If you're anything like us, when the summer comes (ok, it might not be here just yet) we dream of embracing our Stevie Nicks side; wearing leather with lace and shawls with long fringes, whilst donning flowing, just got out of bed hair. Boho style is so alluring with it's free-as-a-bird gypsy attitude. We often take inspiration from what we're wearing or, at least what we would like to be wearing, taking ideas and translating them into home design. Here's a few boho looks we're loving at the moment.
Credits: Sandals by Elina Linardaki, Peacock Chair image from Free People.
If you're anything like us, you're boho busy and don't have time to fuss too much, but you still want your home to look beautiful. Defining “bohemian” (boho) as an interior style is like trying to label something that can’t be labelled, it's all about personal character and is dependent on the individual. It has elements of shabby chic and eclecticism, mixed with an artistic and theatrical flamboyance that has little to do with trends. Boho is witty, whimsical and highly reflective of the mind and lifestyle of the person who embraces it. In its way it is an anti-style, but at its heart is a love of art, colour, contrasts, creativity, travel, adventure, the past and, above all, freedom from convention.
That said, there are some basics to help you create a bohemian sanctuary to bring a laid-back Ibiza sunset meets sunrise at Coachella vibe.
Mix Old & New for an Eclectic Look
Combining old treasures from travels or items you just love amongst your newer pieces adds a sense of character which is fundamental to the boho look. A bohemian space should be about getting your creative juices flowing, so being surrounded by personal, loved items that tell a story should float your boho boat.
Artwork
In the world of boho, walls are blank canvases made to be filled with art.
Broken Wings Canvas by Luke Woodford, from £199.
Lighting
Lighting in a boho bedroom should have a warm glow, reminiscent of a Moroccan hammam. Lighting should be indirect, flickering and filtered. Achieve this effect with metal lanterns hanging low, candles, coloured globes and vintage lampshades that diffuse light.
Rock the Casbah Table and Pendant Light, from £99.
Mix Up Patterns & Textures
There’s a knack to putting many patterns together so they interact rather than distract, but in a boho interior, the main rule of thumb with pattern is: go with what you love!
Add an extra layer of visual appeal to your space by introducing different textures - a fluffy sheepskin rug, plush velvet upholstered chair, a woollen throw and soft fabric cushions.
Show & Tell
Bohos don’t hide anything decorative away. If you have unique trinkets and sentimental treasures, put them where they give you pleasure every day. Display necklaces from wall hung antlers, make a display of hats on your wall, pile vintage suitcases high, have a shabby chic hanging rail displaying your favourite pieces of clothing and deck your dressing table with colourful perfume bottles and vases with small flowers.
It's All About the Bed
Think of your bed as an artwork in itself. Put some thought into what would make you want to spend time on or in it. Layers, layers and more layers! When in doubt, adorn with fairy lights and throw in a dreamcatcher!
The bohemian philosophy, perfectly expressed: “Life is beautiful. I accept everyone as they are. I am free.”
In the same way there will never be another you, one thing is for sure: As long as you have a bohemian bedroom, you will never see another bedroom quite like yours.
