The idea of repurposing pieces and giving them a second life then became something of a groundbreaking trend. Suddenly, interior design could be unconventional, experimental and inventive, and every look was unique. Many people starting out with boho interior ideas are excited by the concept that there are essentially no rules, things don't have to fit within a rigid set of boundaries and you are free to let your creativity run wild.
Yet the carefree, 'anything goes' premise can easily descend into a farrago of chaos, with the 'mix and match' becoming simply 'mismatched'. Never fear, we have 7 boho interior ideas for you and your project, to ensure you achieve a look of boho chic instead of haphazard and seemingly thrown together at random.
Over the years, boho has evolved into many different sub-styles, so if you are looking for an interior design look that is different and eye-catching, yet sustainable and eco-friendly, a warm and cosy boho interior might just be for you.
1. Opposites Attract, But Similarities Bind
On the surface, the whole idea of boho is to mix things up, break the rules, and expect the unexpected. But if you look more closely at a well-designed boho space, you'll often see more similarities than differences in certain features. The smart way to effortless boho style is to have multiple layers, so some pieces pop and stand out, yet others are perfectly placed together as if they were always made to be that way.
A great rule of thumb to remember is this: colour, texture and pattern. Start by contrasting just one of these and matching the other two. This prevents overcomplicating the look; sometimes it's the little things that transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary.
Take these Jurado Nestable Wicker Baskets for example, used as plant pots. An inexperienced boho designer may immediately jump to trying to contrast the green and brown of the leaves and branches, mixing up the natural vibe with perhaps using a more industrial style pot, such as stainless steel, or another manufactured material in a contrasting colour such as terracotta. Yet by embracing the idea of nature and using a basket which is made from natural fibres, with an additional smaller one posed at a jaunty angle, you can add an unusual twist to a relatively simple accessory in a subtle way that complements the rest of the room.
The warm, earthy tones of these baskets are subtle enough to not be distracting, yet the arrangement of them is enough to make guests take a second glance. All of a sudden, it's clear that you have put some real thought and time into making your space unique and a reflection of your personality.
Boho style is all about efficiency, so practical pieces are always a firm favourite. Combined with their attractive rustic charm, the neutral colour of these classic wicker baskets works well within any colour scheme. If plants, even artificial ones, aren't really your thing, there are still so many uses for any room. From the bathroom for towels and toiletries, to bedrooms and lounges for kindling and accessory storage, or even a stylish practical storage solution for your hall.
If you're feeling playful, try and find a quirky, unusual use for these baskets that isn't immediately obvious. This exercise in thinking outside the box will start you well on the way to bohemian mastery.
2. Be Free to Blur the Lines, But Don't Erase Them Completely
One of the most common reasons people love boho is the breaking of the rules that other interior design styles often have. This is freeing, but also can be dangerous. In tearing up the rulebook, you run the risk of your finished space looking chaotic, messy and uncoordinated.
Instead, choose a simple colour palette, and find unique pieces that fit within it. A favourite boho colour scheme is to use neutral, natural tones, with splashes of a contrasting colour here and there. Pieces of furniture and accessories can be unusual, striking and individual, yet all fit together as part of the space as a whole.
A prime example is this Bloomingville Baldrian Orange Vase. It has an unusual design that stands out as a feature piece and can be displayed with dried flowers or it's interesting enough to display on its own. But take it a step further and choose a theme for your room full of earthy, warm hues, adding a few other stylish and visually different accessories and ornaments in similar tones. Suddenly, you have a space that is entirely individual to you but looks polished, well thought out and put together.
A collection of unusual vases, accessories and ornaments, all unique in their own right, but all part of a central colour scheme can really bring a room together. The best part is you can grow the collection over time. Don't be surprised if you develop a new hobby of perusing antique stores, flea markets, charity and second-hand shops, for the perfect new addition to your set. Vary the style, design or texture as mentioned in the first tip above, but keep within a colour scheme to pull the whole look together.
3. Keeping Some Looks Understated Makes Focal Points Stand Out
This is one of the most overlooked boho interior ideas. When creating your stylish boho space, it's easy to get carried away with mixing colours, and textures and to be tempted to just throw a bit of everything in. There is a fine line between chic individuality and a vibe of confused clutter.
A staple of boho interior design is contrasting feature points that stand out, but if everything is distinctive and designed to catch the eye, then the end result is nothing does. If everything is screaming for your attention at once, nothing is focused on at all.
The secret to true feature pieces that draw the eye, is to let the majority of the décor take a back seat, allowing a few select points to truly come to the fore.
This elegant Gallery Direct Korba Grey Wall Mirror will complement most décor, without being distracting. Hung in a bedroom, you could enhance the boho style of the space with contrasting colours and textures with both the bed linen and decorative cushions, drawing the eye to the main focal point of the room without your attention being diverted by too many different ideas clamouring for attention. Using a less is more approach with 80% of the room and being bold with just 20%, means that the 20% has extra impact.
4. Be Playful With Textures
A simple, subtle way to introduce boho individuality and distinction into your space is to mix up your textures. Because it's not as glaringly obvious as contrasting bold colours with a neutral backdrop, it's a clever way to make a room feel unique, almost without quite being able to put your finger on the reason why. You can really have some fun experimenting with layering in hard and soft textures, mixing smooth, raised and rough surfaces, rustic and traditional paired with shiny and modern and more.
Layering different textures in this way is a fabulous method of starting to introduce boho interior ideas into your space. This is especially useful if you're new to boho styles and are apprehensive about being too 'out there' and garish off the bat.
A straightforward starting point is a statement rug on a hardwood floor. This Native Home & Lifestyle Milano Soft Jute Rug with a light grey centre is a perfect example of layering an interesting texture on top of a hardwood floor. The browns and greys blend in beautifully with the rustic natural tones, but it is the contrasting textures that really change things up and add eclectic, bohemian flair.
Jute is one of the most sustainable natural fibres you can buy and is affordable, versatile and very durable. You may also be interested to know that fabrics made from jute fibres are carbon neutral and fully naturally biodegradable, making this rug both eco-friendly and practical.
Try experimenting with a few pieces and fabrics made from jute, in a variety of textures, all in the same room.
5. Go Big on Those Focal Points
If you're going to play with mixing and matching colours, textures and patterns, in addition to combining your backdrops to really let your focal points shine, make sure those focal points have a real wow factor. Statement pieces should actually make a statement, so be brave and bold! Spend time scoping out some truly special accessories, artwork, rugs, cushions and perhaps even a fireplace.
You don't always need to go for loud prints or wild colours. This Gallery Direct Alga Metal Wall Art is a great example of a centrepiece that is unusual and catches your attention. Taking note of our earlier tips on mixing up textures, the smooth plain dark wall behind looks almost plush and cosy, contrasting beautifully with the sleek grey metal.
Add in the pattern on the wall art, some with holes, some with an engraved motif, and you have successfully layered your textures as well, adding depth to your design. Finally, another tip above was to aim for understated to add sophistication to your finished look. Notice how the wall art closely matches the colour of the wall instead of the obvious choice of choosing a shade on the opposite side of the colour wheel. This has added a touch of effortless class, a true feature piece without the need to scream for attention.
6. Don't Be Afraid to Mix Different Patterns and Prints
This could potentially be the trickiest part of tearing up that old rulebook. Contrasting colours can be relatively easy. Mixing up the rough with the smooth, modern with vintage, sharp angular furniture with plush and cosy rugs and cushions are all easy choices to make. But with patterns and prints, the vast and varied choice can feel overwhelming and there is the worry that some combinations will clash rather than complement. However, if done correctly, you can add a depth and vibrancy to your space that you wouldn't have ordinarily achieved with a carefully followed strict matching theme.
If you're faltering, start small to begin with. Remember to be experimental and playful, and you can still achieve the carefree, quirky vibe of boho without automatically leaping to the most outrageous and striking prints and patterns.
This Abstract Pattern Vase in sand and black by Olivia's is warm and contemporary, naturally complementing neutral or earthy colour palettes. The bold pattern stands well on its own but is forgiving enough to go well with florals, zigzags, and geometric shapes. Push the boundaries of what feels comfortable with regards to being a little offbeat or eclectic; asymmetry is a huge component of boho interiors.
Develop an eye for layering different prints, for example, a throw with one pattern on a sofa, and bold cushions in another pattern displayed at slightly unconventional angles and positions. Pair the earth tones in this vase with furniture and accessories made from a variety of sustainable materials, such as jute, natural wood and bamboo to create an environmentally friendly homely space that feels close to nature.
7. Be Playful, Be Flexible, Relax and Have Fun
Get creative and play with ideas. Don't be afraid to push the envelope and upcycle and repurpose antiques, vintage finds, or even items that are heading for scrap. Shake things up and take items from elsewhere in your home, finding an unconventional use for them or way of displaying them that isn't obvious. The beauty of boho is that it can be an ongoing process, added to and cultivated over years, evolving as you evolve. Your space becomes a reflection of you, your experiences, your memories and your life, well lived. Each vase, each piece of furniture, each mirror has its place in the room, with its own story.
Search for offbeat pieces and be unconventional with their placing and purpose. These Bloomingville Harislava Black Vases for example, are beautifully matching in colour and texture, but completely different shapes and sizes. Your natural instinct may be to display them together with some bright and pretty flowers, or you may already be thinking outside the box a little.
Perhaps you could place each one in separate points around the room, with or without flowers, or perhaps a single flower. You could even place one in the living room, one in the bathroom, and one in the bedroom. Every time you position something new in your space, stop and think, 'Is there a way to place this so that it's a little different?'
It may be that you already have a bohemian free spirit inside you just raring to be let loose on your next project. Or perhaps you find yourself falling in love with images of boho interior ideas on social media, but once you realise the limitless possibilities and the fact that really the only 'rule' of boho is that there are no rules, you feel overwhelmed and a bit stuck as to where to start.
If you are in the latter camp, why not use these ideas to set some constraints to work within to start off with. You will notice as your confidence grows that you will push these constraints, work out what you love and become bolder with your choices. When trying something new, it's a good idea to 'tether' yourself (loosely of course) to some guidelines and rules of thumb, so if you feel you're going a little off-piste, you can easily find your way back.
Ultimately the idea of boho design is that there are no rules. Just relax and enjoy the freedom to create the space you want and that is individual to you. Many people find that this can be daunting in itself, so these boho interior ideas will hopefully help you if you're just starting out and are wary of getting carried away when the rulebook is torn up completely.
