Style guide
Trending: Boho interior design
The free-spirited bohemian interior style is back – but what is it and how do you get the look? Here, we’ll explore the trend and I’ll share my décor ideas and boho furniture tips to give your home a bohemian makeover. Image credit: @olivia_oscar_andi
30th March 2023
Bursting into homes with bags of character – the boho trend is back on the interior menu in true care-free custom.
Boasting big personality, the bohemian style is all about embracing individuality and defying the norm, throwing caution to interior rules in laissez-faire fashion.
In this article, we will explore the true meaning of bohemian and ways to turn your home into a boho haven:
Where did the Bohemian style come from?
Thought to have originated after the French Revolution, the Bohemian style was associated with creative individuals and travelling artists – painters, writers and musicians – who moved into the poorer parts of Paris.
Living on very little, they adopted what was believed to be an unconventional lifestyle, defying the social norm and need for modern materials.
Their lack of up-to-date possessions meant they created their own authentic styles, using whatever they had to express their individuality.
This act of rebellion led to the bohemian ‘look’ becoming a style in its own right.
What is the boho style?
The great thing about the boho style is that there are no rules – it’s your look, your way.
Be bold, be subtle, but whatever you do, make sure it’s you.
Each piece should express your individual style and say something about you.
From prints of your favourite pieces of art to souvenirs from places you’ve travelled.
The bohemian fashion is a celebration of freedom and the unconventional.
It accepts everything from the quirky, cool and colourful; combining patterns, layers and textures and bringing them together in an eclectic, off-beat way.
How to achieve the boho look in your home
Due to its random and relaxed nature, there is no one way to achieve the boho aesthetic, but if you try too hard to manufacture it, it’ll lack authenticity and lose its boho chic appeal.
The key to creating a bohemian vibe is through lots of layering.
Adorn an armchair with a colourful throw or a sofa with a handful of mis-matching cushions. Sit furniture on an oversized rug and cover a bed in a flowery quilt set and cosy knitted blankets.
Add interest to a room with a collection of prints, hanging tapestry, accent accessories and potted plants. Get crafty by making yourself some embroidery artwork or macramé hanging plant baskets.
Generally speaking, anything fringed, crocheted or made using the art of macramé will give your room a quirky yet casual feel.
Mixing and matching cosy and exotic fabrics and patterns will help create a diverse and intriguing space.
Bohemian furniture
To capture the real essence of boho, combine a collection of new and old items. Scour charity shops for staple steals, find an upcycle shop that restores and repurposes vintage furniture, or fashion your own boho wardrobe by sanding down an old cabinet and painting it a colour of your choice.
The beauty of boho is that nothing needs to match. Bohemian is not polished. It follows a ‘lived in’ look, with used, slightly worn pieces mixed with new, modern items to create a timeless and totally unique style.
Sofas and chairs tend to be comfortable, with a tempting ‘sit-and-stay-for-a-while’ appeal. Try something super squishy, such as our sumptuous Sammy Sofa or something plush in a striking shade to take pride of place, like our G Plan Soho Sofa.
Compliment your boho sofa with a statement cosy corner chair, like our Bloom Chair or the wonderfully retro-inspired Fraser Love Chair with angled arms and tapered legs.
We hope we’ve given you lots of inspiration for your bohemian makeover so you can start styling your boho rooms.
I hope we’ve given you lots of inspiration for your bohemian makeover so you can start styling your boho rooms.
For more of this year’s biggest interior trends, read our Top Interior Trends 2023 guide or check out more articles on our Inspiration Hub.
.png)
Never miss another sale! Sign up to our emails today
