Boho, shortened from Bohemian, is one of those home decorating aesthetics that transcends strict classification with a meshing together of fashion, lifestyle and interiors. The Spruce emphasises just how central personality and rule breaking is to this style. Lauren Flanagan writes, “Boho is inspired by people who choose to lead an unconventional life such as constant travelers, actors, and writers.”
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Stockton X-Leg Dining Table
The idea of the “bohemian traveller” arrived in the sixties and seventies with the rise in air travel plus the cultural shifts of these two decades. Flash forward to now and our contemporary style consciousness hones in on a curated sophisticated visual narrative for modern boho. This new wave is polished yet accessible with the sense of an unmistakably carefree spirit who makes their home a haven that whimsically captures stories from their journeys.
In décor terms, laidback luxury is a great shorthand for this crowd-pleasing look. Aim for an elevated blend of ‘hippie’ freedom-loving eclecticism and the glamourous untethered globetrotting of yesteryear. In the 2020s, boho styling references a range of different eras with an overriding preference for comfort bolstered through the evocation of transglobal timelessness: the wandering adventurer at home. In this article, we’ll show you how to make boho updates to every space in your home. From introducing softly retro details with the sumptuousness of the Farrow Green Velvet Sofa or making lighting and ceramic accessories a feature as geometric art, through to using gorgeous fabrics like the Padstow Green Velvet Dining Bench for approachably luxe seating (and entertaining), this is your guide to boho furniture and décor pieces.
Farrow Green Velvet Sofa
Lighting & Accessories
Padstow Green Velvet Dining Bench
Modern boho décor is always grounded with an understated earthy elegance that is:
Consider the following elemental categories for fully embracing boho décor or just adding soft, personable and creative touches to a home:
Chunky natural fibres that feel indulgent always have a place in boho settings. While throw rugs, velvet upholstery and buttery leather seating are organic choices, the foundation essentials in a boho home are rugs of all sizes. A piece like the Anatolia Rust Jacquard Small Rug is ideal for a kitchen to ensure household tasks are cosy, too.
The bohemian colour palette is saturated yet distinctly drawn from our environment. Think lavish hues that are faded out from light to dark through ocean blues, terracottas, marigolds, scarletts, forest greens, faded wheats, and natural stained or stripped back woods, wickers and rattans. Stark white should be used sparingly and strategically while metals should be matte or antique for a lived-in finish. A modern boho bedroom is forward-looking with the Loft Reclaimed Pine Bedframe offering an industrial yet serene mix of blended wood tones that’s ready to bring down to earth with an oat-coloured bedside lamp and dusky blue linens.
Boho shapes veer away from geometric perfection. An easy way to check you’re on the right track is to keep in mind that the refined lines of minimalism tend to be oppositional to the ebb and flow of undone bohemian styling. Combined with the natural materials and palettes, incorporating pieces that convey openness will also bring freshness to a space. The Indus Rustic Oak & Peppercorn Entertainment Unit showcases hand-crafted techniques with a distressed top for low-key polish and an inviting feel.
The last element to bring in is central to any interior styling: the mood. In the case of boho, light is essential as it sets the tone as well as harking back to nights spent fireside. Candles have a place in every home, especially in Ireland, and lamps of all kinds add an extra dimension to every room. The Palm Antique Bronze Floor Lamp is an offbeat statement piece that gives dynamic depth to a room while refracting light with functional, artistic flair.
Anatolia Rust Jacquard Small Rug
Loft Reclaimed Pine Bedframe
Indus Rustic Oak & Peppercorn Entertainment Unit
Palm Antique Bronze Floor Lamp
When it comes to boho interiors, the most important thing to remember is that decorating might overlap with other styles so deciding on your vibe is crucial. You’ll likely already gravitate towards a certain style sensibility and clearly identifying pieces that complement this will play a big part in intentionally incorporating boho décor into your space.
If your taste tends to be Midcentury Modern, you can focus on lines and integrate shapes that are distinctly of this style but with a boho element. We adore the Calia Dining Collection for its classic American oak and welded iron legs with every piece rustic yet spotlight stealing. We always offset the Calia’s clean designs, such as bookcases and sideboards, with textiles from a similarly-toned rug like the wool Braid Hand Made Rug through to a Moroccan-inspired Nomad Orange Jacquard Rug.
Lovers of Scandinavian interior styles can go boho with refined colour choices that are cohesive rather than juxtaposed. The Scott Cigar Leather Sofa is deliciously moody and chic for a living room that’s accented with contrasting textures brought in from throws, cushions and nested side tables. Try extra seating with Bug Seating Poufs in intricate knitted ecru or almond hues for functional impact that’s bold, not heavy handed.
Cottagecore is a more recent interior aesthetic is that’s sometimes confused with boho. If you’re cottagecore-inclined, the main distinction is that boho is more worldly and veers towards nostalgic retroism lifted from visited faraway places rather than the fairytale. The Glam Console Table is a dreamy addition to a living room or entryway thanks to a smoke glass top, architectural frame and a stunning walnut-coloured wooden shelf. The oval shape honours boho’s easeful characteristics with space for drinks, books or precious ornaments like an Elephant from your adventures near and far.
Calia Dining Collection
Textured, Plain & Patterned Rug Range
Scott Cigar Leather Sofa
Glam Console Table
Elephant Ornament
