Whether it is currently on its way in or on its way out of fashion, the bohemian interior design style has been around for a long time. Also known as boho, this style can be seen not only in homes but also in outfits as people create looks that reflect bohemian features and ideals. These ideals include nomadic living, making do with what’s available, choosing art as a priority over consumerism, and searching for contentment in freedom. All of this has been distilled over the decades into the boho style familiar in the world of design today. If you are curious about how to recreate the bohemian aesthetic in your own home, this quick guide will give you tips on how to introduce key elements into your space.
Warmth
The first impression many people experience when they see a bohemian-style room is how comfortable and welcoming it appears. There is a visible preference for soft, ergonomic seating and convenient surfaces. The arrangement of furniture is less rigid than many other styles and is intended to be moved as needed rather than left in one place. In warmer parts of the world, the boho style highlights the natural warmth of the environment with airy spaces. In colder climates, boho can be achieved with plenty of cushions and blankets of varying styles, suggesting that finding comfort should be easily achieved.
Eclectic Decor
The origins of the bohemian style borrow from a romanticized idea of nomadic people and their journeys. This has translated into boho decor heavily featuring an eclectic collection of meaningful objects discovered during the homeowner’s personal travels and experiences. These objects don’t need to be from any particular part of the world but must hold some significance in terms of unique memories or interests. Boho homes are not overly curated but, at the same time, don’t go overboard with the eclecticism.
Mismatched Patterns
Following on from the idea that a bohemian home is designed over time by collecting items from travels, mismatched patterns are a theme that features regularly. Patterns that are created in a specific part of the world are especially preferred in the boho style since this gives the space a more geographically ambiguous look. Sticking to a loose color scheme can help you tie the whole room together without making it seem too formal or too chaotic. A neutral, natural-toned base is often used to connect otherwise disparate features in a room. For example, you could try neutral paint on the walls and floor but bright and warm soft furnishings to add visual interest with patterns in various boho styles.
Exposed Materials
The first emerging style which was considered to be the birth of boho was inspired by people living in areas with low rent, meaning that their homes often had exposed materials such as brick, iron, or timber. You can easily mimic this in your own home, especially if your property is made from an attractive material in the first place. If not, you could design a space with the illusion of exposed building materials. There are textured wallpapers that are made to give the impression of being rough and old. Murals and textured plaster can achieve similar effects.
Woven Elements
Woven details in your space can imbue it with a truly bohemian atmosphere. Rattan furniture has recently made a huge comeback for interior design enthusiasts, as well as baskets that are both functional and decorative. The interesting texture of different weaves adds depth to a space, you can learn about different styles online, like this guide to Kilim rugs. Well-chosen rugs are also great for creating extra texture. In an otherwise orderly room, several overlapping and differently-sized rugs can quickly enhance the boho feel. Again, mismatched patterns and weaves will prevent the room from seeming too deliberate and staged.
Secondhand Furniture
There are many reasons to buy secondhand furniture. It is often more affordable, it has its own unique history, and a lot of pieces are well-made compared to equivalent pieces produced more recently. Apart from this, buying secondhand furniture adds authenticity to the boho look since it is less consumerist than buying new. Since it is difficult to find matching sets when shopping for secondhand furniture, the unmatched items will create a more diverse and interesting scene in your home. For example, wood tones and textures that aren’t all the same or surfaces of different thicknesses. The wear and tear that many secondhand furniture items exhibit can heighten the charm and character.
An Abundance of Plants
Keeping plenty of plants of all shapes and sizes has become a more recent feature of the boho style. If you don’t have a natural aptitude for plant parenthood, do some research into plants that are easy to care for in your local climate. Splashes of leafy greenery around the home look refreshing and stylish no matter what interior design style you’re going for, but plants are particularly complimentary to boho chic. Choose pots and other vessels for your plants that make sense with your theme. Macrame hangers, wicker baskets, and raw clay pots are popular among boho fans.
Authenticity
In the age of online shopping and seemingly instant deliveries to your doorstep, finding cheaply made boho items on the internet and ordering them is all too easy. Unfortunately, this contradicts the bohemian ideal of authenticity. When the boho tapestry you found online is merely a mass-produced object sold at a low price, it undermines the essence of bohemian style. If you have patience and are willing to wait for authentically beautiful items, you will eventually acquire a collection of objects that fill your home with genuine style and warmth rather than a ready-made aesthetic. Despite its nebulous roots as a style, boho is undeniably popular enough to survive the years. It is a style that is easily molded to fit an individual’s preferences without compromising the overall boho aesthetic since the key features leave plenty of room for picking and choosing. Hopefully, some of the above tips will help you to create a welcoming and comfortable boho space in your home.