your mood or what you're using your home for at the time.”
Coastal accessories
Both Scandinavian and Californian design celebrate the beauty of the outdoors. BoConcept's collection of accessories includes travertine sculptures, botanical prints and woven rugs.
“It’s about connecting your interior with the outdoors,” says Emma, who heads up the Commercial trade department. “So if your house is on the beach then that’s the natural landscape you draw on for inspiration to keep it grounded and more authentic. Think sea grasses, shell and coral sculptures, pebbles and woven rattan baskets.”
Lighting for ambiance
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for any interior. In the Scandifornian style, aim for a balance between functional and atmospheric. BoConcept's lighting options, ranging from minimalist Scandinavian fixtures to statement Californian-inspired lamps, allow you to achieve this equilibrium.
“If you can, try to maximise any natural light you have then focus on soft lighting in key areas throughout the home,” says Emma. “We focused more on table and floor lamps to create intimate zones within the home/work for cosy summer evening vibes where ever you maybe.”
Low-level seating
Low-level seating is a quintessential element of the Scandifornian style, seamlessly integrating the relaxed vibe of Californian design with the minimalism of Scandinavian aesthetics. This fusion not only invites a sense of cosiness but also promotes an open, airy ambiance.
“Low-level seating like that found on the Salamanca is so relaxed,” says Hurst. “It really connects you to the building and your surroundings.” A laidback sofa like Salamanca also encourages socialising, so it’s perfect for those occasions hosting family and friends, or even colleagues in a relaxed way too.
By mixing materials, embracing tactile accents and prioritising functional elegance, you can create a living space that seamlessly merges the best of Scandinavian and Californian design.
For more Scandifornian indpo, visit BoConcept.com or local stores in Fenwick Newcastle, Redbrick Leeds and Monks Cross York
For commercial trade enquires, Contact Emma Hurst, emdi@boconcept.co.uk
