How to combine Scandi interior design with contemporary touches in your home

I'm excited to say that I have been featured as a guest blogger, in good company, on the Wayfair website this week, talking about combining different styles. I love the website and to be talking about home and interiors, including our living room makeover, is such a dream opportunity.

You can see the post via the link above but my tips in full can be found below...

Scandi style is one of those looks that anyone can make work for any home. With its emphasis on clean lines and a crisp white base, we were first introduced to Scandi design by IKEA and now, most homes have at least one item that encompasses this simple combination of form and function.

It’s easy to introduce a Scandi touch to your home; it’s all about choosing pieces that have a purpose and keeping the accessories understated.

Traditionally, Scandi style works from a paired-back palette of pale grey, white and weathered or white-washed woods. And these shades are great for opening up your space and creating a sense of calm. However, living in such a seemingly understated way can actually be quite difficult to keep up – particularly if you like ‘things’ or have little ones around, with all the ‘stuff’ they attract.

If you want to combine the effortless look of Scandi with some of the latest quirky and on-trend touches, here are my top tips for making this contemporary twist work for you.

The basics:

* White furniture is a good place to start - think modular bookcases and solid pieces. Low-level coffee tables are perfect, or you could choose a square design that offers more than one way of working, as multifunctional pieces are another key element of this look.

* Functional, unfussy sofa designs – the simpler the form, the more your look will echo mid-century Scandinavian design.

* Floating shelves – these will provide you with the perfect backdrop and create areas where you can store essentials as well as important items you want to display, from favourite prints, well-thumbed books and treasured mementos. Just search #shelfie and you’ll find plenty of inspiration on how to create an attractive cluster.

* Layering – to soften the sharp edges and make your space welcoming rather than over minimalistic, add throws. Cover up chairs or sofas that may have seen better days with plain throws or drape a wool or heavy textured throw over the arm to layer up the look.

Now you’ve laid the Scandi foundations, it’s time to throw the rule book out:

* Splash of colour – break with Scandi tradition and be brave with colour. For me, this means having fun with paint. I decided to create a bold backdrop, using this season’s signature colour of high voltage yellow on one main feature wall, behind my white Scandi furniture. It packs a punch, but the flashes I’ve used around the room tie it all together.

* Geometrics – a true contemporary trend, geometric patterns and forms combine with Scandi to great effect. It’s something about the matching of clear lines, so look out for cushion covers, throws and accessories that mirror this look.

* Bring in copper touches – mixing materials is a great way to create depth in any room and copper is another trend that’s showing no signs of waning. Silver is a traditional pairing for Scandi but copper is a warmer alternative and can be incorporated through a few different pieces positioned here and there. Choose a copper candle holder, lamp or other accessory for interest and you’ll be right on trend.

* Design your own displays – creative wall hangings are all the rage right now so don’t be afraid to try something different. To stay in-keeping with your typical Scandi look, line up pictures in a linear fashion – but who says you have to choose simple frames? Take some wooden clipboards with chunky clasps and add your favourite photos or a typography print – very popular right now – for a different kind of display. Add some washi tape detailing, in copper or a geometric print, to tie-in with other accents in the room, and update your display with the seasons to maintain a fresh feel.

Scandi is a look that translates for living spaces, dining rooms and bedrooms alike so why not break with tradition and use this as a base for a more vibrant, personal space.