Do you love to travel, can’t get enough of indoor plants, and wish you were on a beach right now? Then bohemian chic interiors are exactly what you’re after. A bohemian home is full of life and cultural artefacts, mixing different styles to create an eclectic feel. The rule of creating a boho chic look in your own home is that there are no rules - pretty much anything goes. A bohemian home should be highly individual and reflect the owner’s interests and sensibilities. Of course we can help you get started with creating a bohemian aesthetic. Read on to find how you can turn your home into a boho oasis.
Neutral and organic hues
Most bohemian interior design takes inspiration from nature and that goes for the colours you should shop for when giving your home a makeover. Neutral in this scenario doesn’t have to mean bland. Think about earthy tones, like browns and reds, shades of burnt orange, khaki, and ochre. Beige, in all tones, is of course very welcome, aim for colours that pair together easily.
To create a boho chic look, group multiple earthy tones together, adding depth to a room. In the bedroom, this could look like a boho bed frame, neutral bedding with an orange throw and multiple decorative cushions in complementary tones. Turn to nature for inspiration if you’re stuck for styling ideas; brown and green always go together as do brown and orange - choose muted versions of these shades for a calming feel.
When shopping, look out for:
- Nature-inspired colours
- Different shades of beige
- Warm and muted tones, as if sun-bleached
- Items you can layer for a unique look
Mix and match with patterns and texture
One of the best things about the boho aesthetic is that it actively encourages mixing and matching patterns and textures. While minimalism and boho aren’t incompatible, a maximalist approach is encouraged. Usually, one pattern is a big enough statement but in a boho home a berber-style rug looks harmonious with Ikat print cushions or a throw, and macrame wall hangings.
Besides macrame, fringe and crochet are used liberally. Turn your couch into a boho couch with tufted and fringed cushions and a macrame throw for a low-effort styling option guaranteed to make a big impact. Textures aren't all about fabrics; wicker, bamboo, wood, rattan, and even dried flowers and grasses all have a home in a boho style house.
When shopping, look out for:
- Textured rugs and throws, don’t feel like they need to match
- A selection of cushions in different sizes and textures, like linen and tufted
- Fringed and macrame items, especially wall hangings
- A few statement patterned pieces
Unique and handmade decor
Making the boho style your own is essential. This means finding and adding pieces that are unique and not easily found elsewhere. Do you love bringing back items and souvenirs from your travels? Display them proudly! Especially if they’re made by local artisans. Bowls, vases, candles, plant pots, art - bring these items together and show them off. You can achieve this look without having to travel, of course. Visit your local secondhand markets to find one or two special items, like a boho chair or a boho ottoman. If you can’t get to a market, then look for furniture and accessories that have a worn-in, handmade feel.
When shopping, look out for:
- Stores selling unique pieces
- Items that look hand-made
- Check local shops and markets when travelling
- One-off art and accessories
Pairing hard textures with soft
The boho aesthetic is as much about the look of your home as it is about the feel. We know it should look eclectic and unique, it should also feel cosy and inviting. Pairing hard textures with soft ones is the way to achieve this. Think about your room and how many solid wood or even rattan furniture pieces you have. Then, consider adding a few softer ones like fabric-covered chairs or an ottoman, even a beanbag could work. Lean on softer fabric textures to inject the feeling of relaxation into any room. Bare windows, for example, can sometimes make a room look quite stark; consider adding sheer curtains to diffuse light.
When shopping, look out for:
- Solid wood furniture, like a dining table or sideboard
- Shaggy textures: cushions, rugs, throws
- Upholstered furniture
- Sheer curtains
Tropical and native indoor greenery
Adopting elements of nature into your home is an essential element of the bohemian aesthetic. Fill your home with a range of plants, from smaller succulents and mid-sized ferns to a few oversized tree-like plants. They bring life and vibrancy to any room, plus they improve air quality - a definite win, win. To give plants the best chance at life, consider the type of plant and the conditions in whichever room you’d like it to live in. Ferns like a hot and damp environment, making them ideal for a bathroom. Snake and ZZ plants are quite hardy and will survive in diverse settings. Read up on the plants you plan to purchase and match with each room accordingly.
Plants will need planters and stands - another great way to inject some bohemian flair. Mix and match different pots, like woven rattan, clay, and terracotta, pairing earthy tones with louder colours and patterns. Hanging planters made of crochet are very trendy right now, plus they’re ideal for trailing planets. Create height and dimension by interspersing regular pots with some that have legs or getting a few plant stands, which will give the eye a more organic line of sight than having them all on the same level. Pick planters with enough room for your plants to grow.
When shopping, look out for:
- Plants you’re comfortable looking after
- Different pots, planters, and stands in a mix of colours and textures
- Unique plant accessories like misters and watering cans
- Decorative planters to serve as statement pieces
Bring a timeless style to your home
The bohemian home interior is for anyone who loves eclecticism and bringing nature indoors. It’s a really easy look to achieve as it asks you to relax and fill your home with a mix of items that make you happy, reflect your travels, and create a sense of serenity. Next time you’re out shopping, let your eye wander and see which boho chic items you can spot.
Visit our centre to find inspiration for your home.
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