Bohemian style (or Boho) and interior design is for those who want a home full of life, culture and interesting objects for everyone. This style voltly faces modern sensibilities and embraces carefree, relaxed and unusual. While the bohemian trend tends to have certain specific characteristics, it does allow for the creation of rooms with eclectic styles. Thus you will never find the same decoration twice between 2 homes inspired by the bohemian life.
Bohemian style is inspired by people who choose to live an unconventional life: travelers, actors, writers. As such, its design incorporates these ideals, combining objects, colors and patterns from many backgrounds and regions of the world. If you’re looking for a style that you can truly create, Boho might be for you. Keep reading to discover 21 rules to make your dreamy home.
The little story of bohemian life
The story is rich in irony. Originally, bohemia had nothing to do with home. On the contrary, it excels rather outside the four walls of the home. Bohemian life is the one led by poor and whimsical artists of the late eighteenth century in Europe who do not care about propriety and tradition. They will strive to signal this difference in their appearance as much as their art.
Two centuries later, at the turn of the 60’s and 70’s, on another continent more Americanized, young hippies put back in fashion the bohemian version of life and denounce the alienating reality of the society by becoming “hobo”. Back to nature with a folk tune, exacerbated spirituality and refusal of the consumer society, the bohemian style is reborn as much in the dressings of those concerned as in their interiors which smell of Flower Power.
This life with its liberated accents will only last for a while… The 80’s and 90’s will not have any passion for this life outside the box which pushes to consume less and better. It will take two decades for the bohemian style to triumph again in the interiors and become a real fashion phenomenon. It initially echoed a daily life lived on the bangs of society by a few, without rules or concern for tomorrow, is now proudly claimed in more than one interior and requires a few rules to follow as all decorating styles.
Bohemian nature style, bohemian scandinavian style, bohemian chic style…. What exactly is the bohemian style?
If you’ve read the above paragraph carefully, you must have encountered a few sneaky images that you unconsciously attach to the words “bohemian life”. White walls, psychedelic posters, hanging macramé, a linen sofa, Navajo pillows and wooden furniture make up the cliché picture of bohemian style today. Cliché? Yes, you are right, because although democratized and adored by (almost) everyone, the bohemian style does not really fit into any box. Some like it in its natural version with beautiful raw wood furniture and wicker baskets scattered here.
And there, others prefer it in a more Scandinavian angle, still natural but ennobled by the presence of Danish or Swedish design pieces and finally the most coveted of all: others love its chic version which is not afraid to mix multiple pieces with authentic accents, new or found, and colorful patterns.
What do all these variations of the bohemian style have in common? Their inventiveness, their need to mix and create a decor where atmospheres from elsewhere are welcome by the presence of souvenirs from travels, authentic materials, mottled objects or handmade…
Free and informal, the bohemian style does not bother with rules (even if they still exist a little in terms of decoration to avoid missteps), it prefers the freedom to create a place to live in accordance with a philosophy of life: curious and inventive.
Bohemian style colors
While there are no rules when it comes to bohemian decorating, warm and earthy colors are common, as are metallic tones and gems. You can use deep browns, greens and grays as base colors, then accessorize with saturated purple, fiery orange and electric blue. The combination and layering of colors is what makes this trend unique.
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures, and don’t be afraid to use styles that might not be compatible. Use dyed fabrics and patterns from around the world, such as Ikat from Cambodia or Suzani from Central Asia, to give the space a cozy, exotic feel.
Putting a textile covering the top of the furniture, hanging tapestries and rugs on the walls and floors and incorporating artwork will help you recreate this inimitable style. If this all seems a bit over the top and overdone, keep in mind that saturated color is key to bohemian style, white can serve as a backdrop to richer tones. Use it strategically to bring some visual space into the equation.
Decorative materials of the Bohemian style
The opposite of minimal, modern and elegant, the Boho style embraces the philosophy of “always more”. The key to using decorative materials in a Bohemian room is to manage to mix and match the different elements.
Natural base materials like burlap and sisal can be combined with silk. Materials should have a slightly worn look (not damaged, but not shiny and new either). Fringe, crochet and macramé abound – pillows, curtains and rugs combine to create a cozy, culturally-inspired hangout.
Bohemian style Furniture
Usually, bohemian furniture is not found in a store. These rooms tend to be filled with furniture collected over time, so second-hand and vintage items are part of the decor. Each piece of furniture should be special and tell a story. Have fun exploring your local vintage stores, and choose each piece individually. If you love an accessory or piece of furniture, it will fit perfectly into your home.
You and your guests will feel the Boho vibe with plush chairs and sofas in saturated colors. Place rugs or stuffed pillows to create a welcoming atmosphere. And since a Bohemian room should always invite you to sit back and take it easy, hard, angular furniture should be outlawed. Choose comfortable pieces like lounge chairs, deck chairs or butterfly chairs.
Boho lighting and accessories
Subdued lighting will unify your bohemian interior and complement the calm and welcoming feel. Rather than ceiling lights, decorate with several lanterns, candles and floor lamps. It’s relatively easy to find a variety of shapes and designs, from large retailers to small artisans which is perfect for the look that combines styles.
Nature is at the heart of this style, so bring your room to life with ferns and hanging plants. Not only do they add vibrancy to a room, but plants also improve air quality. Philodendron and peace lilies are very tolerant and withstand large changes in light levels and temperature.
You can also turn to succulents available in a wide range of colors and textures. They are perfect for people with a slightly less green thumb. These plants only need a sunny spot and occasional watering.
Finally, fill your bohemian interior with heirlooms, handmade items, and mementos from your travels. Accessories should tell your story, so showcase what you love: tapestries, vintage bottles, cards, or mismatched china. And keep in mind that while bohemian style tends to be eclectic, it can still be chic and glamorous, so don’t be afraid to try a richly ornate chandelier or a large gold mirror. The only rule is that each item must fit and appeal to you.
Bohemian style decor: 21 golden rules to transform your home
1 – We mix the colors in Bohemian style
Red, pink, yellow, we mix the warm colors to create a bright and sparkling set.
2 – We adopt natural materials in Bohemian style
Rattan, wood or linen, natural materials invade our interior for more authenticity and softness.
3 – Memories and finds
For a perfect bohemian style, we invite in our decoration our memories of travels and our most beautiful objects found!
4 – The Berber carpet, of course!
It is without doubt the true emblem of the bohemian style! We opt for one or more Berber carpet, black and white or color, small or large, everything is possible as long as you like it!
5 – Let the sunshine in
The sun mirror is one of the key accessories of the bohemian style! Mottled or new, alone or in group, we adopt it without hesitation!
6 – Baskets by the thousand
Another essential of the bohemian decoration: the braided baskets! On the floor to store your little mess, on the walls to give style or even as a planter, it invites itself everywhere in the house!
7 – Patterns and patterns in Bohemian style
In the bohemian style, the graphic patterns are assembled at will! On textiles, wallpaper or accessories, we do not hesitate to mix everything!
8 – Without forgetting the natural touch
In this style inspired by the nomadic world and nature, we invite of course some green plants in our decoration!
9 – Are you on vacation?
With a hammock, a few straw hats or old suitcases, we make our interior travel.
10 – The light garland
To bring a soft atmosphere to the room, we adopt the very festive and poetic light garland!
11 – Patterned cushions
Navajo, ethnic, the patterned cushions you choose will have the advantage of enhancing the theme of your room.
12 – Macrame
This new trend will blend perfectly with the bohemian look. A carpet, a wall decoration? Let your desires speak for themselves!
13 – In weightlessness
Plants, a suspended armchair… Weightlessness will make your room a real space in its own right.
14 – Headboard
Charming asset of your room: a headboard! In rodin, in macramé, it will give character to the room.
15 – The dream catcher
A bohemian decoration is nothing without the famous dream catcher. Don’t hesitate to make it yourself!
16 – Rely on weaving
Discreet or XXL, weaving, like macramé, warms the room and dresses the walls with elegance. Don’t hesitate to find or make it yourself!
17 – Putting on the sails
For a bohemian chic decoration, put the sails! Opt for hangings (colored it is even better) to suspend above the bed for a successful cocooning effect!
18 – Tassels, tassels!
Pompons are THE guarantee of a successful bohemian decor. On baskets or plaids, pompom your pompons!
19 – Adopting cacti
The cactus dresses up a white wall and adds color to the room. Western atmosphere guaranteed!
20 – Hanging a hammock
One more point if it’s a macramé hammock!
21 – Rattan hanging baskets in Bohemian style
Install a rattan suspension in the room to dress up the ceiling!
Bohemian style decoration: what to remember
Favour light and luminous colors: in a bohemian interior, we mix warm colors: red, yellow, pink, terracotta… We then create a bright and welcoming space.
- Rely on natural materials: rattan, wood or linen, natural materials invade our bohemian interior
- Hang up your vacation souvenirs: to give life to a bohemian living room or bedroom, travel souvenirs are perfect! Baskets from Bali, rugs from Morocco, cushions from Colombia…
- Multiply the baskets : practical and aesthetic, the baskets invite themselves in every room. They allow to store all our junk while decorating our interior.
- Patterns and patterns: graphic patterns are found on wallpaper, textiles, accessories … and we do not hesitate to mix!
- Adopt the bohemian deco touches: the light garland, the Navajo and ethnic cushions, the macramé, the dream catcher…
