The Best Ways to Create a Modern Bohemian Style Home

“Boho” takes its roots from the French word bohemian, pertaining to a particular group of gypsies who traveled from Bohemia, Czech Republic. The word later expanded to describe any group of creative artists, such as writers, actors or musicians who led an unconventional, nomadic way of life, and traveled among Europe. The subculture also reached America’s Greenwich Village and hippy culture in the 1960s.

At present, it serves as an adjective that describes the aesthetic style and influence from the past generations. The bohemian style looks into the vintage and eclectic pieces of the past and is incorporated with modern-day touches.

Here we mention the best ways to embrace the bohemian style in your home.

Combine Patterns and Colors

Bring in vibrant colors and patterns such as tribal prints, floral designs, paisleys, and geometric patterns. If you are not fond of bright colors, mix more rustic and subdued earth colors like olive green, oranges, and browns.  If you want to paint your wall, use pastels, turquoise blues, and pure whites to help you achieve the bohemian look. Textures are also important, don’t be afraid to pair an antique wooden table with a powerfully patterned rug.

Work with tapestries

There are no rules when it comes to Bohemian decorating, so don’t be afraid to use accents on your walls. Hang tapestries of varying patterns and textures from different parts of the world. Warm earthy colors or deep jewel tones work best. A blue tapestry with a delicate design will give your space a sense of calm and exoticism.

Bring home a memento from your travels

To give your living space a global feel purchase a statement piece while traveling. Throw in a Middle Eastern lamp, a Buddhist statue, or a European vase. Always keep an eye out for unique souvenirs and quirky trinkets if you’re blessed to travel to unusual places around the world. 

Use Natural Materials

Accent your room with raw or natural materials to give a rustic feel. Utilize hemp, rattan, wood, and sisal. These can come in the form of a chair, a table, a lamp, plant hangers or even a woven rug.

Vintage is chic

An interesting bohemian-inspired home makes the use of handcrafted and unique vintage statement pieces. Don’t be afraid to mix market-find pieces from different decades. Search for well-designed dressers, cabinets, benches, and poof chairs that can tie a room together.

Think laid back

Keep your home casual. Bohemian houses look comfortable and homely. Piles of pillows and a warm area rug will encourage your guests to relax and be social.  Floor pillows, leather poufs, soft ottomans, and bean bags are great low-level seating options because they invite people to sit down and stay longer.

Be inspired by the nature around you

Let nature’s patterns inspire you in decorating your home. Add greenery and bring in a plant or two to give your space a fresher feel. The keyword here is green, so try to stick to tropical plants.

Layer your rugs

The plainest room can instantly have a bohemian feel if you get a nicely patterned area rug. It may also serve as a conversation piece when you have guests over.  You can layer a distressed neutral colored rug with a woven Persian carpet, to make even the simplest room interesting. If you’re unsure, layer rugs of the same color family.

Play with light

A bohemian style room works best with an abundance of natural light. If your space does not have enough windows, paint all your walls white. It can help provide a feeling of calmness among all the eccentric bohemian décor you’d want to bring in. Artificial light sources work, too. Think funky chandeliers, candles, string lights, and lanterns. You can mix-match different light sources for that boho-chic feel.

Art and Culture

A bohemian space also holds a creative selection of art and books. The beatniks of the past who were part of the bohemian subculture valued the arts and probably owned more books than any other material possessions. Try piling your favorite art and photography books on a coffee table. Frame vintage posters or album covers, or display a collection of prints. Don’t worry about the arrangement, make it casual and whimsical.

Conclusion

The best part of a bohemian style home is it’s free-spirited and easy to adapt. It should reflect your own personal style and make you feel comfortable in your own living space. Find colors that impel you to feel relaxed and accents that bring back fond memories of your travels.

Never shy away from expressing yourself! 

Image source:

Vintage home in Marseille | photos by Eve Campestrini