If you enjoy the concept of conveying a narrative specific to each room, which reflects your creativity, relaxed nature, and uniqueness, then bohemian style, also known as boho, could be the perfect choice for your home and its interior design.

Bohemian Interior Design 101

Boho design is an interior decorating approach that cherishes playful colors, textures, and patterns. It embodies personal expression and promotes “thoughtful maximalism” through the deliberate curation and layering of multicultural artwork, textiles, and decorative objects, embracing a free-spirited style.

Boho style originated in Parisian interiors in the 1890s, and gained popularity in central Europe, being influenced by the original bohemians who valued creativity over money.

The bohemian mindset came about during a period of civic turmoil and societal transformation. With a perspective on life that celebrated blending cultures, embracing different principles, and resolutely rejecting societal norms and conventional standards of beauty, the boho mentality discarded traditional rules to fully embrace the unconventional.

Boho décor, known for its popularity and longevity, has transformed into an unconventionally artistic and self-expressive design style that embraces freedom and lacks strict boundaries, combining both deliberate and flexible elements.

10 Best Tips For Creating Seamless Boho Style

Boho interiors, when done well, give off an impressive display of creativity that brightens a space in a tasteful yet exceptionally distinctive manner. By skillfully layering and combining patterns, colors, and furniture styles, it infuses a playful, carefree atmosphere into every room it encompasses.

With a well-packed room filled with color and pattern, transitioning to a more subdued space that still exudes global exoticism, boho décor is far from ordinary. Below are some step-by-step tips to assist you in achieving the perfect boho look that suits your taste.

1. Tell your story, expressing yourself visually

Bohemian style can be described as the blending of the unorthodox, the creative, and the adventurous, with the underlying concept being this: Portray a visual narrative of your experiences and passions in a manner that holds significance for you.

Boho design, which traces its origins back to creative individuals like writers and artists who appreciated unrestricted self-expression, invites you to personalize your own unique beauty by drawing inspiration from your own experiences, with your home serving as the medium for your artistic expression.

Commonly found in boho style are natural elements, including potted plants, stones, feathers, and nests, as well as rustic stoneware and clay pottery. These aspects draw attention to nature and provide a contrasting sense of tranquility. Also frequently seen in boho interiors are personal design elements such as maps, travel artifacts, original artwork, and cherished family heirlooms.

Start by making a list of things that you are highly interested in and collect items that demonstrate those interests. It is not necessary to limit yourself to a specific theme, cultural influence, or concept. Instead, consider a varied range of ideas.

2. Balance vibrant colors against natural tones

When it comes to classic bohemian design, there is usually a lot of color involved. However, the modern interpretation of boho style emphasizes neutrals and earth tones. If you decide to incorporate color into your bohemian space, feel free to embrace a vibrant jewel tone palette without hesitation.

Gemstone colors like sapphire, emerald, ruby, and amethyst can provide inspiration. In terms of vibrant boho style, the general rule is that the more colors, the better. You are not limited to selecting just one or two colors; feel free to incorporate any color that resonates with you and complements the space.

In order to maintain a comfortable boho style, incorporate neutral tones in the background to provide a resting place for the eyes. This can be achieved by pairing each colorful element in your design with a neutral counterpart. For example, place a smaller, heavily patterned rug on top of a natural jute rug, or display vibrant artwork in a wide frame with earth-tone hues.

Boho style incorporates colors that are reminiscent of neutrals and earth tones, similar to the colors one would encounter while hiking through the woods, such as leafy greens, dusty terracotta, muddy browns, and overcast grays. It is important to choose the colors that personally resonate with you.

3. Vintage is (always and forever) the new cool

If being original and unique is the essence of bohemian décor (and it is), then vintage is the essence of it all. Vintage items are those exceptional finds that cannot be found in typical stores anymore, and they are often the decorative pieces that ignite the most captivating conversations among dinner guests.

Vintage pieces can be enjoyed by anyone, even if they are not world travelers. To start the search for vintage items, one can visit local flea markets, thrift stores, or antique shops. By selecting a few carefully chosen vintage pieces, various design elements can be brought together to create a boho atmosphere in a specific area. In addition, vintage finds are a great way to showcase the unique character of a home.

4. Embrace patterns, textures and layers 

The bohemian design style is characterized by its hallmark traits of pattern, textures, and layers.

When it comes to rugs, layering (patterns and textures) is the name of the game. You can start with a jute base and pair an intricate Persian on top; you could even add a colorful handwoven cotton rug, layered at an angle, on top of that. Don’t forget to consider plush shag rugs, which exude a quintessential “cozy boho” feel.

Baskets, foot stools, and poofs with various colors and patterns, frequently combined and matched, are essential components of bohemian style that possess both practical and artistic qualities.

You can enhance your creativity by combining different furniture materials and tones, such as mixing blonde woods with dark woods, or placing a rattan chair with an iron metal headboard on a comfortable daybed.

As you consider what to incorporate into your room to reflect your unique personality, you can explore various options such as macrame, dream catchers, woven wall décor, statement pillows, and hammock seating.

5. Let the sunshine in to be playfully present

If you want to have a Bohemian atmosphere, it’s not advisable to have fussy window dressings. Instead, choose windows that are either bare or minimally adorned, allowing the sunlight to enter. This will bring in the basic element of nature – light, which will inspire you to be joyfully aware.

Ultimately, boho revolves around being mindful of what sparks joy within you. These are the hues, items, and objects that truly embody the bohemian aesthetic of home design, allowing it to wonderfully reflect your true essence.

6. Go Heavy on Mixing + Layering in Bohemian Interiors

In order to achieve a bohemian interior, one of the important factors is the ability to combine various elements. Unlike minimalist design, a boho room embraces the mixing of finishes and layering of decor items such as textiles, art, and accents without reservation. Adding to its playful charm, bohemian interior design effortlessly blends different styles with a relaxed tone. This can be seen through examples like pairing a modern sofa with a handwoven macrame art piece and kilim pillows in the living room, or incorporating a vibrant palm-printed wallpaper in a carefully curated bedroom design along with mid-century table lamps and a Moroccan wedding blanket. In the dining room, one might find a rustic table paired with mismatched chairs and African baskets displayed on the wall. Similar to eclectic spaces, each boho interior design home is unique, but what sets it apart is the intentional layering aspect.

Adding layers of patterns is an easy and affordable method to incorporate bohemian style into your living area. Furthermore, the act of contrasting patterns is executed flawlessly. Playing with various patterns, shapes, and scales while combining textiles like rugs, cushions, and throws can certainly be enjoyable. If you prefer a cohesive look, consider having a specific color theme in mind. This concept can also be applied to art. Having multiple prints or paintings is never excessive. A diverse wall gallery featuring mixed frames, sizes, and mediums seamlessly complements the bohemian aesthetic of the interior space.

7. Bohemian Design is Bold: Don’t Shy Away from Rich Pattern + Color

In bohemian interior design style, there are no strict rules, but it is common to include bold patterns and colors. Jewel tones such as amethyst purple, ruby red, and emerald green are often used in boho rooms. To create a luxurious ambiance, darker, deep hues are favored for the walls. For a more unconventional look, vibrant colors like bright blue and orange can be incorporated, especially when combined with other vibrant colors and patterns.

If you are not a fan of overly saturated color, you don’t have to worry! Even spaces with white walls can embrace the bohemian design style by incorporating patterns. Suzanis from Uzbekistan and Berber pieces from Morocco are global textiles that offer a vibrant array of colors and intriguing patterns such as diamonds, stripes, and medallions. Additionally, there are Ikat and Shibori patterns that have a more blurred effect due to their dyeing techniques. By using accent pillows, throws, and wall hangings, these soft furnishings successfully bring in bursts of color and patterns into a boho room.

Next, we have the rugs to consider. Ah, the rugs! They are an essential aspect of bohemian interior design. Usually featuring a thick pile or shag, these rugs offer the obvious benefits of a soft feel underfoot and added comfort. Alternatively, you can opt for kilims, intricate Persian designs, or geometric rugs with a South Western influence, all of which showcase stunning patterns. Regardless of your choice, remember that when it comes to adding color and pattern to your bohemian interior, a more-is-more approach is recommended.

8. Fill Up on Storytelling Trinkets

If there’s one design style that conveys a narrative, it would be bohemian design. The boho space represents a wanderlust way of life, displaying assorted trinkets collected from different travels, each with its own story. Art, books, sculptures, pillows, and lamps all contribute to creating an inviting, comfortable, and stimulating atmosphere in the boho space.

To get started, begin by selecting objects that have different colors and forms. You can include family heirlooms, handcrafted pieces, and memoirs from your travels. It is not necessary to hold back on the number of items you bring in for your bohemian interior. Fill every physical space with these items. There is no specific number of vintage brass plates you bought at the flea market that should be grouped together. There is also no correct place for the beaded bowl you brought back from Mexico. It is not necessary for things to match; in fact, they should not! You can even include pieces that border on kitsch. For example, little porcelain animal figurines for tabletops or floral canisters for the kitchen can add a sense of levity and humor. Experiment with placement and clustering. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your life on a shelf, so to speak.

Bohemian design has a tendency to be eclectic, and it can also possess a chic and glamorous aspect. To highlight this, incorporate an ornate mirror or a sparkling chandelier. The sole requirement is that each item within the room should narrate a story.

9. Lean into Handmade + Natural

Bohemian design, influenced by artists, emphasizes the significance of handmade objects that express individuality. These can include paintings, sculptures, and wall hangings. Furthermore, handmade decor helps local artisans and small entrepreneurs, making it a beneficial arrangement. Various platforms cater to these creative individuals, and one such platform is Etsy, which is an excellent option for finding handmade boho pillows.

The bohemian interior design style, in addition to being handmade, places importance on natural elements. The primary natural element is wood, which brings immediate warmth and comfort to boho spaces, whether it is featured in furniture or accents. Core pieces that contribute to bohemian design include a woven pendant lamp over the dining table or a rustic wood headboard in the bedroom. Another important material is wicker, which adds texture and ornate beauty to boho spaces. Incorporating wicker side tables and divider screens is a great way to introduce this material into your boho home. To add a touch of whimsy, create a cozy reading corner with a hanging wicker chair. Natural touches can also include leather poufs, cowhide rugs, and, of course, plants should not be forgotten!

10. Bohemian Interiors are Botanical Happy

The absence of plants in bohemian design causes it to lose its appeal. Plants play a vital role in this style as they not only bring nature indoors, which is a fundamental aspect of boho style, but they also enhance air quality and add a vibrant atmosphere to any space. Moreover, the presence of greenery uplifts and creates a connection with nature, which is a characteristic feature of bohemian interiors.

The rule for plants in bohemian design is basically that anything goes. Succulents, which come in various shapes and textures, are very forgiving and can give a room an artistic, sculptural look. These plants are low-maintenance, only requiring a little sunlight and occasional watering, and they are happy. Snake plants and dracaenas are houseplants that are easy to care for and also excel at purifying the air. When placed in woven, terra-cotta, or patterned ceramic planters, they become another decorative item that fills up space. To add visual interest, plant stands can be used to create different levels. For added height, devil’s ivy or spider plants with cascading leaves can be hung over wall shelves or placed on top of cabinets. For an extra touch of boho-chic charm, consider using a knotted macrame hanging planter.

Decorating with an abundance of plants exhibits a bohemian vibe. Introducing plants is a quick method to infuse a residence with a calming, vibrant, and lively atmosphere. It not only enhances aesthetics but also nourishes the soul and has environmental benefits.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan