The #1 requirement to achieve a Bohemian look of any kind is an abundance of live greenery and natural elements. Photo by Tara Winstead from Pexels.
As part of my ongoing blog series about design styles, this post is dedicated to all things Bohemian, or “Boho,” as it’s commonly referred to.
I believe Bohemian design spans a range of looks, so to keep it simple, I’ve distilled it down into two categories: California Casual and Vintage Hippie. Read on to learn the unique characteristics of each and where there is overlap...
Style Description
The Bohemian design style is eclectic, comfortable, relaxed, free-spirited, artistic. Natural materials and fresh greenery are essential. Layers of color, textures, textiles, art and unique sentimental pieces (collected from travels) play an important role as well. Furnishings tend to be more sparse - not stark, just somewhat minimalist as an ode to simple living - whereas decor, accents and plants are prevalent.
Light wood, woven baskets, rattan headboard, fresh greenery, airy linen textiles, and a light color palette make this space feel like the California Casual version of Bohemian. Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels.
Characteristics
California Casual: light, bright, airy, natural. A neutral palette (think walls & flooring) is infused with pops of vibrant color and different patterns. The look isn’t busy per se, but it is dynamic and visually interesting. There can be coastal influences, like images of beaches, sunsets or palm fronds, and/or hints of Southwestern culture - tribal patterned textiles, layered rugs, woven baskets, clay pottery, etc. Dreamcatchers, books about astrology, tarot cards, yoga blankets, candles, tons of natural sunlight.
Vintage Hippie: think funky and retro yet chic and sophisticated - a tribute to American pop culture circa the 1960’s/70’s. Wood and leather furnishings (often slightly weathered), antique furniture and rugs, earthy and moody color palettes. Nostalgic pieces from the past - like a framed poster of a vintage record cover, or a political campaign flyer - are layered in to add character. Musical elements can often be found in this version, such as a guitar, piano, record player, etc., in addition to plants.
Both are heavy on layering of decor, with strong emphasis on individuality and one-of-a-kind pieces. Decor can consist of artwork (gallery walls are popular), bookshelves overflowing with sentimental texts and trinkets, unique sculptures and furniture pieces with history to them.
Quintessential Vintage Hippie - muted color palette, shades of brown, fresh greenery, open shelving featuring vintage vinyl, black & white gallery wall, antique seating, velvet texture, white walls for a backdrop. Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels.
A beautiful blend of color and eclectic decor, characteristic of the Bohemian design style. Photo by Sammsara Luxury Modern Home from Pexels.
An example of Vintage Hippie - an eclectic blend of furnishings, more muted color palette, fresh greenery, vintage-looking furnishings and art. Photo by Ksenia Chernaya from Pexels.
Beachy art can often be found in the more California Casual bohemian aesthetic. Photo by Designecologist from Pexels.
Fresh greenery, leather, iron and tons of natural light against a neutral backdrop of white walls give this space a California Casual Bohemian feel. Photo by Ksenia Chernaya from Pexels.
Colorful textiles (esp. rugs & pillows) are often found within Bohemian designs. Photo by Meruyert Gonullu from Pexels.
Navy blue walls, woven basket wall art, rattan light fixtures, a hint of greenery and varying shades of wood (flooring and table base). This blend is a minimalist take on Bohemian. Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels.
Pampas grass, woven baskets, Southwestern-inspired textiles, the presence of wood, open shelving. A bit on the more neutral side, but this look can definitely pass for more of a Casual Cali Bohemian vibe. Photo by Emre Can Acer from Pexels.
A more luxurious, refined example of bohemian. Vintage-style rugs, tailored furnishings, the presence of leather, wood & natural materials and fresh greenery. This is a minimalist take on boho. Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels.
A very neutral example of Bohemian - lots of white and beige, but layers of decor, greenery and texture help complete the boho look. Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels.
Bohemian elements: guitar, velvet, navy & sunburst yellow, vintage rug, neutral walls, interesting coffee table books, painted brick walls, neutral backdrop. Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels.
Color Palette
California Casual: whites, neutrals (beige, off-white, taupe, camel) are often used for the foundation of the space - wall color and main furnishings. Accent colors are distributed throughout - ranging from fuchsia, sunflower yellow, eggplant purple, peach, mauve, tangerine & all ranges blues - light blue, aqua, teal, royal, navy. Wood finishes can range from light shades to dark, although light wood has been increasingly popular in recent years.
Vintage Hippie: this version of Bohemian favors darker woods (ie. wood floors and the base of furnishings). A more masculine color palette of reds, burgundy, brown, navy, emerald green, mustard yellow, dark teal are common.
Materials
Bohemian designs favor natural materials - wood, leather, wool, linen, burlap, sheepskin, rattan, cane, wicker, jute, clay, ceramics. Brushed brass (muted, not bright) and iron are common within lighting and furniture profiles.
Achieving the Look
Vintage Rattan Peacock Chair, fresh greenery, shades of brown, neutral backdrop, Mid-Century-inspired media stand. Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels.
Basically, if you integrate a ton of plants, you will have achieved a Bohemian style ;) Separate from plants, select a range of pillows, throw blankets and rugs that play with color to layer upon more simple furniture.
Additional Resources
Shoppable Post
Coming soon
Do you like this style? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Until next time,
LG