How to Create a Boho Style Interior

It’s official – minimalism is out! As of this moment, less is no longer more when it comes to decorating. The interior pendulum has finally swung too far on the minimal side and is now swinging back to celebrate the wonders of creativity and self-expression.

Yes, we are talking about the unstoppable return of boho-style interiors.

The trendiest interior style of the moment, the modern boho-chic interior can be anything you want it to be. It can be colourful; it can be monochrome. It can be unfussy; it can be curated. But it is always authentic.

Focussing on cultivating at-home well-being and encouraging the pursuit of passions, modern boho interiors bring a refreshing punch of personality and elegance into everyday life.

If what you’ve just read resonates with your interior desires, you are in luck! Even though there is no instant formula to get the look, there is a host of ways in which you can bring a dash of boho style into your home in no time.

Let’s get to it!

Image source: @jungalow

History of the boho style

Like everything else about the boho style, even its name has an exciting story to tell. The word boho comes from the French word Bohémien which was used back in early 19th century France to describe marginalised and impoverished artists. In an attempt to liken these unconventional creators to gipsies, whom the French believed came from Bohemia, a region which now forms part of modern-day Czechia. Any person involved with arts who led a nomadic, creative lifestyle was soon given the moniker – Bohemian.

Fast forward a century and your mind will take you to the United States. The 1940s hipsters, 1950s beat generation, and 1960s hippies developed a reputation as the New Bohemians and were famed for their non-conformism and spirituality. This attitude and creative vision spread throughout literature, art, and of course, interiors.

Image source: @emily_katz

The easiest way to understand boho style is by getting to know Bohemians. When picturing a perfect boho interior design, think artistic, spontaneous, free-spirited, non-traditional, eccentric, alternative, avant-garde and well-travelled. A truly eclectic mix of everything you might fancy, the modern boho style pays homage to ethnic, natural, vintage and pre-owned pieces.

Once known for its bold hues, busy patterns, textiles galore and unruly everything, the boho style has evolved and morphed into a grown-up aesthetic. The evolution of the style is making a radical shift towards a more refined, simplified look – boho minimalism. The lovely balanced newlyweds – boho + Scandi have been on trend recently, with more and more people saying yes to combining the best of two worlds. Especially when designing a boho bedroom. But the truth is that each boho abode differs widely from another and shows the deeply individual eclectic style and imaginative spirit of its owner.

So the question is – how to spot boho interior design when you see it?

Image source: @hendrixandharlow

How to spot boho style

A boho-style interior is a playful mishmash of vintage furniture, colours, pattern, textiles, and details all combined in the most spontaneous manner. The key is making the layout seem effortless and curated, with second-hand gems and travel memories proudly displayed throughout the room.

The unparalleled uniqueness of this aesthetic is achieved simply by not caring too much if everything matches. It doesn’t really have to. There are no decorating rules here, but one – if it fits in a fun, laid-back look, it sits. Simple as that.

Image source: @thrifty_abode

Traditional boho-style interiors display a whole rainbow of colours, often all in a single room. But if you are looking for a more refined alternative to the whimsical haven you may see below, boho is still the right choice for you. If used as accents, subdued, earthy shades such as mustard yellow, terracotta and muted greens (all being on trend of late) can work wonders in achieving the modern boho-style look. These rooms will most probably feature white walls and minimalist backgrounds jazzed up with some quirky Boho touches.

Image source: @mango_manor

Wordly patterns are used deliberately throughout the space and are probably the most recognisable element of the style. Once multi-tonal pattern-on-pattern decorating is now becoming more purposeful and sophisticated. Often even monochrome.

Decorating with rugs is the boho thing, and you will most probably spot it everywhere around, from floors to walls, especially designs such as Moroccan or Caucasian rugs. Ethnic and antique prints are both highly favoured.

Moroccan Handwoven Natural Wool Berber Rugs – Available at Vinterior

Great news for those looking to live more sustainably is that boho style relies heavily on the use of natural materials such as woven fabrics, leather, bamboo, rattan and raw wood. The older, the better. But for added interest, there are always pops of metallic accents here and there.

Also, if the urban jungle movement appeals to your sensibility, there is no better place to grow your plant tribe than in a modern boho interior. You will hardly find a stylish boho abode that doesn’t home at least some greenery.

Image source: @mblakepope

Like everything else with this look, boho-style furniture is textured and chic. The effortless drama is further highlighted with the use of different shades of wood and strange shapes of rattan everything from mirrors to beds. Furniture design is typically out of the box and favours the 1960s and 1970s look. Think peacock chairs and rattan headboards.

Image: A pair of peacock chairs. Vinterior Seller: Pony and Trap

It’s all in the details, so you need to silence your fear of over-accessorising. With the boho style, there is no such thing. Global touches, lanterns, macrame, tapestries, collector’s treasures of any kind, love of art and books – anything that helps the owners of the residence channel their inner Bohemian deserves to be displayed.

Image source: @arianna_danielson

Embracing the boho look

We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to boho style. While it might be defined as a style in its own right, there are no hard-and-fast rules to help you get the boho look. Instead, it’s about curating a one-of-a-kind interior with pieces you love. However, if you’re looking for more of a roadmap to get your boho interiors started, here are our top tips:

• Start small: Invest in unusual and eclectic pieces of home decor such as art, lighting, and mirrors.
• Source natural materials in earthy yet light tones: Rattan and bamboo furniture have come to define the boho trend, but you could also look for light ash or elm wood pieces.
• Don’t forget the texture: The boho style thrives on natural, hand-woven, hand-tufted, and hand-dyed fabrics and textiles. Think big fluffy rugs, mud-cloth cushions, velvet floor pillows, and soft wool throws.
• Source pre-owned: A lived-in feel permeates boho-style interiors and nothing gives a more authentically loved feel than pre-owned furniture (plus, it’s pretty good for the planet too).
• Have fun: Building a characterful interior should be as enjoyable as living in it, so just go out there and have fun when pulling your boho look together.

Do you have a boho interior you’d love to share with us? Or do you need some extra help curating your scheme? Reach out to us via our social channels or in the comments below and we’ll be happy to guide you on your way.

Title image: @thejungalow