let's talk bohemian

How do you define Bohemian?

As it turns out, this is quite a versatile style! Bohemian means lots of plants, rattan, wicker, and texture. Boho can be fun and vivid or neutral and calming. But at the heart of it, Boho is about celebrating natural elements, bringing nature's textures indoors.

Non-product images from Pixabay.

Non-product images from Pixabay.

Boho is unique and free-spirited. When I think of Bohemian interior decor, I tend to visualize wicker and macrame, but there can also be an exotic or Moroccan flair with bold poufs and decorative planters. It’s a design style celebrating life and an organic way of living absent in contemporary design trends. The words alternative, earthy, natural, unconventional, and even hippie tend to pop up when you search for Bohemian styles. Take a look...

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Bohemian interior decor

​But what are the benefits of this style, and how does that relate to interior spaces? 

Boho or Boho Chic is a style that encapsulates casual living, creative or romantic personalities, and relaxed interiors. It’s both psychologically relaxing and yet emotionally invigorating, with a sense of balance and harmony between the manmade and the natural world. If you are a person who sees nature as an experience, as a way to tap into something more human, intuitive, and creative, this is the style for you!

Blue can be a soothing color in any design style. In the design board above, I paired a blue sofa and worn blue area rug with a light-colored wood floor, earthy tactile textures, and plenty of plants! A William Morris-style wallpaper brings an organic touch to one focal wall in the space while incorporating the various colors in the room, tying the design together. Of course, I had to include the obligatory rattan chair and chaise lounge! And an amazingly textural rusty wall sconce is a nice touch, especially when paired with the wallpaper.

Blue is one of my favorite colors, as it is calming and organic. It’s funny how color association can affect the psyche! If you’d like more tips on designing your room around the beautiful color of blue, check out Designing Your Blue Living Room. 

Is blue not your thing? Well--if you are bold--you could go in the opposite direction and create a design using an earthy but vibrant orange as a base for your room’s Boho color scheme. In the design below, I have used a burnt orange sofa paired with a dark wood rattan chair, both sitting atop a William Morris floral area rug that brings in the yellows, greens, beiges, and even a pale blue that tones down the orange. Yellow and beige decorative pillows help tie the color scheme together. The tables are an eclectic mixture (this is Boho, after all) of Moroccan influence and Celtic (if you can believe it!). The chandelier shimmers with its Art Deco gold, green, and white color scheme. And, of course, I had to throw in macrame! If you’re feeling brave, check out more ideas for decorating with orange!

You know what I love about this design style? The plants, of course! But I also love the use of color. Even the most dramatic hues can be used, but if you want color without the bright jewel tones, you can always choose a strong (yet earthy) color palette with which to work. The more vibrant versions of this unconventional style can have gypsy or Moroccan-influenced design elements, making a space feel exotic and removed from the day-to-day where you can take a mini-vacation without leaving home!

I hope you liked this little exploration of the Bohemian design style. What do you think of it as a style for an interior space? Leave your comments below!

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