What exactly is Boho Interior Design?

A melding pot of colour, texture and pattern, Boho style blends influences and elements from different cultures and eras.

Originally referring to travellers from the central-eastern European region of ancient Bohemia, Bohemian style traditionally described people who lived unconventional lives that were richly artistic and nomadic.This travelling gypsy ideal meant that elements of various styles and cultures were amalgamated into an eclectic and unique style. During the 60s and 70s, Bohemian style enjoyed a renewed popularity, and many of the key features of that era are consistent with today's Boho-chic style.

The design rules of Boho are that there are no rules. Anything you’ve collected throughout your life, display it. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t 'match' anything else you have - it’s not supposed to. Fill your space with a collection of fabrics, patterns, books, art, mirrors, vintage pieces or travel memoirs, and a chic chaos will emerge. wooden furnishings are a must, random and busy surfaces are typical, and humour and kitsch sit comfortably in modern Boho interiors. For all its free-forming and design anarchy, Boho does have some common themes that can be followed to create an effortlessly eclectic bohemian inspired space.

1. Moroccan Boho

Colourful lanterns, low tables and floor cushions lend a summer Bohemian feel to outdoor spaces. Invest in some ottomans, plush furnishings, lanterns and netting. Don’t be scared of a bold coloured feature wall., integrating rich colours with strong patterns to evoke a scene from a bright Moroccan bazaar. When it comes to Boho interiors, more is more. Multi-tonal prints complement rather than clash, in a melding pot of colours, textures and patterns.

2. European Bohemia

Think of burlesque gipsy wagons, beaded embellishments, tassels and crochet curtains. This take on Bohemian design allows you to be chaotic and unruly with flair and elegance. Decorate your room with lace, driftwood, jewellery and trinkets; anything from nature, anything from your travels. The goal is to make your room reflect your spontaneity. Not everything will have its place, not everything will be planned. Throw everything together, and do a couple of thoughtful edits to make it look effortless. Choose a statement piece such as a peacock or hanging chair. A crocheted or beaded curtain will add a chic twist onto the entryway of an understated room.

3. Western Boho

Vintage leathers, tassels and butterfly chairs – high canopies and low floor-beds. Think rustic timbers, and woody furniture offset by sturdy materials made up of tie dye blankets and hemp pillows that will transform your space into a 60s haven. Tribal rugs, cacti and succulents cap off the Wild West Boho interior. Skip the sofa in favour of a pillowed in fortress, adorned with bright patterns and Navajo rugs.

4. Modern boho-chic

White on white is fantastic for a Boho interior. Think white painted timber floorboards, fairy lights as a canopy above your bed and plush furry throws over the end of a vintage couch. Bold hues and rich textiles offset white walls and earthy plants to create a laid back ambience. And for this look, you can never have too many plants or prints, and personal stories such as your old guitar collection makes for cool, indie wall art. An all-white palette can always have a 70s-inspired twist with the addition of an ornate rug and pillows.

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