When was the last time you gave your home decor an upgrade? Perhaps you’ve been waiting to revamp a room because you have limited inspiration, or you just can’t decide what style would make the most sense for the project. If you’re ready to give your living space a well-deserved aesthetic boost but you’re not sure where to get started, let bohemian style take the reins. 

Bohemian decor is all about creating a relaxed and care-free environment in your home. It’s a mixture of culture, colors and items that are equally interesting and eclectic. The boho style offers an opportunity to express and diversify yourself, a route that’s ideal for someone who’s looking for an excuse to let their inner individualist shine without boundaries.

Want to get the chilled, laid-back bohemian look in your own home without the trial and error that comes when you don’t know the right direction to go? Consider this blog your ultimate guide to all things bohemian interior design style.

What Is Bohemian Interior Design?

Born from artists, travelers and free spirits, the bohemian interior design style is a look that emphasizes artistic expression and an eclectic, more-is-more approach. You’ll find a combination of vibrant colors, cultural influence from around the world and lots of layered textures, combining to make a visually interesting and comfortable space. With a key design philosophy that throws out rules and focuses instead on meaning and personal style, there’s not necessarily a wrong way to achieve this look. It’s all about individuality, mixing old and new, cultural fusion and storytelling through boho decor. 

Consider your home like a museum of all your life experiences. Showcase souvenirs from your travels, create gallery walls of concert posters you’ve attended over the years and commission art from a local craftsman to capture your aura and make it into a beautiful piece. However you want to embrace this maximalist design is a winner in our books. 

Bohemian interiors are different from minimalist or modern designs due to their use of color, form and decor choices. In minimalist and modern spaces, people often take a “less is more” approach, opting for fewer items and prioritizing functionality over filling spaces with ornamentation. All of these looks are beautiful in their own right, but they create very different experiences for homeowners. It’s important to choose the look that best fits your lifestyle and personal tastes, rather than only choosing pieces that fit within a specific aesthetic. 

Layering Different Textures for Warmth and Depth

If you’re not ready to part ways with a neutral color palette, you may need to take a step back. The Bohemian vibe is only achievable when you’re willing to focus on bold colors that may seem unconventional in a traditional or modern room. While you can certainly use a neutral base or foundation, you should focus on using vivid, deep shades of orange, purple, blue and red throughout the living space. 

But don’t just go crazy and throw a different color on every blank corner of your home. It’s still good to have about three to five primary, secondary and tertiary hues that you’ll repeat throughout the space. That’s one way you can maintain cohesion and seamless design while getting full use out of the rainbow of paint and decor colors. 

If you do love neutral colors but want a more varied bohemian look from the one you currently have, try incorporating one bold color in every room. Like it? Then keep going until you find a comfortable balance between bright and simple shades.

Textures and patterns are also critical when it comes to boho chic. The trick is to utilize lots of different textiles and materials for a stunning yet cozy home. The right combination of elements can blur sharp lines and make a space you want to sink into and stay forever. For instance, plush rugs, linen throws, woven baskets and textured walls all work together to make your house not only comfortable but ultra luxurious and interesting. 

One popular touch is traditional tapestries. They can bring this boho style together if you’re looking for a wall hanging or item to drape across the couch. Plus, tactile elements like macrame, fringe and rattan add coziness that sets the boho mood. 

 Similar to color, it’s a good rule of thumb to choose three to five different textures per room, ensuring the space feels both balanced and playful. Popular combinations include:

• Velvet.
• Jute.
• Linen.
• Rattan.
• Cotton.
• Glossy glass.

Implement textiles in floor cushions, a layered rug, wall hangings and more.

Achieving the Boho Look: Tips and Tricks

Taking a mental image of a room and making it a reality is easier said than done. However, with these best practices, you’ll have your bohemian dream home in no time:

Combine Colors and Patterns Like a Pro

Boho interior design comes with a vibrant, earthy and jewel-toned palette; one that’s full of terracotta, turquoise, mustard and magenta. Plus, it provides the space to play with florals, paisleys and geometric prints on your walls, decor and furniture. Want to avoid clashing? Selecting an anchor color can help! Similar to how an anchor keeps a boat from drifting away, this core color will be used throughout each print choice, tying all the boho elements together so that they appear unified. 

Infuse Global and Cultural Influence

Travel-inspired vintage pieces and cultural artifacts make bohemian homes feel authentic. Even if you’re not a world traveler, you can get creative with what pieces you choose to display. For instance, Moroccan rugs, Indian block prints, African baskets and Turkish lanterns all bring a certain je ne sais quoi to your home that’s both inspirational and genuine. 

Wondering how to incorporate global influence into decor? The trick is to play the long game. Rather than fill your space with meaningless trinkets, use momentos collected over time to tell your family’s personal story. And don’t be afraid to source items from global artisan markets and vintage shops, too!

Choose Furniture With Soul and Character

When it comes to furniture, it’s wise to choose pieces with a vintage touch. Brand new items that look clean-cut don’t fit the bohemian aesthetic. Inspired by the likes of a gypsy, each piece of furniture should appear as if it has a history. The more textures and styles of furniture that fill the room, the better. And mixing eras or aesthetics like mid-century modern, farmhouse and shabby chic can add depth. Consider lounge chairs and daybeds that encourage relaxation and lots of small tables and shelves to display your treasures.

When it comes to choosing textures, consider what types can help you and your guests get cozy and feel at home with ease. Plush options are encouraged — make it simple for everyone to get comfortable by adding an arrangement of mismatched throw pillows and blankets. Also include wood, rattan, bamboo and linen to contrast soft, lush elements.

Partnering With a Bohemian Design Pro: When To Ask for Help

Even the people with the best eye for home design need help every so often. A professional decorator can help refine your ideas, maintain cohesion and source unique decor. Decorating Den Interiors offers a free consultation and brings a personalized approach to each and every project, ensuring you and your home get a customized experience that’s as unique as your personal design style. 

Ready to bring boho charm into your home? Enter your zip code to find an interior designer near you.