The Bohemian (or Boho) aesthetic is well-known for its bold use of bright colours, and raw natural materials.
It’s a youthful, colourful, and carefree aesthetic that is meant to bring out the inner, expressive you.
At first glance, the Bohemian look can seem confusing and somewhat random. But in reality, the aesthetic can be summarized in a few simple design elements that when put together, make up its vibrant look.
If you’re a fan, here are the 9 simple ways to give your living room a Bohemian makeover.
Use A Bold Mix Of Colours
One of the most noticeable things about the Bohemian aesthetic is its blend of strong and bold colours.
Keep a lookout for colours like brown, gold, and jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green and ruby red.
Jo from The Wishing Trees designed this space with a mix of intricate patterns and vibrant colours resulting in this beautiful living space in her home.
Blend Different Patterns Together
There are no wrong answers when it comes to working with patterns in a Bohemian inspired space.
What’s great about the aesthetic is that you have the freedom to decorate your space any way you like — quirky patterns and all.
One way freelance designer and author Peaches Freud uses different patterns in her space is by combining sofa cushions of myriad colour and patterns.
If you’re interested in experimenting with different designs and patterns with your furniture (without the hassle of actually getting new ones), try getting a sofa slipcover so that you can have fun with new looks whenever you feel like it.
Consider Using Rugs As Centrepieces
For most living rooms, the biggest piece of furniture is usually the sofa, which is why they tend to be its centrepiece.
But that doesn’t always have to be the case as proven by lifestyle blogger Sara Toufali, who made richly printed the rugs in her living room a huge part of her Bohemian-inspired aesthetic.
Use Natural And Raw Materials
One of the less obvious elements in the Bohemian look is the use of natural materials like rattan, burlap and sisal.
Liz Morrow is an interior designer and lifestyle blogger who incorporates wooden pieces like this rattan shelf and flower pot to add plenty of warmth and natural elements in her space.
The result is a space that feels cozy and welcoming yet unpretentious.
Repurpose Old Items
Another reason to love the Bohemian aesthetic is that it promotes the use of repurposed and vintage items.
Jennifer Harrison from Flea Market Fab, a blog and online store that focuses on recycled and repurposed items, does this beautifully by mixing modern and vintage in her home.
Layer Up With Rugs
One way you can make your space look more Bohemian is by following
He layers rugs of contrasting colors, textures and patterns in ways that look somewhat haphazard, but the result is a refreshingly carefree look that you wouldn’t expect.
Make Your Space Reflect Your Personality
One of the things that make the Bohemian aesthetic so unique is how much it encourages you to express your personality within your space.
Interior stylist and Instagram Influencer, Jen Streeter has a living room that embodies this rule of thumb perfectly.
One of the ways people typically choose to express their personality in their living space is with the use of accent cushions, throw blankets, art pieces, wall decorations and of course, plants.
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Expand Your Seating Options
One of the most iconic and notable things about the Bohemian look is the use of floor cushions and pouffes.
These versatile pieces can work double duty as seats and even coffee tables, depending on how they’re arranged.
The use of these pieces combined with the rug help give this living room designed by Powwow Design Studio the laid back and “go with the flow” vibe that can be found in most Bohemian-inspired spaces.
Add Touches Of Tropical With Plants
Plants are an essential part of the Bohemian aesthetic.
Nothing says fun and vibrant quite like accents of green from a couple of vines and succulents. In fact, being in an environment with plants can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall well being, which is exactly what we’re feeling just by looking at this space designed by L.A. based lifestyle blogger Sara Toufali.
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