Bohemian style is all about embracing your free spirit and creating a relaxed, eclectic environment in your home. By mixing rich textures, vibrant colors, and elements from different eras and cultures, you can craft a space that feels carefree and adventurous. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and characteristics of boho style, as well as plenty of tips and ideas for bringing a touch of bohemian flair into your home decor.
The bohemian aesthetic traces its roots to the carefree, nonconformist ways of artists, writers, and wanderers throughout history. The term “bohemian” emerged in the 19th century, referencing the gypsy-like lifestyles of marginalized artists living in Paris’s Left Bank and drawing inspiration from Eastern European culture. Over time, boho style has continued to be associated with creative free-thinkers and rule-breakers, from the Beat poets and hippie movements to modern-day indie artists and world travelers.
At its core, bohemian style prides individuality, self-expression, and a globally inspired, magpie approach to decor. If you’re looking to cultivate an interior with an adventurous spirit and relaxed vibe, incorporating touches of boho flair can be just the ticket. Keep reading for plenty of design ideas and tips tailored just for the free-spirited and young at heart!
What is Bohemian Style?
Bohemian style encompasses an eclectic mix of vibrant colors, richly layered textures, and elements from various cultures and time periods. It embraces imperfection and finds beauty in the worn, weathered, or handcrafted. Natural materials, exotic patterns, and artistic flourishes take center stage.
Overall, boho interiors have an earthy, globally inspired feel. They may include Persian rugs, Indian tapestries, Chinese lanterns, Moroccan poufs, distressed woods, ornate wall hangings, and more. Vintage, antique, and second-hand furnishing are blended seamlessly with modern comforts. every space features an artful clash of patterns, textures, and colors that come together in an exuberant, curated way. Forget matchy-matchy decor – this style finds harmony in creative disorder.
Above all, bohemian homes reflect the passions and travels of those who live there. They tell rich, multilayered stories through every furnishing and finish. Creating this style requires fearlessly combining favorite finds from across different eras and cultures. The result is a space bursting with warmth, personality and wanderlust spirit.
History of Bohemian Style
As mentioned, bohemianism first emerged as an avant-garde, artistic movement in 1840s Paris. Writers, poets, painters, and wanderers rejecting bourgeois conservatism gathered in the Latin Quarter of the Left Bank, living cheaply and indulging in self-expression. Their style mixed Romany, Eastern European, French gypsy, and artistic influences.
Boho style saw resurgences alongside the hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s, which also embraced freedom of expression and globally inspired design. During this period, psychedelic prints, tapestries, beaded curtains, incense, and other elements became quintessential boho trademarks.
More recently, the style has gone mainstream thanks largely to the California boho-chic look of the early 2000s. Popularized by trendsetters like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, it became associated with effortlessly tossed-together, romantic layers of floaty dresses, floppy hats, and gladiator sandals. Today, bohemian style continues to evolve as people add their own cultural influences and artistic touches. However, that free-spirited essence remains at the core.
Elements of Bohemian Style
There are many components that come together to create the boho design aesthetic. Some key elements include:
- Richly layered textures – Think exotic wood grains, weathered surfaces, ornate carvings, distressed leathers, embroidered textiles, braided rugs, beaded lampshades, macrame wall hangings, etc. Varied organic and artisanal textures create depth and visual interest.
- Global influences – Boho decor draws inspiration from cultures across the world. Look for Moroccan poufs, Turkish kilim pillows, Indian tapestries, Chinese bamboo furnishing, Balinese batik prints, and more.
- Vibrant colors – Earthy jewel tones, punchy primaries, and exotic palette combinations imbue bohemian homes with energy and life. Don’t be afraid to create color-saturated spaces.
- Collectibles/keepsakes – Fill your home with found objects and souvenirs gathered from travels near and far. Display them proudly for an eclectic, curated look.
- Vintage/antique furnishing – Incorporate pieces with history and patina. Flea market finds, family heirlooms, and second-hand scores add soul.
- Handcrafted pieces – Seek out handmade ceramics, woven goods, wood carvings, and other artwork to complement mass-produced items. Showcase your DIY creations as well.
- Natural materials – Incorporate wood, cotton, linen, jute, velvet, leather, etc. Natural fabrics and finishes keep the look grounded.
- Patterns and prints – Mismatched patterns and global prints (batik, ikat, suzani embellished fabrics) lend boho flair. Don’t be timid – clash away!
- Plants and flowers – Houseplants, dried botanicals, and fresh flowers connect to the earth. Let greenery run riot.
- Free-flowing layouts – Boho rooms feel relaxed and inviting with cozy vignettes for lounging. Avoid rigid, matchy-matchy symmetry.
How to Achieve Boho Style
Ready to embrace your inner bohemian? Here are some key strategies for infusing free-spirited flavor into your home:
Curate through Travel and Thrifting
Wanderlust finds and second-hand scores are cornerstones of bohemian decor. Take a magpie approach, collecting any far-flung furnishing or flea market gem that speaks to you. Search grandma’s attic and garage sales for forgotten treasures. Let your discoveries guide the eclectic mix. Display travel momentos proudly.
Select a Color Palette with Global Influences
Choose eye-catching global color combinations like ruby red, hot pink, and orange; deep indigo, saffron, and bright turquoise; or purple, emerald, and chartreuse accented with neutral tones. Don’t play it safe – exotic color palettes reinforce that global vibe.
Layer in Rich Textures
Create depth and dimension with tactile, artisanal textures. Think velvet pillows on a dhurrie rug, beaded lampshades above wood tables, macrame wall hangings against plaster walls, etc. Contrast sleek and rough, matte and shiny, nubby and smooth.
Incorporate Vintage Furnishings
Boho spaces feature a free-flowing mix of old and new. Fold in family antiques, flea market furniture, and vintage collectibles. Reupholster pieces in vibrant new patterns, or leave well-worn finishes intact. Give hand-me-downs new life.
Display Artwork Eclectically
Fill your home with artwork that inspires you, from abstract paintings to photographs from your trips. Arrange and hang art spontaneously for an eclectic feel. Surround pieces with found objects or collections.
Add Pops of Punchy Patterns
Don’t shy away from mixing bold, global prints and patterns like ikat, suzani, paisley, batik, and more. Upholster furniture in eye-catching fabrics, hang colorful tapestries, and layer in Patterned pillows and rugs.
Incorporate Natural Materials
Natural fibers like cotton, silk, jute, linen inject bohemian warmth. Display ceramic vases, woven baskets, wood carvings, and rattan furniture. Accent with leather poufs, cotton dhurrie rugs, macrame hangings, etc.
Make DIY Projects
Add handmade touches with easy DIY projects. Think dip-dyed pillows, painted ceramics, beaded curtains, crocheted throws, and more. Get creative with simple embellishments.
Let Houseplants Run Wild
Plants instantly boost a boho vibe. Display trailing vines, overflowing pots, mounted air plants, herbs on windowsills, and botanical prints. Greenery adds life and connects you to nature.
Add Global Furnishings
Incorporate exotic decor like Turkish poufs, Moroccan lamps, Balinese baskets, Indian embroidered cushions, Chinese apothecary chests, and more. Accent with world music, incense, prayer flags, and artifacts.
Best Practices for Bohemian Style
Ready to jump into bohemian decor? Here are some top tips:
- Don’t be afraid to break design “rules” and embrace imperfection. Quirky, eclectic spaces radiate cozy boho charm.
- Curate slowly over time, letting your passions and finds guide the style. Don’t force it.
- Draw color inspiration from exotic palettes like spice markets, tropical sunsets, or Moroccan tiles.
- Incorporate something handmade, whether a tapestry, ceramic bowl, or macrame piece. The handcrafted adds authenticity.
- Use furniture in creative ways. Ottoman as coffee table? Dresser as TV console? Experiment fearlessly.
- Layer in plenty of pillows, poufs, throws, and low seating to create relaxation nooks.
- Hang curtains high and wide to frame windows. Choose breezy, natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Add extra lighting with strings of Edison bulbs, paper lanterns, and exotic lamps. Lighting instantly lifts a space.
- Display collections like shells, pebbles, or plants on rustic wood surfaces, mantels, or wall shelves.
- Don’t overthink wall decor. Hang tapestries, vibrant paintings, or artwork collages salon-style.
- Incorporate something old, like an antique desk or carved trunk. The patina of age adds depth.
- Add floral pops with fresh-cut stems and houseplants. Opt for unruly, overflowing arrangements.
- Embrace lived-in imperfection. Distressed woods, tarnished metallics, and faded rugs add cozy appeal.
Conclusion
Bohemian style offers an antidote to cookie-cutter decor, inviting you to embrace vibrant color, bold pattern-mixing, and exotic textures from across the globe. Collect eclectic finds that speak to you. Display travel momentos and found objects. Incorporate vintage alongside new – anything goes in a boho space! Most importantly, don’t be afraid to break all the rules and decorate fearlessly. Your home should reflect your creative spirit. Infuse that free-spirited vision into every space to craft a warm, personalized oasis. Need more design inspiration? Check out InteriorxDesign for endless boho decorating ideas. Happy styling!
