With 2022 coming to a close and the New Year beaconing to a fresh start (and fresh interior décors), Bohemian style can never go wrong. The boho look almost doesn't ever run out of style and it is versatile enough to blend anywhere –no matter your aesthetic preferences.

 

Start 2023 with your own personal style! Boho interior design can give any room a fresh new look –whether a farmhouse or a modern one.  Carefully put together yet beautifully undone, it distinguishes itself with a vivid and colorful fusion of multicultural styles, elements, and layers that produce an unmistakable, carefree charm. And once you've understood the style, it's difficult to look away from boho décor.

This free-spirited creature in the interior design world unleashes color, pattern, and texture in a way that creates a distinct and laid-back feel. Without a doubt, it is eclectic with an inclination to embrace global influence and resonates with anyone who wishes to add a personal flavor to their home. Inclination for the unruly, colorful, and random all indicate you're well on your way to a boho-inspired space.

Although the boho style is one without hard and fast rules, you have to apply art to seamlessly create this look. The French term bohémien describes a group of people who travelled from Bohemia, a Czech Republic. Later, its definition broadened to include any musician, artist, writer, or actor who led a nomadic lifestyle who journeyed to major cities in Europe.

After regaining attention and popularity in the 60's and 70's, "Bohemian" is now frequently used to refer to qualities that describe people from earlier generations: natural, unconventional, carefree, and traveled. When applied to interior design, a Bohemian room includes elements like vintage pieces, natural finishes, and layered textures.

Although essentially a rule-bender, Bohemian interiors and décors have some guidelines that will serve as your reference. Here are tips to guide you in creating a seamless Bohemian space:

1. Let loose with layering & textures

Making combinations is at the heart of a Bohemian design. In contrast to the minimalist style, a boho-inspired space is unashamed to blend finishes and layer décor elements like accents, art, and textiles. Plus, it fuses several styles in a casual manner –thanks to its whimsical nature.

You can integrate texture into your interiors by adding:

- colorful Moroccan lanterns

- carved wood furniture

- upholstered furniture & poufs

- beaded table lamps & lampshades

- stacks of books

- baskets

- layered rugs (e.g. jute rugs under wool rugs)

- macramé wall hangings

Keep in mind that it is intentional layering that’s making it lean more into boho.

"From woven rugs to colorful pillows, these textures add depth and interest to any space to bring in a lot of personality to the indoors. Think about rattan, wicker, natural wood or rich, lots of layers with rugs and pillows." says Karen Rohr, interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors.

Another easy and inexpensive way to introduce Bohemian flair to your interiors is to layer patterns. And, using contrasting patterns captures the spirit beautifully. It's absolutely fun to mix and match textiles like throws, cushions, and rugs using various shapes, patterns, and scales. If, however, you wish to maintain consistency, consider sticking to a color theme. This also applies to the arts. Play with a variety of paintings or prints. A harmonized wall gallery with a mix of frames, sizes, and media fits perfectly with the boho-inspired interior.

If you’re interested to explore how you can add a boho touch to your existing home design, contact JarvisInteriors.

2. Be daring with color and rich patterns

Bohemian style is about not being afraid to mix colors and layer them.

Karen Rohr explains, "The bohemian color palette is full of earthy tones and natural hues. Think muted jewel tones, soft pastels, and deep, rich colors inspired by nature. This palette is perfect for creating a cozy and inviting space that feels warm and vibrant."

Because more is more, you can abandon today’s minimalist trends and have the pleasure of styling your space with bold color accents and eye-catching patterns. Jewel tones, such as emerald green, ruby red, and amethyst purple are readily welcomed. For your walls, deeper and darker colors allow for an instant luxurious vibe while bolder hues, like vivid blue and orange inspire a bazaar-like feel, especially when sprinkled with other rich hues and prints.

If you're not a fan of standout colors, rooms with white walls can still implement Bohemian style by using patterns. Berber pieces from Morocco and Suzani textiles from Uzbekistan feature a riot of colors and creative prints in the form of medallions, diamonds, and stripes. For a blurred effect, you have Ikat and Shibori patterns. Wall hangings, pillows, and throws can definitely bring splashes of color and patterns to your space.

And, how can we forget about rugs?! A truly Bohemian room essential! Whether high pile or shag, the visible advantage is that they give a soft and comfortable underfoot. Another alternative includes geometric South Western-influenced rugs, ornate Persian styles, and kilims which highlight beautiful patterns. Whichever way you choose to integrate colors and patterns into your boho rooms, "more is more" is a good benchmark.

3. Pick out thoughtful trinkets that tell a story

Boho design is the only style that can truly tell a story. Signifying a nomadic life, the boho-inspired interior features a collection of mementos and pieces from various places traveled, often bearing a story of their origins. Lamps, books, art, pillows, and sculptures all make the Bohemian space cozy, inviting, and a good conversation starter.

"It's an aesthetic that prioritizes furnishings and accessories that are handmade and globally sourced. It tends to be eclectic and draws from a variety of cultures from around the world," explains interior designer, Tiffany Gholar.

Edyta Haligowska, CEO and Lead Designer of HE Space Design, adds, "You'll want to display signs of being well-traveled and well-read, like luggage from yesteryear, framed artwork (paintings and photographs), hardbound books (without the jacket!), sculpture or statues, pottery, macramé, quilts, etc. These will add context to all of the color and texture."

Any meaningful family heirlooms, memorabilia, or handcrafted works of art can be displayed. An original Indonesian ikat tapestry, for instance, may be hung behind the couch or sectional.

Fill every space of your boho interiors. There's no perfect number for the antique brass plates you found at the flea market. There's no magic spot for that beaded bowl you brought back from Mexico. Nothing has to match; in fact, nothing should!

Kitsch-inspired pieces also have room. A touch of humor and liveliness can be added with floral jars for the kitchen and tiny porcelain animal figurines for tabletops. Play with different placements and clustering. This is your chance to essentially put your story on "a shelf".

For visual inspiration, check out: 18 Ways to Embrace Boho Style for a Laidback Look You'll Love

4. Boho favors handmade and natural

Drawing inspiration from artists, the Bohemian style highlights handcrafted items and original, rare pieces that express uniqueness. Things like wall hangings, paintings, and sculptures perfectly represent this. Handmade décor promotes a win-win situation as it supports small entrepreneurs and local craftsmen. You can find crafty artisans in several online platforms, and one such excellent place to shop for handcrafted Bohemian pillows is Etsy.

If you currently don't have any novel accents to display, why not create one? Instead of a wall hanging you could, for instance, draw a DIY ikat pattern on a white pouf or chaise!

For more tips on natural elements, read Blending Natural Fibers into Your Home's Interior Design.

In addition to handmade pieces, the Bohemian style celebrates the elements of nature. Wood is the most important of these. Whether in accents or furniture, this material instantly evokes comfort and warmth –both of which are key components in a Bohemian space.

And, of course, there's wicker! It features lovely weaves which adds texture to a boho-inspired interior. You can use divider screens and side tables made of wicker to incorporate a little of this material to your boho space. For a whimsical flavor, you can also create a snug reading nook with a hanging wicker chair. Other natural accents you can include are cowhide rugs, leather poufs, and don't forget ...plants!

5. Botanicals find their home in boho interiors

Boho spaces seem to be incomplete without greenery. And you need lots of plants to pull off the boho look! They not only bring the outdoors inside –which is a vital component of boho style, but they also improve air quality that adds life to any room. Plus, greenery brings closeness to nature –a unique connection that the Bohemian spirit inspires.

So get many kinds of easy-care plants and choose locations near windows to ensure your plants enjoy plenty of light. What's more is that patterned, terra-cotta, and woven planters offer another layer of visual interest. You can create height by hanging spider plants or devil's ivy with cascading leaves from the tops of cupboards or wall shelves. You can even use a macramé-knotted hanging planter for that extra boho-chic charm. Excessive greenery is just downright boho!

6. Embellishing is totally Bohemian

Gypsy décor conveys images of canopies, tassels, fringes, beads, and other blatant ornaments characteristic of Bohemian home design. The wow factor that distinguishes this home design from other trends lies in decorative accents. Unrestrained impulses have room while aiming to bring the pieces together effortlessly.

The best way to achieve this is to tap into your spontaneous, playful side. Pick random pieces to help you achieve your desired boho design. Whether your preference has a Western or European leaning, make sure there are little bursts of overstatements. Style your room with feathers or other natural items, travel souvenirs, laces, and bejeweled frames. For smaller objects, simply arrange them together, play with their placements, and embrace a slightly imperfect look.

Want to go bolder? Get statement pieces like giant cactus plants, huge patterned wallpapers (Navajo patterns and florals are great!), oversized tassel pendant lamps, or even the grand peacock chair with its hourglass shape. With furniture, you can use a lacy indoor hammock hung in your living room or a suspended chair in your bedroom.

7. Mixing vintage enhances the boho vibe

In addition to combining styles, an easy way to get into the Bohemian feel is by blending old and new. Using vintage, or lightly weathered second-hand objects, gives Bohemian design a soulful touch, and they have a history.

Each antique piece stands out unmistakably when placed next to something modern. No one's required to be matchy-matchy with their décor pieces. A lighthearted approach is truly welcomed here.

Also read: When Vintage Style Meets Modern Homes

Lastly, here are some final tips from décor experts about the best boho color:

Alexandra Davin, co-founder of Clairrow and principal designer at Davin Interiors, says, "With boho design, it's pretty free-spirited and up for your own interpretation. You can definitely go for a more neutral, muted color palette that sticks to beiges and browns. The light wash of materials like cane, bamboo, and natural wood is beautiful in these spaces and totally complements that look. On the other hand, jewel tones are often associated with this style, as they can go very eclectic and bold, depending on the designer."

"In my opinion, there is no singular bohemian color palette. A color scheme can be multicolor, monochromatic, or neutral without getting in the way of a bohemian chic design. The look is more defined by the motifs than the colors,” adds interior designer Gholar.

Read related: Bohemian Design Style: What It Means And How To Get The Look

Bohemian style is perfect for those who want their homes to brim with life, culture, and interesting pieces for all to see. This style embraces carefree, imaginative, and offbeat décor, which is contrary to modern sensibilities.

Boho draws inspiration from people who live unconventional lives like writers, constant travelers, musicians, and actors. The Bohemian aesthetic reflects this way of life with its characteristic fusion of patterns, objects, textures, and colors of many cultures from different places. If you want an interior space that you can truly make your own, Bohemian design might be for you.

We hope this article has given you enough ideas to work with. We’re pretty sure transforming your home into a Bohemian space will be loads of fun. What a way to start 2023!

So, enjoy each step of your home styling process and let the experts from Jarvis Interiors help you get started!

 

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Content Credits

Bohemian Interior Design: 7 Best Tips For Creating Seamless Boho Style 

What Is Bohemian Interior Design? Plus, Expert Tips & Tricks (also photo credits)

How to Nail the Bohemian Style in Your Home