Styling Your Home With Bohemian Interior Design
The word "boho" (eng. Boho) is a derivative of the word "bohemia", which in turn originally had the meaning of "gypsy". Gypsies in France were called bohémiens - later it was from there that the term “bohemia” appeared, denoting people leading a semi-idle, creative, often nomadic lifestyle, that is, gypsies in their spirit, and not in origin. The Bohemian stratum grew and expanded, and gradually turned from a marginal stratum of society into a powerful social phenomenon, to which today it is considered not ashamed, but honorable and “stylish”. Speaking of style, the bohemian style in interior and clothing has experienced another peak of popularity in recent years. It is all the more attractive because it is quite difficult to recreate it “correctly”.
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The main features of boho-style interior design
There are many descriptions of the boho style in the interior, but most of them are “a story about a rainbow for a blind man.” A common place that the basis of boho is a mixture of styles, colors, and textures. It is important that it is impossible to recognize and single out any separate direction so that a feeling of the mix is created, and this will be the bohemian style.
However, a person uninitiated in design art when offered to make a “mixing”, most likely, will not be able to cope with this task. The fact is that boho was created and grew spontaneously, under the influence of the violent fantasy of the bohemian inhabitants of Montmartre, Greenwich Village, and Soho, and there really are no clear canons in it that could help keep itself within the framework. The only difficulty is that the taste must initially be good. However, even in boho, there are some fundamental points that you can build on.
Despite the fact that boho is usually called for any eclectic interior style, not every mix is “bohemian”. As a rule, in the boho, there are elements of baroque and/or art deco in medium or large quantities - the most pretentious and brilliant styles of past eras. Boho (despite the prejudice that this is a hippie style) was originally intended to demonstrate not only the creative nature of its owner but also his success and recognition.
Shiny gilding, rhinestone inlays, oriental patterns, and Egyptian motifs can coexist next to lace, embroidered peacock pillows, and a crystal chandelier. The walls are covered with wallpaper with a classic pattern, plastered or painted and often large paintings or mosaic panels are placed on them.
Boho does not tolerate the overt presence of restrained, “positive” modernity: your furniture can be brought from the nearest shop, or it can be bought at an auction or purchased in a designer store. However, it should not be bought in mass production, because individuality is one of the main features of boho in the interior.
A boho-style apartment is not designed for an active lifestyle, boho lovers don’t get up at seven in the morning and don’t have breakfast with the whole family at a round table. This is a home for a relaxed search for creative ideas, sudden insights, and noisy parties. That is why the first thing that catches your eye in such an interior is the abundance of places to sit and lie down.
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There should be couches, sofas, a bean bag chair, ottomans, a carpet on the floor, and pillows scattered on it - everything that will help you relax without wasting time looking for a comfortable place. The boho interior is mostly a bit "mundane", which makes it similar to oriental dwellings. It contains many mirrors, some in old cracked frames. Crystal pendants, bunches of fragrant herbs, and oriental bells can hang from the ceiling - all this sets you in a romantic mood.
When it comes to a dressing room or a laundry room, they should be securely locked from the eyes of guests. But the kitchen design is usually given the most attention - there may be a bar counter or a stand with wine bottles. The tabletop should be wide and comfortable, because the hostess of the boho-style interior prepares only quick and light meals, such as salads or a cheese plate.
Textiles and fabrics of the boho interior design style
The bohemian style was born behind the scenes, so its textile design features some theatricality and redundancy. Remember the curtain of a classical theater - it is massive, usually of rich, noticeable color, with golden tassels of tiebacks. It will not be made from sustainable linen or sheer lace, through which you will see what you should not see. So are boho-style fabrics - they are mostly opaque, impressive, and designed to hide secrets from prying eyes. Silk, satin, and brocade, all shiny, iridescent, smooth fabrics are welcome, as are velvet and jacquard. Drawings and patterns are of all kinds, from Moroccan ornaments to futuristic circles and squares.
Pillows generally play a huge role in a boho interior. Get at least ten pillows of different colors, materials, and sizes - and that's in addition to the ones you sleep on. Also, blankets and capes are used 2-3 at a time, and a canopy over the bed and upholstered walls can give a very authentic look.
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Details for the modern bohemian interior design
A characteristic feature of boho is often represented by the abundance of details - to such an extent that the home seems cluttered. In fact, the feeling of “garbage” is not at all necessary - however, when decorating, you can really give free rein to your imagination and finally put everything on display: a plate presented by your grandmother, and a dried bouquet of flowers from the first date, and once fashioned by you at an open pottery class, a vase, and a vintage perfume bottle. Shelves in a boho house are usually open and filled with all sorts of nonsense, adjacent to antique figurines and art objects.
True, here you also need to be careful - you don’t have to run to a nearby store to buy a porcelain dog from China or a composition of two kissing swans. Details in boho should be collected by themselves - it's great if they are souvenirs brought from your travels or memorable gifts from friends. Each small thing is designed to carry its own little story, which, if desired, you can tell at the party. Natural details look great - cones, fruits, dry herbs, and a dish with rose petals.
When choosing dishes and utensils for a boho-style home, you can safely stop at classic plates with painting and gilding or copper embossing, choose black porcelain in the Gothic style, or delicate Chinese service. It all depends on your imagination. Any oriental motifs are very appropriate. An interesting idea for those who doubt their ability to subtly combine styles is to choose a set of completely different suits of plates and cups, including at least 5-6 pronounced style solutions.
Often in the interior of boho, there are very unusual solutions. Let's say, picture frames of different sizes and a group of antique mirrors as a wall panel. Art objects - such as modern sculpture, creative wall decorations, etc. - should be used within reasonable limits and only if you really like them. Sometimes in the boho style, there are sharp details, even frightening ones - a skull instead of an ashtray, a terrible plot in the picture that attracts the eye against their will.
Is it worth having a boho interior design?
A bohemian home is a choice for a person who does not like a clear framework and exists in his own rhythm, which is not always consistent with generally accepted standards. Boho can shock, surprise, and make laugh - leaving no one indifferent. This style is not suitable for a neat person or a person who has a poor sense of color and proportion. Boho is definitely not suitable for the home that you share with elderly relatives, adherents of a clear distinction in the purposes and functions of rooms and objects. In addition, boho is a bad choice for those who have an allergy to dust: unfortunately, the bohemian mess and abundance of fabrics cannot be distinguished by hospital cleanliness. A boho home can be anything but a museum interior.
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