Bohemian Interior Design Guide: All You Need To Know

Have you ever entered a room and instantly felt relaxed? Bohemian interior design gives you that exact feeling. The style is all about individuality, creativity, and a love for the unconventional. In this Bohemian interior design guide, I will explain the history behind the style, the meaning behind its name, and also explore the key characteristics of the style. So, let’s explore this beautiful style!

The history behind Bohemian interior design

This style has a rich history that goes back to the early 19th century in France. The history is deeply intertwined with cultural and artistic movements and originates from the Romani people who had a carefree and unconventional attitude towards life. These movements rejected materialism and embraced an alternative lifestyle.

What does the term “Bohemian” really mean?

You might have heard the term “Bohemian” multiple times, especially referring to the interior style, since it’s quite known today. The “Bohemian” term, also known as “Boho”, originates from the Romani people, as mentioned earlier. However, you might wonder why it’s called “Bohemian”.

The Romani people were mistakenly believed to have originated from the Kingdom of Bohemian, now a part of the Czech Republic. They embodied a spirit of wanderlust, creativity, and were known for rejecting the social norms. They wore clothes that embraced an eclectic mix of patterns, textures, and colors. This style was then reflected in the interior style, now known for Bohemian interior design. However, it’s important to remember that this connection between the Romani people and the Bohemian lifestyle is debated and not entirely accurate.

Key Characteristics of Bohemian Interior Design

1. Infuse a Mix of Eclectic Patterns and Textures
2. Embrace the Beauty of Cultural Diversity
3. Include Natural Elements
4. Vintage and Handmade Pieces
5. Create Comfort and Coziness With Layering

When decorating a Bohemian home, there are no traditional rules. The eclectic mix of patterns and textures is crucial to really achieve the Bohemian oasis. However, eclectic interior design blends multiple different colors, bright and bold. When decorating a boho home, you should instead opt for subtle and neutral colors, with a touch of mustard orange and olive green. This mix creates a vibrant and visually stimulating space.

You can infuse different textures in your boho home by including pieces like a macramé swing, rattan furniture and velvet upholstery. This will make your home interesting and inviting. The infuse of eclectic interior in your boho home creates a sense of warmth, creativity and individuality. It will make your space reflect the free-spirited nature of the Bohemian lifestyle.

Given the free-spirited history of the interior style, another defining characteristic is global influence. The style itself is inspired by a diverse array of cultures and regions around the world. For instance, you can incorporate Moroccan rugs, Indian textiles, and Middle Eastern patterns. As the Romani people were artists, they were also inspired by handcrafted, artisanal pieces, as well as vintage finds. These pieces all tell different stories of cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

These handcrafted pieces could be a Kilim rug, a hand-carved wooden screen, or perhaps a collection of tribal masks. By embracing the beauty of cultural diversity, the interior space tells a story and creates an atmosphere that feels worldly, eclectic, and infused with the spirit of exploration.

Now, for the infusion of natural elements, which is also known as another design style, Biophilic design. The natural infusion in Bohemian interior design plays a major role in creating a harmonious and inviting space. By incorporating the beauty of the natural world with plants, wood, and organic textures, you bring in a sense of warmth to your home.

But what furniture pieces should you include? What screams bohemian vibe? Start by incorporating furniture pieces made of natural materials like jute, rattan, and bamboo. For instance, include a rattan chair and add cozy, textured pillows along with a jute rug. Also, infuse your space with wooden furniture to bring in a rustic charm and grounded presence. Move on by hanging potted plants in hanging vines to add life and freshness to your space. This infusion of natural elements into your home will create a serene and inviting atmosphere that also celebrates the beauty of the outdoors.

As the style origins from the 19th century, incorporating pieces from that time is ideal. Embrace mid-century pieces that adds a genuine historical touch to the space. For instance, a carved wooden cabinet or an ornate Victorian mirror. Search for these items in second hand stores and flea markets. But, be patient! These places can often feel overwhelming, so take your time to truly find unique pieces.

Do you find it hard to find these beautiful and unique pieces? Then you should consider adding a modern touch to your home, while still keeping the Bohemian vibe. You can instead include sleek furnitures with clean lines and organic shapes, such as a mid-century sofa or a Danish modern sideboard. These pieces will add a touch of retro flair, while still maintaining the eclectic and free-spirited vibe that you want with Bohemian interior. In addition, consider making your own pillow cases and wall hangings. This will make your home feel truly unique and personal.

My guess is that you perceive Bohemian style as a charming and inviting aesthetic that creates both comfort and coziness in your home. This is achieved by layering textiles, plush cushions, and soft throw pillows and blankets.

Start by layering soft textiles such as plush rugs, cozy throw blankets, and oversized floor pillows. These items will add texture, depth, and more seating options to your space. When layering, remember what I mentioned before about infusing multiple textures and patterns. For instance, including a woven Moroccan rug paired with a faux fur throw will add both visual interest and comfort. Furthermore, pillows are the perfect place for you to play with lots of textures, colors, fabrics, and sizes. In addition, consider layering drapes, sheer curtains, and tapestries. This will add softness and dimension to both your windows and walls.

Conclusion

To summarise this article, Bohemian interior design is all about individuality, creativity and a love for the unconventional. I hope you now have answers to all of your questions and that you know how to infuse this style into your own home. I want to know what your favorite characteristics of this style is. Is it the cultural infusion? Or the incorporation of natural materials? Please let me know your experiences on this beautiful design and don’t hesitate to share pictures so we can inspire each other!