The Bohemian style is a radiant dance of earthy hues, metals, and vibrant jewel tones. It’s grounded in neutrals like deep browns and serene grays, then sprinkled with vivacious purples, burning oranges, and brilliant blues.
Those who gravitate towards Bohemian aesthetics are free spirits, unburdened by conventions and always guided by their heart!
Are you captivated by vintage furniture, unique light fixtures, and textiles that tell tales of distant lands? Do you find joy in curating treasures from flea markets, thrift shops, and your travels?
You probably have a penchant for blending luxurious fabrics and glimmering accessories with cherished antiques and eclectic pieces. In the Bohemian realm, if it sparks joy, it has a place. After all, abundance is the essence!
The Bohemian style is the epitome of global design, weaving tales of your adventures and experiences into the fabric of your space. It’s a tapestry of vivid colors, intricate patterns, and diverse textures that echo the arts, crafts, and spirit of different cultures.
Every item narrates a unique story, sparking conversations and memories.
There’s a free-spirited fluidity in how treasures are showcased, unbound by geographical or thematic constraints. Antiques seamlessly blend with contemporary pieces, while elements from nature—like animal horns, verdant plants, or raw minerals—infuse authenticity and charisma.
Though global design champions eclecticism, you might find yourself particularly captivated by the hues and artifacts of specific regions, letting them take center stage in your space.
Elements of Bohemian Style
Bohemian style, often referred to as “boho,” is characterized by its eclectic, free-spirited nature. Rooted in artistic expression and unconventional design, boho draws inspiration from different cultures, eras, and personal narratives. Here are some defining elements of Bohemian style:
Layered Textiles: Rich, textured fabrics like velvet, silk, suede, and fur are layered upon each other. Think Moroccan rugs, macramé hangings, and chunky knit throws.
Eclectic Patterns and Colors: Boho doesn’t shy away from bold, vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Expect paisleys, tribal prints, florals, and other global-inspired motifs.
Natural Materials: Incorporate wooden furnishings, wicker, bamboo, and other organic materials for a grounded feel.
Plenty of Greenery: Plants, whether potted or hanging, play a crucial role in boho spaces. They introduce a fresh, earthy vibe and often become central features.
Vintage and Handmade Items: From flea markets to artisanal craft fairs, boho decor often includes vintage, handmade, or one-of-a-kind pieces, lending the space unique character and charm.
Worldly Decor: Artifacts and textiles from travels or different cultures, like Indian tapestries, African baskets, or Tibetan thangkas, give the space a global ambiance.
Low-level Seating: Think floor cushions, poufs, low sofas, and tatami mats, promoting a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Unconventional Display: Art and items aren’t just hung on walls. They might be layered, draped, or even placed on the floor. The aim is to create an aesthetically pleasing sense of ‘organized chaos’.
A Mix of Styles: Boho often blends elements from various design philosophies—be it mid-century modern, industrial, or even a touch of glamour—into one cohesive look.
Personal Touches: Bohemian style is deeply personal. It’s not unusual to find family photos, cherished trinkets, or DIY items that hold sentimental value.
The essence of boho is not strictly adhering to a set formula but embracing the unexpected, celebrating individuality, and letting one’s personality shine through the decor. It’s about creating a space that feels like a true reflection of the self and one’s journey.
Colors of Bohemian Style
Bohemian style is known for its rich and vibrant use of color, drawing inspiration from various cultures and natural elements. While there’s no strict palette that defines boho style, here are some colors commonly associated with it:
Earth Tones: Deep browns, greens, and grays often serve as base colors, grounding the space and providing a canvas for brighter tones.
Jewel Tones: Saturated purples, fiery oranges, electric blues, and deep magentas are classic boho choices. These rich hues evoke a sense of worldliness and artistic flair.
Warm Reds and Pinks: Think of Moroccan or Indian textiles, which often feature warm terracottas, corals, and pinks.
Golden Yellows: From mustard to saffron, yellow shades bring warmth and brightness to bohemian spaces.
Turquoise and Teal: These colors, reminiscent of gemstones and oceans, add depth and drama.
Neutrals: Though boho is known for its color, neutral shades like beiges, creams, and off-whites play a crucial role in balancing out the vibrancy and providing moments of calm.
Metallic Accents: While not a color per se, gold, bronze, and other metallics often find their way into boho designs, whether through accessories, trims, or decorative pieces.
Natural Greens: Taking inspiration from nature and the emphasis on plants in boho design, various shades of green, from olive to emerald, are often incorporated.
IBohemian style is highly individualistic. While the above colors are commonly associated with boho, it’s more about mixing and matching what resonates personally with your own energy.
This style is flexible, allowing for personal tastes and influences from different cultures to shine through. So, while these are guiding tones, there’s plenty of room for interpretation and personalization in boho color schemes.
The Energy of Bohemian Style
The energy of Bohemian style is a unique amalgamation of various attributes, emanating a vibe that is both relaxed and vibrant. Here’s a breakdown of the energy associated with Bohemian style:
Free-Spirited: At its core, the Bohemian style embodies a sense of freedom and non-conformity. It’s about breaking the mold, rejecting traditional norms, and embracing an eclectic mix that reflects one’s unique personality and experiences.
Creative Expression: Bohemian spaces are often filled with handmade items, crafts, and artifacts from around the world. These pieces tell stories, each item a reflection of artistic expression and individual creativity.
Warmth and Comfort: With its use of layered textiles, plush cushions, and rugs, Bohemian style exudes warmth and coziness. It’s inviting, making one feel immediately at ease.
Connection to Nature: Boho interiors often incorporate natural elements like plants, stones, and wooden items, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to the earth and nature.
Worldly and Cultured: The style showcases an appreciation for different cultures, traditions, and crafts from around the world. The energy is one of inclusivity and global appreciation.
Sensual and Tactile: With an emphasis on textures and materials, Bohemian style engages the senses. Whether it’s the feel of a soft fabric, the visual appeal of colorful patterns, or the aromatic presence of incense, the style appeals to our sensory experiences.
Whimsical and Playful: The eclectic mix often results in unexpected and playful combinations, lending a whimsical energy to Bohemian spaces.
Intimate and Personal: Above all, Bohemian style is deeply personal. It reflects the inhabitant’s journey, tastes, memories, and aspirations. It’s intimate, revealing stories and experiences through design elements.
In essence, the energy of Bohemian style is vibrant yet relaxed, worldly yet intimate, and always deeply personal and expressive. It’s a style that resonates with those who value individuality, creativity, and a connection to the world around them.
How to Get the Look
Want to get the look? Whether you’re diving deep into Boho style or just sprinkling some elements into your current decor, here are some tips.
- Jewel Tones: Add splashes of deep, vibrant colors through cushions, lamps, or artwork.
- Global Mix: Incorporate items from various countries, blending textures and patterns to evoke a sense of worldly charm.
- Velvety Touch: Introduce soft fabrics like velvet for an instant luxe feel.
- Metallic Hints: Blend in metals to provide that eclectic spark.
- Vintage Meets Modern: Pair your contemporary pieces with vintage finds for an authentic Boho mix.
- Treasures on Display: Showcase your personal journey – souvenirs, photos, and unique finds that narrate your story.
- Curate Thoughtfully: While Boho celebrates abundance, give each piece its moment. Create breathing space around standout items for a refined look, which I personally like and think of as elegant Bohemian.
Bohemian is all about expressing your authentic self. Let your space tell your unique story, mixing the old with the new, the near with the far, and the bold with the subtle.
Bohemian Style Edesign
Below is an example of an Edesign I created for a Bohemian style living room.
In this Edesign I created, I’ve fused blue and green jewel tones seen in wool rugs, furnishings, and accents. Tribal lamps complement the soft fabric textures of the sofa and chair, while metallic hints in the side chair and accessories add depth. I’ve blended materials like velvet, cotton, leather, rattan, textured pottery, and wool to enhance dimension.
Modern side chairs are juxtaposed against a rustic, ethnic-themed coffee table. My contemporary computer fractal art contrasts beautifully with faux horn mirrors. The vintage vibe of the rug contrasts with the sleek sofa and velvet chair, striking a balance.
The art on the wall is my own fractal energy art, my “Bioluminesence” series.
Overall, this curated design leans towards minimalism, with each piece thoughtfully chosen to give it a more elegant look.
IMy fractal art is based on that beautiful glowing effect of bioluminescence in the ocean. The blues and greens as well as the concept help bring the outside in and work with the Bohemian jewel tone colors.
Bohemian Style Color Schemes
As mentioned earlier, Bohemian style celebrates warm earthy colors, metals and jewel tones.
Bohemian decor often uses deep browns, greens, grays or other neutral colors for base colors, then accessorizes with saturated colors.
Here are some examples of the same Edesign using some earthy neutral creams, beige, and brown (Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze) on the walls. Grays did not work well with the design.
How is Bohemian Style Different?
Bohemian style, while rooted in global influences, has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other global styles. Here’s a breakdown to highlight the differences:
Origin & Influence:
- Bohemian: The name derives from the French word for ‘gypsy’, and originally referred to the nomadic, spirited lifestyle of the Bohemians. It’s less about a specific culture and more about a free-spirited and eclectic mix of elements.
- Other Global Styles: Typically, other global styles, like Moroccan, Southwestern, or African, are more region-specific and derive elements directly from those regions’ cultures, histories, and landscapes.
Design Philosophy:
- Bohemian: Emphasizes individuality, freedom, and a disregard for conventions or trends. It’s all about personal expression and creating a space that feels right for the individual, often leading to a mix-and-match approach.
- Other Global Styles: These often adhere to traditional designs, colors, and patterns from the specific region they originate from.
Elements & Decor:
- Bohemian: Known for its layering. There’s often a mix of vintage with modern, handmade with store-bought, and a blend of different textures and materials. It’s common to see plants, mismatched textiles, and a cluttered yet harmonious look.
- Other Global Styles: While they might also incorporate mixed textiles and handmade items, they’re typically more cohesive in terms of the cultural motifs, colors, and materials they employ.
Colors:
- Bohemian: Typically vibrant and varied, with a rich mix of jewel tones, earthy colors, and metallics.
- Other Global Styles: While they can also be vibrant, they often have a more defined and consistent palette, like the rich blues and whites in Greek Mediterranean style or the earthy tones of Southwestern style.
Versatility:
- Bohemian: Highly versatile and adaptive. Since it’s driven by individual choice, it can easily incorporate elements from various global styles.
- Other Global Styles: While adaptable, they are often more defined and distinct, making them less fluid than Bohemian style.
In summary, while both Bohemian and other global styles are inspired by worldwide influences, Bohemian style is more eclectic, free-spirited, and individualistic, whereas other global styles tend to stay truer to their cultural origins.
Let's Create Your Global Style Design
Are you ready for your house to go to the next level where your house looks great, feels great and supports you to be great? Imagine that.
My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors; art, science and energy. The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
Creating a space that envelops you in your vision of beauty and color, while fine tuning the energy of your space to promote wealth, health, love and perfect self-expression aligns you with the universe, allowing you to live your best life so you can make a positive impact on the world.
Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.
Aligned Design- All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Brochure
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Call 907-362-0065 today
Pin These
What a fun and colorful post! I love the renderings and the different paint options!
Oh these fractal art pieces are my favorites of yours so far! So fun to see the effect of different wall colors on this style! I think I like the darker walls best, but maybe that’s just my inner #dramaqueen LOL
Thank you!
Loving these examples especially that light fixture!!
Thank you!
The pieces you’ve curated for this bohemian look are very intriguing and beautiful.
Thank you!
Mary Ann, you have totally opened my eyes to the Bohemian style! The way you created your e-design is just gorgeous!
Thank you so much!