Bohemian décor, also known as ‘boho chic,’ has gained popularity recently for its unique, relaxed, eclectic, and vibrant style. This trend takes inspiration from the Bohemian culture, which embraces individuality, creativity, and spirituality.
In this article, you will find some ideas and tips on how to redecorate your spaces to give them this relaxed and carefree aesthetic.
Colours and Textures
Regarding colours, earthy tones play a key role in this trend. Choose terracotta, brown, and beige for walls, furniture, and home textiles to create a warm, natural base. These colours evoke a sense of connection with nature and add a peaceful feeling to the space.
What truly defines this style, however, are the vibrant, saturated colours used to create contrast with the earthy palette. Jewel-toned shades like deep blue, emerald green, fuchsia pink, and purple are audaciously combined to create a lively and energetic setting. You can apply them in textiles, such as cushions, rugs, and curtains, or decorative elements, like lamps and artwork.
As for textures, this style favours natural textiles and materials. Bedspreads, cushions, and curtains made of linen, cotton or silk can be combined to create a sense of softness and serenity. Including rougher and more organic textures such as wicker, rattan, or carved wood offers a revitalizing counterpoint.
Multifunctional Spaces
In a bohemian-inspired home, the rooms and areas are not restricted to a single function, but rather blend and adapt to fulfil different needs. A living room area that can also be used as a dining room or a study is an example of this concept.
Furniture can be easily moved or rearranged to accommodate different activities. For instance, placing cushions and pillows on the floor or in the room’s corners can help you create a space that works as a cosy reading nook during the day and as a spot for social gatherings in the evening.
Moreover, in boho chic, space partitions are subtle and flexible. Curtains in vibrant colours, bamboo screens, or open shelving units can be used to define areas without creating visual barriers, which improves functional flexibility.
Vintage and Eclectic Furniture
Vintage and eclectic furniture are key when creating a boho look. They infuse spaces with a distinctive and charming vibe, full of personality. A characteristic feature of these pieces of furniture is their aged appearance, as they are often bought from thrift shops or flea markets or passed down as family heirlooms.
Antique furniture embodies the styles of past decades, such as the 1960s or 70s: wicker or retro-patterned upholstered chairs, well-worn velvet sofas, aged wooden sideboards, or bookshelves decorated with rare objects are some typical examples. They add a touch of history and nostalgia to Bohemian décor.
Furthermore, this style embraces eclecticism, meaning that you can combine styles and shapes, and use furniture from different origins. For example, you might create a set with a mid-20th century vintage sofa next and a Moroccan-style coffee table or a boho-style wicker chair. The aim is to create an eclectic and genuine look through the combination of different styles and eras. However, always remember to keep visual harmony in mind when choosing the colours, fabrics, and accessories, as they will unify the space.
Collectible Items
Bohemians are known for their love for singularity and creative expression, which shows in how they display their objects collections. These collections may include many different articles, from vintage pieces and antiques to contemporary art, colourful glassware, books, souvenirs, and anything that stimulates the owner’s imagination.
What matters most is how passionate you feel about these items and how they blend with your décor. Instead of hiding collectibles in closed cabinets or keeping them stored in boxes, use your creativity to display them throughout your home.
Every object tells a story, adds a touch of authenticity, and can be used to start conversations. Our beloved possessions and rare objects draw the visitors’ attention and allow them to learn more about our interests and experiences.
Elements of Nature
Nature’s elements are protagonists in boho-chic décor. They add an organic and peaceful touch to spaces, in line with the simplicity and natural connection that the style upholds. Both for materials and as inspiration, the elements of nature are a perfect choice to create an authentic boho look.
Wood stands out among these materials. It can be used in furniture, flooring, and decorative items to add texture and warmth. In line with what was previously mentioned, reclaimed, aged wood is particularly valuable for its singularity and contribution to sustainability.
Plants and flowers are also important. Hanging pots, vertical gardens, wicker baskets with indoor plants and fresh flower bouquets will refresh and brighten up any room.
On the other hand, natural stone textures such as marble or slate used in countertops, tabletops and decorative pieces will add a cool and elegant note that contrasts with the warmth of the wood and the freshness of the plants.
Wall Decoration
Decorating walls provides an opportunity to boldly express your uniqueness and creativity. As diversity and spontaneity are cornerstones of Bohemian style, every wall is a blank canvas waiting to be brought to life.
One of the most iconic features of Bohemian wall décor is its galleries. Instead of hanging a single large-sized work of art, group several pictures, paintings and other pieces to create a unique and vibrant composition. You can opt for frames in different styles and sizes.
Either handcrafted or bought at stores, tapestries are another excellent option to add texture and colour to walls. Macramé hangers are very popular too and can be used to hang plants or to design decorative compositions.
Placing plants, books, and other personal objects on floating shelves will add character and depth to walls. Antique or Bohemian mirrors are also commonly used, as they reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness.
Handcrafted objects
Handcrafted and handmade items, with their human and unique touch, are a perfect match for Bohemian décor. This style embraces creativity, individuality, and imperfection while at the same time promoting appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, making such items a natural choice.
As mentioned, one of the most notable features of boho chic is the blending of cultures and styles, and handmade items are a perfect way to achieve this. You can choose between hand-painted Moroccan ceramics, handwoven textiles from India, wicker baskets from South America, and many more. These objects carry with them stories and traditional techniques that bring depth and authenticity to your décor.
Artisanal textiles, such as embroidered cushions, patchwork quilts, and handwoven tapestries, are typical of boho décor. These elements add texture and colour while conveying a sense of warmth and authenticity. Hand-blown glass lamps and vases are also quite popular, as they add a touch of sophistication and uniqueness.
Lastly, string and fairy lights are a usual choice for patios, gardens, terraces, or in boho-inspired indoor spaces. These soft lights offer a captivating sparkle and create a festive atmosphere.
Soft Lighting
Instead of bright and direct lights, Bohemian décor favours soft ambient lighting that promotes a feeling of calm and well-being.
Hanging lamps with neutral-toned cotton or wicker shades are popular in Bohemian décor. These lamps serve as a gentle filter for light, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, floor lamps with fabric or woven shades create soft lighting and add a boho chic touch.
Candles are another basic element. You can add a magic and romantic vibe to your rooms using vintage metallic candleholders, scented candles in glass jars, or ceramic bowls with floating candles. The flickering shadows of candle flames create a soothing and peaceful environment.
The Importance of Comfort
Comfort is central to Bohemian décor, as this design style seeks to create spaces for a relaxed and carefree lifestyle.
Furniture is often chosen based on comfort, with plush cushions, cosy-looking sofas and chairs, and oriental-style mattresses on the floor. Textiles are also a fundamental factor in this subject. Soft blankets, fluffy rugs and curtains can be used to create a welcoming ambience.
Furthermore, Bohemian spaces frequently include areas for resting and relaxing, such as reading nooks, hanging hammocks, or rocking chairs.
Conclusion
Whether you are redecorating or adding boho chic vibes to a room, the goal is to turn your home into a reflection of who you are, while making it a space for comfort and relaxation.
Embrace the creative freedom this style offers to play with colours, textures, and decorative elements, always seeking harmony in diversity to prevent your home from becoming overwhelming or chaotic.
