Boho Home Decor: 10 Genius Interior Design Tips for a Boho-licious space!
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What Is “Boho” Style in home decor?
“Boho” is an abbreviation of Bohemian. The textbook definition of a Bohemian is a free-spirited person, usually involved in the arts or creative pursuits, who likes to live in an informal way, without following rigid societal norms of behaviour. Bohemian or “Boho” style refers to the particular fashion and/or lifestyle aesthetic of this eclectic type, one that is non-conforming and eccentric as they are. Common descriptors of the style are artistic, worldly, and eclectic.
The Boho style has been prominent in the fashion and interiors scenes since the 1800’s and remains influential in both industries to this day. It has even made our list of the top design trends for 2021.
One reason this style has stayed so popular over the years is because it is so adaptable. Minimalist to Maximalist to anyone in between can use Boho style decor and accents to enhance their space. Boho style is a much less rigid interior design style compared to others since it thrives off mixing different aesthetics and incorporating ones’ unique personality and tastes. From layering textiles to vintage shopping, Boho decor can add character and intrigue to any space.
Read on for details about the most common Boho style interior design and how to easily incorporate just the right amount of Boho decor to your home.
Boho Style
Patterns and Texture
“Organized chaos” is the name of the game when it comes to Boho decor and design. Combining textures is a staple of this style - bring in different patterned textiles and a variety of textured furniture and decor to create ultimate Boho vibes.
Consider incorporating boho room decor like rattan furniture, patterned rugs, printed wallpaper and curtains, wicker baskets, and unfinished wood accents. Natural rustic materials are the backbone in achieving the Boho design style.
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2. “Hangin’” Out
Hanging decorative accents from the wall or ceiling is another Boho interior design fundamental. Hanging features help draw the eye vertically in the space which enhances the depth and visual flow in the space.
There are many ways to implement vertical elements: pendant lights, hanging plants, textured curtains, boho wall decor like boho style tapestries and macrame, and bead curtains are just a few. If you want to really lean into the Boho vibes, consider adding a hammock or woven hanging chair to your space.
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3. Color Me Boho
There are no strict rules when it comes to a Boho color palette but warm, earthy tones are most common. More traditional Boho colors lean towards base colors of deep browns and greens accented with metallics, fiery orange, and bright blues/purples. For a more minimal vibe think of neutrals and whites. Patterned wallpapers are also a great statement for boho style spaces. Don’t be afraid to mix styles or to go bold for your boho color scheme- remember unconventional is a foundation of the Boho style, so don’t hold back!
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4. Plants on Plants on Plants
Plants are essential to any Boho interior. While there isn’t a magic number, we recommend at least 3 plants to achieve that natural, “jungley” vibe. In particular hanging and vining plants manifest true Boho vibes. In addition to aesthetic enhancements, boho plants also provide a slew of physical and mental health benefits from biophilic design.
Be creative with the planters and pots. Use a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Be creative when considering boho plant pots, boho plant stands, and boho plant hangers. Keep an eye out for ceramic pots and baskets- these will make great Boho decor additions while housing your favorite plants in the process. To be clear: there is no such thing as too many boho plants! The more the merrier.
Worried your space is too dark to support plant life? Check out this list of low light boho plants and see which will work best in your room’s conditions. Also consider dried arrangements or the ever popular Pampas grass stems.
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5. Global Accents
Since the roots of the Boho style celebrate the bohemian tradition of wandering artists, incorporating home decor and accents are a central theme in creating a bohemian inspired space. If you are lucky enough to have traveled or been gifted souvenirs, consider how they might be displayed in your space. Tribal prints from India and Africa, Moroccan textiles and lanterns, vintage instruments, and Ming-style vases are some common decorative ideas to achieve the global look. If you are short on souvenirs but still want authentic decor check out artisanal marketplaces like Etsy and local thrift or vintage shops. Given the popularity of the Boho style, you can easily find manufactured pieces at stores like World Market and Home Goods.
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6. Vintage and Thrift
While shopping second hand is an option for any design style, it is especially accessible for creating the Boho style since it thrives on a mix and match approach using items that appear rustic and aged. A vintage boho rug is always a great start creating a boho feel as a focus for the room.
While mid-century modern pieces are common in the Boho style, incorporating pieces from different times in history will help to accomplish the look. Anything from the 1960s and 1970s especially reminiscent of the free spirit hippy culture of the time, will help turn your space into a Boho -licious hideaway. If visiting your neighborhood resale stores isn’t an option, try sites like 1stDibs and Chairish for all your vintage boho needs.
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7. Comfy Casual Layers
While Boho style can also be considered “luxury” it isn’t as stiff as many design styles. As we’ve discussed previously, there are less rules to the Boho style than other design styles and it lacks the emphasis on perfection that is a staple in many luxury interiors. Boho spaces typically feel more casual and comfortable- they should feel homey and lived in. And don’t forget about the patio! Cafe string lights, area rugs and potted leafy plants will create the ultimate Boho outdoor space.
Layering is perhaps the biggest styling secret in interior design. Since comfort and texture is a focus of Boho interiors they lean into this concept HARD.
Floor seating is common in Boho style spaces so layering area rugs, poufs and blankets is an easy way to achieve the look. Layering is a great way to mix textures and materials. Layer a mudcloth throw blanket over a distressed leather sofa. Try using baskets and rustic wood items to style a fireplace mantle. Mix books, beads, and plants for Boho bookshelf vibes. Remember Boho design is all about the mix and there is no better way to display mixed items than through mindful layering. For more check out our Essential Guide to Layering.
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8. Mix-n-Match
Avoid being too matchy matchy when creating a Boho style interior design. While traditional Boho interiors embrace a “more is more” philosophy, even in more minimalist Boho spaces, decorative materials should be mixed and matched to achieve the look. Natural materials like wicker and burlap can be paired with fabrics like silk and mudcloth. Try to avoid everything looking shiny and new- make sure to contrast with slightly worn materials to accomplish the right balance.
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9. Light(s) and Airy
Natural light is always preferable- are there ways to bring more natural light into the space? Maybe that high backed armchair in the window can be shifted to allow in more natural light. Consider lighter paint colors or wall mirrors to add brightness to the space.
Once you’ve achieved the most natural light in the space it’s time to supplement with accent boho lighting. When you think about lighting in Boho spaces think about mood. A moroccan influenced lantern and a wall full of fairy boho string lights are just a couple suggestions to successfully create a Boho vibe through lighting.
Continue the mix and match approach in lighting. Aim for variety in lighting fixtures-ceiling lights, floor lamps, lanterns, fairy lights, and side table lamps are all great considerations. In addition to diversifying the type of fixtures, make sure to add variety in the size and finishes as well. For example, pair a modern brass floor lamp with the natural material of a rattan pendant light.
Be sure to pay attention to light bulbs. Generally in Boh spaces, yellow lights will be more appropriate than white lights. Warmer lights aren’t as bright as white lights so they will create a more relaxed, calm environment.
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10. Be Bold, Be YOU!
Perhaps the best thing about Boho design is that it is all about showing your personality so don’t be afraid to be bold. Grab that fun, brightly colored, painting that has been hanging in your closet with no where to go, get that funky mirror from the neighborhood antique shop, and definitely unroll that bold patterned rug that has been living in the dark desolate corner of the basement. If something speaks to you or brings you joy when you see it, don’t worry about whether it will match. There is always a way to integrate even the seemingly oddest treasures in Boho interiors so send the fear apackin’ and let your “You Flag” fly high!
We hope you learned a lot about the elusive “Boho” style and that you feel more confident incorporating this popular trend into your own space. If you have any questions or feedback or are interested in personalized assistance incorporating any design style into your space, please reach out- we’d love to connect! In the meantime, have fun and don’t hold back on getting loco with Boho!
