How To Master The Afro Scandi Design Trend This Christmas

While some of us might be dreaming of a white Christmas, our hot African summers bring a different kind of special atmosphere to the festive season. This year, rather than sticking to the traditional notion of Christmas decor, why not try something new and Afro chic? The Afro Scandi design trend is gaining traction all over the world, and is a stylish combination of African flair and modern Scandi minimalism. This Christmas, celebrate where you are and decorate in a style that suits you. Go for gold and bronze, combined with earthy forest greens, wooden accents and indigenous plants. With these elegant options, Christmas could be the perfect time to master the Afro Scandi design trend. Here’s how…

Tips to master the Afro Scandi Christmas design trend…

Decorate differently

The Afro Scandi design trend is all about putting a modern spin on old classics. For years, we’ve decorated our Christmas trees in red and green – with white and navy being seen as bold departures from tradition. And now, you can take it a little further. Ditch the original festive colours and have fun decorating in gold, bronze, silver, cream and modern textures like Perspex and glass. You could also source a few decorations made from natural fibres like wood or stone. And, you don’t have to go to the other extreme in terms of modernising your African Christmas tree. We love how this traditional faux green tree has been adorned with chic decorations and unusual ‘tinsel’. But, the tree itself is a classic. This kind of harmony is exactly what Afro Scandi design is all about.

Image by @mcgeeandco on Pinterest

Embrace nature

And, as much local nature as possible. Pick flowers from your garden or display branches or greenery in metallic vases. We love the idea of including proteas on your Christmas table as a proudly African centrepiece. And, rather than using fabric placemats, see if you can find woven or wooden alternatives. While we’re celebrating local natural materials, we understand Christmas wouldn’t be the same without classic pinecones. To give a nod to simple Scandi design, keep them totally natural and display them in an elegant stone bowl. Or, coat the edges in a light coat of white paint for a more unique look. This Christmas feast table is brimming with Afro Scandi style, from the beautiful proteas to the succulents and pinecones. There are even feathers dotted on each place – how novel!

Image by Denise Kanellopoulou on Pinterest

ALSO SEE: Back To Nature: The Affordable Natural Materials Your Home Needs

Keep it simple

With our hot African weather, we don’t need to be decorating every surface with knick knacks and fabrics. It just makes our homes feel stuffy and hot, and it takes up unnecessary visual space. If your home is on the smaller side, or if you’re a fan of smooth surfaces, keep the design and decorations simple. Go for a striking tree, but then keep bells and baubles to a minimum. And stick to subtle colours like white and cream. When wrapping Christmas presents, choose Scandi-style simplicity and use one solid colour for all the gifts – plain brown paper works well and you can liven it up with pretty ribbon. The below living room, complete with window wreaths, hanging ivy and modern furniture is the epitome of Afro Scandi chic at Christmas.

Image by @homewarestore on Instagram

Try greenery with a twist

Who says succulents and strelitzias can’t be Christmassy? Greenery is a crucial part of the Afro Scandi design trend and, at Christmas, it’s time to get creative. Instead of filling your home with faux ferns, use what you likely already have. We love the festive look of this green arrangement, courtesy of celebrated local Christmas shop Santa’s Warehouse. The metallic planter, silver candle and sweet fairy lights give this greenery a decidedly festive feel. If you’re not big on house plants, go for intricate beaded options like the ones you find at local Christmas markets – not to mention on the side of William Nicol.

Image by @santaswarehouse on Instagram

ALSO SEE: 10 Money-Savvy Christmas Decor Ideas

Create texture

An important element of the Afro Scandi design trend is to keep furniture and colours simple, while adding flair with multiple textures. Things like woven placemats, foliage and fabric give a simple room stylish personality. While this festive Christmas table is sleek and understated, sticking to background colours of black and white, there are several fun textures at play. The green centre foliage, linen napkins, glass candles and hanging wreath provide a sophisticated feel and alternative look. Hanging the baubles from silk ribbon is also an inspired idea. And, while it’s not specifically an added texture, the mix of heights is unusual and super-Afro-Scandi. Take one leaf out of this designer’s book and you’re bound to have a glamorous setting for your festive feast.