La Vie Bohème!
Channel your inner beatnik with these slick, innovative interiors tips from Kike Pavlik.
Bohemian style stereotypically resembles Eastern interiors with a lot of bright colours and patterns, not to mention a mix of different types of furniture. Consequently, it’s quite easy to take a kitsch attitude to it and this is something we want to avoid in our houses. However, there is a new, tasteful way to do bohemian style in which the art of layering patterns, mixing colours and combining furniture can give a room a fun and free-spirited vibe. This look retains the relaxed appearance, but the busy patterns and intense colours have taken a backseat this time. In lieu of those classic tropes, it is all about texture and a softer palette teamed with earthy tones.
Bohemian or “boho” design is a mix of the eclectic, exotic, a little modern yet vintage but, above all, personal style. As a result, spaces that are built around this loose concept have a unique and very individualised atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for those who like experimenting, reinventing and exploring their own style without paying attention to popular trends. Instead, this gives them free rein to imbue their own personality into the design.
Marks and Spencer
Hanging chair, www.nest.co.uk
To create a stylish bohemian décor and add a personal dash of sophistication to your space, why not play around with colours that determine the mood of your interior? Choose neutral colours for walls and sofas and dress them up with vibrant tones. Put a glamorous, opulent twist on the natural by mixing wood, brick and metal materials with glossy, velvet-upholstery fabrics. Beyond that, refined rattan side tables and embroidered cushions in rich brown or sandy tones can give a simple space a boho edge. For a unique effect and relaxed look, dip into scorched-earth orange, soft desert tones of clay or washed terracotta, as well as shell pink or natural linen on seating. Punctuate these creations with a dark accent, mixing up geometric designs, stripes, macramé and painterly styles among others. That said, strive to keep to just three accent colours. Create a rustic bohemian space by keeping your colour palette very warm. For large pieces of furniture, choose muted colours and keep warm shades for your rug, pillows and art prints. Choose a mix of similar tones to tie everything together seamlessly. If you are more into light colours, streamline your boho living room with plenty of white, providing a beautiful foundation for the rest of the room.
Trolley, storage shelves and wall shelf, all from Oliver Bonas
Cushions, Primark
No boho space is complete without a magnificent statement rug. Alternatively, you can give a neutral room a lift by using a rug as a wall hanging. You can put it over the back of a sofa or as oversized wall art. The mix of earthy tones injects colour and life to the space and in conjunction with the rug, you can place baskets full of hanging greenery around the room for an extra texture. This adds more colour and a touch of nature to the room. Try mixing a variety of materials together such as wood, fur, various fabrics, leather and plants. For a more sophisticated finish, weave in a little shiny brass, plush and velvet. Use artwork and accessories on the wall such as colourful plates, golden frames or tapestry, etc. Naturally, this will create a feature wall. In doing so, choose a focal point – perhaps next to the TV or above the fireplace – that you want to frame.
Bohemian style is for those who want their abodes to be full of life, culture, art and bespoke, interesting items. Tailor-made for those who want to give their home a personal touch and embrace a carefree, relaxed, creative and unorthodox environment, boho decor creates a sense of calm and tranquillity for anyone, young or old, to savour their time in.
Kike Pavlik is a Paisley-based interior design student at The Glasgow School of Art. Follow her on Instagram kike.pavlik.