Bohemian interior design is a style that focuses on the use of color, texture, and pattern. It originated in 19th-century Europe, where it was associated with free-spirited artists who rejected rigid social conventions. Bohemian interior design is still popular today, as many people are drawn to its rich colors and bold patterns. If you’re ready to redecorate your home with a bohemian or boho-chic look, read till the end for the best tips from top interior designers.

A Brief History of Bohemian Interior Design

Bohemian interior design has a long history that dates back to the late 18th century. The first Bohemian artists were Romantics who rebelled against the strict rules of classicism and instead embraced emotion and intuition as their main sources of inspiration. They were also known for their unconventional lifestyles, which included wearing long colorful robes and smoking opium pipes.

In the early 19th century, Bohemian interior design became popular in Paris. It was characterized by bold colors and patterns that reflected the lifestyle of bohemian artists at the time. The style became so popular that it eventually spread throughout Europe, influencing other styles such as Art Nouveau and Decorative Arts.

Over time, Bohemian interior design evolved into several sub-styles, such as Art Nouveau and Biedermeier. The latter is known for incorporating elements from 18th-century Rococo furniture with floral patterns and natural motifs like birds or insects.

Difference between Bohemian, Boho-Chic, and Eclectic

The difference between Bohemian, Boho-Chic and Eclectic styles is often confusing. The key is to understand that there are three different looks when it comes to bohemian design:

• The classic Bohemian style that was popularized in the 1920s and 1930s. Bohemian style tends to use lots of natural materials like wood and leather. Bohemians are known for living in unconventional places such as beach houses or barns.
• A modern version of this look called Boho-chic. This look has elements from both classic Bohemian style as well as from other styles such as Country or Coastal. In addition, Boho Chic is a softer version of Bohemian. Boho Chic is more feminine than its predecessor but still has a lot of the same elements, such as natural materials and bright colors.
• The eclectic style that uses pieces from different periods (i.e., antiques). The eclectic style mixes different styles together, so they don’t clash. Eclectic is more formal than Bohemian because it’s more balanced with less color and pattern than the Bohemian style offers.

Characteristics of Bohemian Interior Design

Bohemian interior design is a throwback to the 60s but with a modern twist. The bohemian style is known for being a mix of different styles and cultures, so it’s no surprise that this eclectic mix of influences has evolved into one of today’s most popular trends. 

The bohemian interior design encourages freedom and creativity, so guests should expect to see an artful expression in every corner. This style is also known for using color, pattern, texture and even smell (such as incense) to create an atmosphere that makes guests feel at home and comfortable in their surroundings.

Following are the characteristics of bohemian interior design:

• Colorful Patterns

You can use bright colors like reds and yellows when decorating your home in this style. For example, you can also use bold patterns like floral patterns or geometric patterns on curtains and pillows.

• Natural Materials

You can use natural materials such as wood for flooring or furniture. The walls can also be made from natural materials such as stone, brick, or plasterboard instead of paint or wallpaper if you want to achieve an authentic bohemian look in your home interior design.

• Artwork

Bohemians love to surround themselves with artwork that reflects their inner world – whether it be paintings or sculptures! A classic piece of art will make any room feel instantly more bohemian.

• Large Windows

Open window spaces allow natural light to flow through your home, making it feel more spacious and airy than it actually is. Large windows also make a statement about your personality — you want people to know that you love being outside.

How to Create the Bohemian Look in Your Home

1. Incorporate Hand-Crafted Elements

Incorporating handcrafted elements into your home can give it a handmade feel. Whether it’s someone in your family who’s handy with wood, metal, leather, or fabric; whether it’s a piece of furniture you’ve made yourself; or whether it’s an artwork that was created by a professional craftsman, hand-crafted elements can add personality to any room.

Handmade furniture is especially great for Bohemian interiors because they are often made from reclaimed materials like wood and metal. This gives them a rustic look that fits well with the theme of bohemian design.

2. Shop Vintage and Thrift Stores

The best way to create a bohemian space is to find furniture pieces that are already on their way toward the look. The best options are vintage, and thrift store finds, but you can also find things like old crates or baskets at flea markets. If you want to buy new things, consider designers like Christopher Guy, who works with cheerful colors and unique textures.

You’ll also want old-looking accessories such as lamps, rugs, and candles that have been created from natural materials like wood or jute rope.

3. Mix Different Patterns, Colors, and Textures

Mixing patterns, colors, and textures in your home can be a great way to create a unique space. It can also be tricky at times. When it comes to mixing patterns within a room, we have some basic rules you can follow as well as some tips for making sure your space works well with its surroundings:

• Stick with 2 or 3 different patterns when creating your own Bohemian interior design scheme (this will give the furniture in each area enough space to breathe).
• Don’t mix too many colors or textures together (3 is usually enough).
• Keep the style of each pattern consistent (suppose if you’re using geometric prints, stick with geometric furniture)

4. Metallics and Mirrors

Mirrors are great for adding light and space to your room, but if you want an even more dramatic effect, try using metallic elements as well. Metals like gold, copper, and bronze all have different hues that can add a unique touch to any design style.

A modern look can be achieved by using gold or silver accents throughout the room, while bronze metals tend to work better with rustic designs. Adding a glamorous feel? Opt for lush fabrics in bright colors or luxurious materials like velvet or silk—they’ll make any space appear bigger than it really is! 

A bohemian vibe is perfect for bedrooms: opt for natural materials with dark colors, such as wood tones (including distressed pieces), animal prints, and earthy hues like browns and greens that complement each other beautifully.

5. Vintage Furnishings

Vintage furnishings are a great way to add character to your home. They can be found at flea markets, antique shops, or thrift stores. The best way to choose vintage furniture is by looking for well-made and sturdy pieces. 

Look for pieces with straight lines and simple curves if you’re going for an authentic look—you don’t want anything too fussy. If you’re tired of the same old thing, try using some vintage elements in your home décor:

• A dining room table made from reclaimed wood could be perfect as a centerpiece piece in your dining room.
• For extra seating space, a pair of high-back chairs would look great in your living room.

6. Don’t Shy Away From Rich Patterns + Color

When it comes to decorating your Bohemian home, don’t be afraid of patterns and colors. There are many ways you can use them to add texture and visual interest to your space. You can:

• Create a focal point with a pattern or color that becomes the room’s centerpiece.
• Use colors in a simple stripe pattern across one wall, which can add drama without being too overwhelming.
• Keep things simple by painting just one room in an unusual color or pattern.

7. Add Plants and Natural Elements

You can add plants and natural elements to your Bohemian interior design in a variety of ways. Plants add life to the room, which is exactly what you want when you’re going for an airy, open feel. Not only will they give your home more warmth and color, but they’ll also help with air quality by reducing carbon monoxide levels and improving overall breathing conditions with their oxygen production. 

Finally (and perhaps most importantly), plants contribute greatly to humidity control: many species require warm temperatures in order to thrive—so having them around means that your house won’t get too hot or cold when the seasons change outside.

Additionally, there are some subtler ways that you can use plants in Bohemian interior design. For example, consider adding green artwork on one wall—this will make sure that all corners of this space are filled with nature’s beauty while ensuring that they don’t take up too much visual space within any given area. 

8. Lighting

Lighting is an important part of any interior design scheme, but it’s especially important if you’re doing a Bohemian look. The idea of this particular style is to create a space that is both warm and welcoming but also free-spirited and carefree.

The easiest way to achieve this effect is through lighting. If you have the option, try using candles or other natural light instead of electric lamps or bulbs. Candles can be used in almost any room, but they’re particularly effective in bedrooms and bathrooms because they add a soft glow that helps create a relaxing atmosphere.

If candles aren’t an option, then try using some of the other options listed below:

• Lanterns

Lanterns come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, so there should be one that fits into your scheme perfectly. You can hang them from the ceiling or place them on shelves or tables for display purposes. They’re especially good for kitchens because they provide plenty of light without being too harsh on your eyes.

• String Lights

String lights are another great option for adding ambiance to any room in your house. You can hang them from the ceiling or drape them over furniture pieces such as beds or couches. 

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you learn more about the basics of bohemian interior design. It can be a fun and beautiful way to decorate your home, but it’s important to keep in mind that this style is not right for every person or space. It takes a lot of creativity + patience when it comes down to pulling off these kinds of looks—and don’t forget about your budget. Loved our vintage decor tips? Dive deeper into the world of eclectic interiors with our new Bohemian Style guide!