Are you looking for a straight-forward explanation of the Bohemian interior design style? Our style deep dive series covers eight essential categories for helping you to recognize home decor and decorating styles, discover their key characteristics and give you real examples of interiors which exemplify the style. We also touch on the best way to achieve the look for yourself. Become a style expert with us!
In this post we will cover the all-popular Bohemian or “Boho” interior design style.
1. How to recognize the Bohemian interior design style
It isn’t one of the world’s favorite styles for nothing. Bohemian interior design style, also known affectionately as “boho,” is characterized by its free-spirited, eclectic, and unconventional nature. This style embraces a mix of patterns, textures, and colors, creating a laid-back and vibrant atmosphere. Once you understand a few key points (how to mix patterns and furniture successfully is one of them), it’s actually an easy to style to get right.
2. Key Features of Bohemian Interiors
- Architectural Features: Bohemian interiors often showcase diverse influences with an emphasis on individuality rather than architectural uniformity. This means that almost any style of architecture can work with a Bohemian look.
- Color and Textile Profile: Rich, warm hues like jewel tones, mixed with vibrant patterns and textured fabrics, define the boho palette. Although this is the textbook Bohemian aesthetic, monochromatic and minimalist versions of the style do exist (see examples below).
- Material Finishes: Natural materials such as wood, leather, and woven textiles are prevalent, contributing to the organic and earthy feel.
- Furniture and Decor Style: Vintage or globally inspired furniture, layered textiles like rugs and throws, and a mix of decorative elements create the bohemian look.
3. A Brief History of Bohemian Interior Style
Bohemian style draws inspiration from a by-gone era: the unconventional lifestyle of artists, writers, and free spirits from the 19th-century Bohemian district of Paris. Like the modernist and Shaker movements this style evolved as a rebellion against the rigidity of traditional design.
Boho style experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s counterculture movements. It has since remained a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed and artistic home environment.
4. Bohemian interior design style’s popularity over time
The Bohemian interior design style gained widespread popularity during the sixties and seventies because it manifested the visual style of the countercultural movements and shifting societal norms of the era. Stemming from the broader Bohemian lifestyle, which emphasizes a non-traditional, free-spirited, and artistic approach to living, the interior design style of this time embraced a mix of influences from various cultures and eras. This period saw a rejection of the conventional, giving rise to a desire for self-expression and a celebration of individuality.
Bohemian interiors reflected this ethos by incorporating vibrant colors, eclectic patterns, and a diverse array of textures. The philosophy behind the style was rooted in a quest for personal freedom, artistic expression, and a rejection of the mainstream. As a result, homes became a canvas for creativity, filled with a treasure trove of unique finds, handmade crafts, and a blend of global influences. The Bohemian style of the 60s and 70s was a rebellion against conformity, embodying a spirit of liberation that celebrated the beauty found in the unconventional and the authentic.
5. How to achieve the Bohemian interior aesthetic
It’s important to have fun with a Boho interior. Embrace a mix of patterns and textures, opt for unconventional furniture pieces, and incorporate vintage finds. Don’t be afraid to showcase personal treasures and mementos.
Embracing a boho interior scheme is not just about the design itself; it’s a design philosophy that encourages individuals to infuse their living spaces with a sense of joy and spontaneity. The best Bohemian interiors are created authentically over time. The importance of having fun with a boho aesthetic lies in its inherent freedom and lack of rigid rules. This style encourages a fearless mix of colors, patterns, and textures, which allows for a personalized, eclectic tapestry that reflects one’s unique tastes and experiences. Playful elements like mismatched furniture, vibrant textiles, and quirky decor all contribute to the laid-back, carefree vibe that defines bohemian style.
6. Dos and Don’ts of Bohemian Interiors
Dos: Experiment with colors and patterns, embrace unique furniture, incorporate handmade or artisanal pieces.
Don’ts: Avoid overly matching furniture sets, overly structured arrangements, and too many streamlined, modern elements.
7. Which styles share characteristics with Bohemian style?
Bohemian interiors generally fall into the Eclectic ‘genre‘, or category of interiors as laid out in our “Big Five” interior design style spectrum method of classification. ‘Eclectic‘, in this case, means combining a mixture of both modern and traditional elements throughout the interior scheme. This mixing of elements is the essence of a typical Bohemian style interior, which can be considered a classic eclectic style in many cases.
Many eclectic styles share similarities, like a blend of modern and traditional elements, furnishings and decor. The well-known eclectic styles vintage, global and shabby chic all share certain similarities with bohemian design. These styles tend to incorporate a casual mix of elements for a unique and personalized space. Many of these styles also lean more toward the maximalist side of decorating, as opposed to minimalist.
8. In the wild: Notable Bohemian designers and examples of Boho style
As the most popular interior design style, it is usually easy to find examples of Bohemian style in the real world. Some notable designers who have been influenced by the bohemian style and have added their personal flair to the manner of decorating include Justina Blakeney and Amber Lewis.
Looking for some well known Bohemian interiors? Iconic spaces like the Beat Hotel in Paris also epitomized the vibe behind the boho aesthetic (thought the Beat Hotel was nothing to look at, in all honesty). Here are some other popular interiors that showcase a Bohemian aesthetic.
Finally, check out an article by Architectural Digest that claims the world’s most beautiful Bohemian interiors.
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