You know Scandi and maybe even heard of Japandi, but now let me introduce you to AfriScandi. AfriScandi of course being the merging of Scandinavian and African styles. You may think that these two juxtaposed styles are a weird combination, but to me, they make perfect sense and when you marry them together, you get something that is warm, clean, textural, and feels as if it has some history to it.

Scandi Style

Elements of Scandi design include a light and bright aesthetic (light woods, fabrics), minimal clutter, graphic patterns, warm and chunky textiles, and an affinity for nature. In Scandi style, colors remain neutral, relying on an abundance of white, offset with light greys, light blushy pinks, and tan with hits of black- super clean and minimal, but still warm and inviting.

African Style

The African continent is huge, with many countries, so identifying one singular style is tough. But I think that there are some common elements that are thought to be defined as an “African look”. Like Scandi style, African style also has a focus on nature, with the use of a lot of wood. But instead of lighter woods like pine and maple, darker woods like Wenge, Mahogony, and Teak are incorporated into spaces (bamboo and rattan are also used). Visually, the aesthetic is warmer and more vivid with the earthy and bold colors and perhaps, has a bit more of a rustic vibe. An important part of African design is the use of handcrafted decor items like pottery, masks, woven baskets, bold patterns, and colorful textiles- super warm, inviting, and grounding .

Get the Look

So for me, building an AfriScandi look is built on a few elements- clean-lined furniture, bold and graphic patterns, handcrafted, rustic decor pieces, baskets, and a mix of cool neutrals, warm earthy colors, and black. And don’t forget to bring the outdoors in with things like plants and branches.

Really, you can take whatever elements that you love from both styles to come up with your own personal AfriScandi look, because my take on AfriScandi style might be a bit different from what yours is. Either way try it out, and see how you can create your own AfriScandi space.

Shop the Look

1. La Strada Wallpaper- Gunmetal on Cream, Juju Papers

2. Aldo Basket (set Of 2), Burke Decor

3. Roland Black Striped Cotton Rug 8'x10', Crate&Barrel

4. Cap Ivory Cement Coffee Table, CB2

5. Petrified Wood Taper Candle Holders , CB2

6. Salsa Dancing AF-280 , Benjamin Moore

7. Tochi Pillow No. 3, kudd : krig Home

8. Leap Wall Sconce, Article

9. Venice Studio Grey Task-Office Chair, CB2