Are you ready to embrace a free-spirited and eclectic style in your home? Look no further than the captivating world of bohemian interior design. With its vibrant colours, a mix of patterns, and unconventional approach, this design trend has captured the hearts of many homeowners seeking to infuse their spaces with a sense of wanderlust and individuality. But what do professional interior designers have to say about this popular aesthetic? In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the minds of these creative experts as they share their insights on bohemian interior design, offering valuable tips and inspiration for those looking to embark on their own boho journey. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just starting out, get ready to be inspired by the unique perspectives that will transform your space into a true reflection of your personality.
What is Bohemian Interior Design?
Bohemian interior design, or Boho style, first appeared in the 19th century in Paris, France. Artists, writers, performers and adventurers who believed creativity inspired it was more valuable than money. They were the original bohemians. The practice of bohemianism involved an unconventional lifestyle and was associated with unorthodox or anti-establishment political and social viewpoints. It focused on simple living and free love. In tone with that, the Bohemian style intended to overturn beauty standards. It’s defined by a lack of structure, opting for many carefree layers of patterns, textures, colours, and maximalism. Its core characteristic is that it’s personal and laid-back. Such a type of interior design is composed for no one else’s pleasure and comfort other than your own. The only rule in Bohemian interior design is that there are no rules.
What are the Main Characteristics of Bohemian Design?
Naturally, there are common practices in Bohemian design, but there are no hard set or strict rules like in other modern styles. The common practices serve mostly as starting points for further inspiration. These practices include:
- Mismatching dynamic patterns, different types of lightning and saturated colours;
- Layering with patterns rather than creating shapes;
- Using textures such as gold, silver, brass, chrome and iron as finishing touches;
- Mixing and matching colours and patterns to express your own personality;
- Incorporating original and handmade pieces of art in the decor;
- Selecting furniture for comfort;
- Getting inspiration from global influences.
The most important thing is that there is no such thing as “too much” – anything goes in Bohemian interior design.
What Ways Are There to Incorporate Bohemian Design Into Your Home
Overall, the Bohemian look can be as clean or as complicated as you’d like it to be – from a full home renovation to just changing up details in the interior. All types of furniture work for this aesthetic. However, when choosing decorations, Bohemians collect objects only as representations of memories, friends, beliefs and so on. They must reflect one’s life and values rather than impress others. This style is something personal that you can make your own.
- Throws and pillows are most commonly included in Bohemian decor. You can also add a lot of houseplants, such as ferns and hanging succulents to give a refreshing colour contrast. Embracing the natural world is a central thing for this style. For example, a natural material such as hazelnut hardwood flooring would fit great in a Bohemian style composition.
- Another common feature of Bohemian designs is textiles and patterns from all around the world, giving the living space a multicultural sense of adventurousness and wonder. You can place rags not only on the floor but also hang them on the walls. Mural tapestries with beautiful prints work perfectly for this style.
- Bohemian rooms’ designs often share similar features, but no two are the same. You shouldn’t be afraid to combine elements that wouldn’t normally go together because this style is exactly about that: unconventionality.
What Does Bohemian Furniture Look Like?
Bohemian furniture can be of all types, from chaise lounges to standard sofas. However, they’re often not items you can find in a store but second-hand and vintage pieces which have been collected over time. Choosing Bohemian furniture is mainly to mix and match, but the key thing is that every item in the room should say something about you, making it unique.
Often, you can see the use of classic floor pouffes and bean bags layered randomly throughout the space and area rugs, combining different colours and textures. Boho lounging furniture is also typically low to the ground and covered in plush. This is because a room in this style should have a “stay-and-sit”, laid-back and inviting atmosphere, so it’s important that the pieces you choose are comfortable.
Since it’s inspired by artists, it makes sense to include a lot of handmade pieces, paintings, quilts, macramé, sculptures and pottery. An abundance of lights, such as pendants, sconces, lamps or even candles, are suitable for creating a cosy Bohemian atmosphere. Ambient lighting will unify the design of the room and bring comfort and cosiness to it. Rather than one source of light, pick a few coming from different directions.
Bohemian interior design often mixes contrasting textures, such as natural, rough burlap and sleek silk. It’s best if these materials have a bit of a worn-out look instead of looking brand new, so it seems like they have a history.
What is the Bohemian Colour Palette Like?
For a Bohemian colour palette, colours can range from neutrals like white, beige and warm, earthy colours to vibrant, contrasting tones like purple, fiery orange, and electric blue. Colours such as metallic golds, bright emerald greens, royal blue, and shades of pink and red are important as they serve as accents to a natural base colour. However, there aren’t definite main and accent colours, and the important thing is the atmosphere you want to create. Combining and layering colours make the Bohemian style unique.
- Clean look. If you want to create a cleaner look, select a neutral colour (e.g. white or a lighter shade of beige) as a base and use the more contrasting, vibrant colours as accents in the textiles and decorations throughout the space. Using white as a backdrop will create a visual space within the aesthetic.
- Bold look. If you want to go for a bolder statement, select striking colours (e.g. vivid pink, amethyst purple, clementine orange, avocado green, or azure blue) as a base and add more colours with your decoration, pattern and textile choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the insights shared by these interior designers have shed light on the captivating world of Bohemian interior design. From its eclectic mix of colours and patterns to its emphasis on self-expression and personal style, this design style truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re a free spirit seeking to infuse your home with boho charm or simply looking to incorporate some unique elements into your existing decor, embracing the principles of Bohemian design can help create a space that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. So go ahead, break free from convention and let your creativity run wild – after all, as these talented designers have shown us, there are no limits when it comes to expressing yourself through interior design. Let your home be a reflection of who you are; embrace the beauty in imperfection and celebrate individuality. Remember: life is too short for cookie-cutter spaces – dare to be different!
