Boho style has danced its way from the fashion pages onto the interior décor stage. It is hard to define bohemian style, as it is something that is meant to be indefinable. The idea behind boho interior is that it should reflect the individualism of the person who lives there. Not relying on any particular style, it offers unlimited freedom and creativity in decorating and has nothing to do with trends. Maybe the best word to describe it is “antistyle”, and the key words are love, art, contrasts, creativity, travel, adventure, spirit, history, and most importantly – freedom. Giving instructions on how to furnish a boho living room may sound absurd, but still, there are some elements that make it recognisable at first glance.
Colours of happiness
When you decide to go boho, there is no such thing as the wrong colour. Essentially, the more colourful the environment, the better. You can start with brightly coloured walls and unique wallpapers, but that’s only the beginning. Bare walls are blasphemy for bohemians, so feel free to get creative and add more patterns and details. If you still don’t feel inspired, try “mismatching” purple, green and blue and see where it takes you. You can also shop around for accessories of different colours to add depth and beauty that knows no time.
Walls that tell a story
You can instantly recognise a modern boho interior by numerous photos and paintings that blend into a unique wall-gallery. An old oil painting can act as a centrepiece. Scout the flea markets and garage sales for retro paintings with interesting frames. Remember, you are the main artist here and by decorating your wall, you are expressing your beliefs. Apart from paintings, even empty frames, vintage mirrors and garments are appropriate for wall décor. Make a statement by hanging a portrait of an inspiring bohemian like Isadora Duncan, Frida Kahlo or Leonard Cohen.
Imperfect furniture matches
With bohemian interiors, you can make several different styles work for you as well as mix them together for a one of a kind effect. However, wood is the element that connects them all, helping you achieve the complete balance of mismatched items. Vintage and antique finds are more than welcome, but they rarely come in pairs. Pieces of furniture from a different style or era have almost story-like qualities of an heirloom. Repurposed items can add even more personality to your living room; it’s like you’re saying “I like this, but it has run its course, so I’ll find another use for it.” An old wooden trunk can become an ottoman or a coffee table, while various parts of an old sofa can be reupholstered as individual floor cushions.
Personal textures
Reupholstering furniture takes time, so you may want to achieve the similar effect with decorative sofa covers, cushions and curtains. Boho style is all about natural materials like wool, flax, silk and hemp. The opulence of textural contrasts will emphasise your personality. A living room with a high ceiling can support many textural elements without feeling too crowded. However, make sure that the floor receives the same kind of warmth and texture as the rest of the room. Adding rugs with Persian or nomad-inspired patterns will surely spice up your bohemian living room. The secret of putting so many patterns together and making them interact with one another lies in casual and natural approach. Try too hard and the magic will break.
Mellow lighting
The light in a boho style-inspired living room should be indirect, warm, flickering and filtered. Filigree lanterns, candles, coloured globes, and vintage lampshades that create indirect light will make your room feel warm and comfortable. Use lampshades of different materials and colours to get red, green, blue, orange or any other colour of light.
Bohemians value freedom above everything else, and they accept everyone as they are. By exploring the bohemian décor, your living room can easily become your favourite place. There is no another person like you, and there definitely won’t be another living room like yours.
