Last weekend I was at the Woman! In Leeuwarden. From one of the style rooms, I gave workshops and advice. The story of one of the people I provided advice to inspired me to write this  blog. In fact, the woman in question is moving in with her boyfriend, but they both differ so much in living style that they couldn’t figure it out. She likes Scandinavian and light and he likes dark colors and (how could it be otherwise, these men always too!) tough and industrial.

In this blog, I will take you through the different living styles and give tips on how to combine them.

What living styles are there really?

Industrial

When I think of industrial, I always envision an old factory hall. Features of the style include materials such as steel, concrete, brick and metal. In an interior you will see these elements reflected in large factory lamps, raw brick walls, metal (locker) cabinets and weathered workbenches.  Not surprisingly, this rugged style often appeals to men, but of course plenty of women as well.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian living style is characterized by tranquility and simplicity. You see mostly wood (floor and furniture) and natural materials such as wool and sheepskins. The base often white complemented by gray or beige/sand tones and sometimes black or brown. If color is used, it is soft pastel colors. Ikea’s style can be called typically Scandinavian.

Rural

With country style comes originally from rural living. The atmosphere of a romantic old farmhouse, or with lots of brocante. Many frills appear, such as mirrors, tableware, glassware and wicker baskets. The Riverdale brand totally fits this style. You see a lot of round shapes, for example in the decorated legs (bulbous legs) of tables and chairs. Furthermore, the furniture is large and fabrics you often see are linen and cotton.

Retro

A retro interior reminds me of the 1950s, with graphic prints and vintage furniture.  In terms of colors, think lots of yellow, orange and brown tones complemented by vintage elements such as colored (plastic or glass) vases and other thrift store finds. Wooden furniture and organic and geometric shapes alternate.

Bohemian

The bohemian living style features a mix of colors(including terracotta, purple, yellow and red), prints and oriental/Mediterranean influences.  You often see a lounge area/low seating area with lots of (kilim or hippiestjjl) pillows, (Persian) rugs and poufs.  Tassels and fringes are a must for this style.  So this style has many similarities to the Ibiza style, only it is more focused on summer.

Mix

Mixing styles is often a necessity as well. You are not always in a position to purchase an entirely new interior. So often it becomes a combination of a new piece of furniture with the furniture that already had. Changing styles is also often gradual. In addition, men and women are not always aligned, so mixing is often necessary. With us, the idea of the steel black compartment cabinet also came from my friend. Herewith a number of living styles mixed together. Be inspired!

Scandinavian with industrial

The Scandinavian style can be combined with many living styles, precisely because the base is light and simple. It’s fine to add a dark accent wall and cool materials.

How cool are these pastel shades with the dark wall? He his dark wall and closet and she the soft pastels and light floor from the Scandinavian style.

Scandinavian and bohemian

Do you like a light house, but then want to use a little more color? Then add bohemian elements, such as some Kilim pillows. Here, for example, a perzich rug would also look good. This combined style is called Scandiboho.

Rural with industrial

To make a rustic interior a little tougher, you can choose, for example, to go with this rustic table with bulb legs for sturdy chairs with a steel frame and industrial lamps.

Bohemian with industrial

This is a good example of a bohemian interior with industrial influences. A good example to satisfy your husband/boyfriend, who, after all, often like cool and industrial.

Retro with scandinavian

Because the retro style of living is colorful and full of prints, it is recommended to keep the base light.

Don’t want the interior to be too crowded? Then read my previous blog on how to create tranquility in an interior.