The bohemian style can be described in three words: Chic, creative, and relaxed!
And the boho style is a lot of designers’ favorite looks and that’s because it is so global!
The boho style originated all the way back in the 1700s but it really came to life in the early ’70s, and now in 2020 it’s making a return!
It’s making a resurgence because the bohemian home has a global vibe that gives off the impression that a free-spirited traveler lives there.
And even if you’re not well-traveled, anyone can still make people believe a free-spirited traveler lives there with the boho-inspired tips that you are just about to discover.
You’ll soon realize that a bohemian home should feel unique to your own style, relaxing, and warm.
That the color scheme is experimental and the key to the bohemian design is you want to keep them in the same tone.
Here are 14 designer secrets for styling a bohemian home like no other.
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14 designer ways to style your home bohemian
Image Source // Dear Dark Room
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1. Lighting is critical.
Source via Nadine ( @xcuseme.nl )
First off to achieve the right bohemian look it’s all about using the right lighting. Lighting makes a heck of a difference in any room and to achieve that Boho look you will want to use very dim whimsical and candle-like lighting.
For tips to help you create the bohemian style with lighting, try this:
- Think about creating a romantic ambient look/feel when designing your home bohemian and try looking for fairy lights, string lights, and even old Christmas lights (which a lot of designers use to recreate the bohemian look), to soften up your space.
- Lanterns and lamps (with soft textured lampshades) are also great alternatives, and of course, natural candlelight is always best.
You can easily achieve a romantic boho environment (once the sun goes down) if you use any of these lighting options in your own home. Your space will be instantly transformed into a sexy lounge if you aim for dim lighting and it also creates that zen and peaceful at-night-look that the bohemian design is going for.
2. Embrace traveled looking art.
Image Source // thekwendyhome
Artwork can really tie a place together and the bohemian style is all about using exotic jewel tones, airy hues, and natural colors that can pull out the existing colors from the room’s main color palette. That way everything looks cohesive and it creates that global bohemian decor look.
For tips to help you create the bohemian style with art, try this:
- You can easily do this by creating your very own gallery wall.
- You can add in a tapestry.
- You can create some sort of a macramé wall hanging.
- Or you can even find different artwork that looks a bit more traveled that involves feathers like dream catchers or statues of animals.
There are no rules, even a good looking calendar that The Kwendyhome used above the stove can do the trick. Keep it simple but also try to make a statement with your art selections.
3. Layer and angle all of your rugs.
Image Source // sare_xo
If you are looking to achieve the bohemian style in your own home, your bohemian home decor must include rugs.
Rugs are vital when creating a bohemian look for either a bohemian bedroom or a bohemian living area.
Rugs not only ground the space, but they also make it cozy and comforting for your eyes and for your feet!
But for the boho style, and taking it one step further, you will want to try the layered look. Try angling the rugs to enhance more square footage and to cover a wider space for the perfect boho feel.
Layering your rugs will also help you save money because larger rugs that fill an entire room can be really pricey and you can still get the same look with two or three cheaper rugs.
4. Scents will set the mood & enhance the bohemian vibe.
Source via jardinsenfleurs
All bohemian interior design characteristics include a good scent. A good scent can change the atmosphere wherever you are, especially if you want to enjoy your newly boho chic styled space.
For tips to help you create the bohemian style with scents, try this:
- The key with scents here is to try to go with natural scents/smells that are not going to be over-empowering.
- Try keeping a lookout for room sprays, candles, or incense, that will give your space an effortless natural smell to enhance your decor.
- Also, try looking for a classic fall scent (like woods and forest smells) during the colder months or if it’s summer you can try for a very beachy-like scent. Creating a great aroma adds a lot to the boho vibe.
5. Lot’s of plants are a boho’s best friend (even in the bathroom!).
Source via @natalie_ranae
There are many different types of bohemian styles but one thing they all share in common are plants. So be prepared to be a plant lady, because boho and plants are a match made in heaven.
Life growing in your home not only adds benefits like purifying the air and releasing oxygen into the home (allowing us to breathe easier) but they are just so darn cute!
For tips to help you create the bohemian style with plants, try this:
- Try getting plants such as flowers, succulents, cactus (for easy maintenance),
- Or hanging plants adds to that bohemian look without having to buy big-ticket plants. You can also check out this hanging plant guide for more help!
- Craigslist is great for buying plants. Just be safe about it and make sure you do your research.
- Lastly, always pay attention to plant colors! (More on that in tip #14!)
And of course, you do have the responsibility of keeping them alive but just take on what you can handle and start from there.
6. When choosing bohemian fabrics, always choose soft & textured.
Image Source // Instagram
If you are creating a bohemian chic bedroom or living area then you have to incorporate cozy blankets.
You can find cozy textured blankets virtually at any store or online like this one. Try to get blankets that make you want to touch and feel them, and added color is always best.
The bohemian style is all about texture and color so the softer the fabric and more exuberant the color the better!
Think fluffy, soft, colorful, and lightweight blankets are key to creating the bohemian oasis that you are going for.
7. Repurpose old furniture to save extra money and to have a unique item that is solely created and owned by you.
Image Source // Decordemon
One of the best things about the bohemian style is that anything can be repurposed and replenished when you are trying to recreate a bohemian space for less money.
For tips to help you create the bohemian style with old finds, try this:
- You can easily repurpose old chairs with new paint.
- Use crate and wine boxes to store your blankets.
- Add new fabrics to older pillows.
These are all simple ways to create that boho feels that you are going for.
8. Layer with different textures & embrace DIY accents.
It’s time to raid your closet for sari scarves, pashminas blankets or you could even upcycle your old bedsheets or fabric samples. The more the merrier is what the bohemian style is all about.
So, when you’re styling your space, feel free to add 2 to 3 layers to show off the gorgeous textures of the fabrics that you have. By placing sari’s and blankets on an angle you can add a dynamic element to the mix without breaking the bank.
Get different throw pillows and accent pieces with varying different textures. This will really create an organized boho vibe in your space.
For tips to help you create the bohemian style with DIY, try this:
- Try this Bohemian Pillow DIY. All you’ll need is an accent cushion and a large scarf or pashmina in a lightweight fabric to dress up your pre-existing cushions!
- Center it on a flat surface and place your accent cushion in the middle of a 45-degree angle.
- Grab opposite corners of the scarf and tie a knot adjusting the fabric so the edges look clean.
- Tie a second knot to secure and fold the extra fabric towards the knot tucking in any extra materials to finish things off.
- Continue to tie loose knots and tuck in the ends to create a soft bohemian look.
- Voila! Super simple no-sew pillow scarf in no time at all!
9. Know that it’s totally okay to go pattern crazy when designing a bohemian home.
Image By Made By Girl
There is a method to the madness with patterns (without being overwhelming to the eye) and patterns work perfectly to achieve that boho look you are striving for.
Try mixing patterns by connecting patterns through color and textures. Unify your color palette with accent pillows and cushions that are next to each other. And vary the size of patterns so that they don’t look too similar together and use solid colored cushions in the background for a little breathing space for the eyes.
10. Add bohemian styled trays and knickknacks for added depth.
Trays are the new obsession with the bohemian look and style. Try looking for ornate gold metal trays, wooden trays, mirrored trays, or even better 80’s style rattan trays.
Pretty much anything that helps add depth to your tables. You can add fun floral centerpieces on them or showcase your cool jewelry finds from your travels. Make sure to place them in different parts of your home so that all of your guests can interact with them.
11. Edit your travel finds.
Image Source // beyondborderscollective
Next time you are on a road trip and you see an archaic piece of art or a cool art statement like this do not hesitate to buy it, it may be an instrumental piece in making your home look more boho.
If traveling is not on your to-do list, don’t worry, you can still find unique travel finds at your local thrift stores. Just remember to keep to your color palette!
12. Incorporate as many natural wood tones as you possibly can.
Image Source // virduranba
Warm woods, light woods, or raw woods are warmer to the eye and less formal which is what the bohemian style is all about. To achieve the bohemian style natural woods really add that casual vibe so you want to look for that in your furniture pieces as well as your accessories.
Mix colors and woods instead of matching them, look for accessories of different colors, and blend them to add depth and timeless beauty to your home.
It’s even cooler if the natural woods are authentically a part of your lifestyles like wooden surfboards or travel finds that showcase your travels around the world.
13. Embrace your inner uniqueness to be one-of-a-kind.
The boho style is super fun because you can really go wild with all your accessories. Every accessory that you choose should blend in well with the other things that are in your space but at the end of the day, you want to have a space that represents who you are and how you want to feel.
Try buying two to three accessories with a pop of color and go from there. Find cute antique bottles, use fun patterns, and have fun with it.
14. Always Remember to buy plants with lots of colors and textures.
Source via Bella Spina
Just because you don’t live on an exotic island doesn’t mean you can’t surround yourself with your favorite tropical plants?! When buying plants the bohemian color scheme is very important and a lot of designers know that plant colors are a key element to achieving this look.
So when you are creating your own tropical sanctuary, know that the more color in your plants the better. When you’re choosing colors, try to go for pops of reds, purples, and pink hues for lots of contrast. Beautiful canna lilies, zebra plant, and hibiscus trees are an all-time bohemian go to!
There you go. the bohemian style is eclectic and it’s the perfect way for you to showcase your travels and there are no rules just a few essential must-haves.
A few tips to create this look is to just be free and creative, play with shapes and patterns (because the boho style embraces all finishes) and anything goes!
Some great brands to create this style with is Wayfair and the more cost-effective choice would be Over Stock. All you need are a few extra layers and some creativity to master this look!
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Author: Rebecca
Hi, my name is Rebecca and I am the face behind Everything Abode! I am a lifestyle and wellness writer based out of Vancouver Island. When I’m not writing or exploring mountains and beaches with my furry rescue, I love spending time learning creative ways to manifest a healthy home. Thanks for stopping by!
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