For several seasons now, boho has been taking over living rooms... and quite literally too! We thought the boho trend would fade faster, but since it's clearly here to stay, we'll share some tips on how to arrange a modern boho living room.
Where did the boho style come from? It's hard to pinpoint a single origin, but many trace it back to the French bohemians of the 19th century, when artists, writers, and free-thinkers, tired of petty bourgeois culture, rebelled against the aesthetic canons of the time. The bohemian style was a manifestation of artistic freedom; it rejected showy elegance, instead prioritising comfort, privacy, and imperfection. What characterised bohemian interiors?
- a clear fascination with other cultures, their handicrafts, and folk art;
- an appreciation for vintage items, with soul and an interesting history;
- a preference for natural materials, such as wood, stone, and wool;
- displaying artistic creativity, not just that lauded by critics, but also one's own drawings or handicrafts made for pleasure;
- layering, combining different textures and patterns according to the principle that more is more;
- mixing different elements – interiors didn't have to be cohesive; all combinations of patterns, colours, and symbols were allowed.
In the 20th century, the boho style was popularised by hippies, and in recent years, it has come back into vogue. It's worth noting that boho never truly goes out of fashion, as in its gentler form, it is a timeless and incredibly diverse style.
In its purest form, boho is a wildly colourful style, where colour, pattern, and layers are more important than structure. Pure boho is an explosive mix of ethnic patterns and vibrant colours inspired by exotic travels and folk art.
Modern Boho
However, a more subdued and calm version of boho, known as modern boho, is currently popular. What's the recipe for modern boho? It's surprisingly simple: take the boho style and combine it... with Scandi. Surprised? It's no wonder, after all, the harmonious, minimalist Scandinavian style sounds like the antithesis of vibrant, colourful boho. This combination, though seemingly mad at first glance, is exceptionally successful, like many surprising pairings in design. The bright, Scandinavian colour palette provides a perfect backdrop for unique items inspired by craftsmanship. The inspirations also seem contradictory yet harmonious: on one hand, Scandinavian coolness, on the other, the freedom of an exotic beach. Don't believe it can work? See the example below!
Boho-Style Furniture
When choosing furniture for a modern boho interior, pay attention to the materials. Don't even glance at plastics or metals – in a boho interior, wood, wicker, and stone reign supreme! If you want to bring a relaxed, cosy atmosphere into your home, opt for pouffes and floor cushions – they can be used for seating, but also work wonderfully as side tables, and visually add softness to the interior. If you have the space, you might also consider installing a hammock or a swing in the living room – after all, the foundation of boho style is about looking after your comfort! It's important for furniture to have a unique character, which is why all sorts of weaves, roughly hewn wood, and personal modifications that add originality will look great here.
Boho Throws and Blankets
We've already mentioned that layers of materials and a cosy atmosphere play a big role in boho interiors, so selecting textiles is paramount! As with furniture, the rule here is to opt for natural materials. What do you need to remember?
Decorative Cushions
Firstly: you can never have too many decorative cushions! On armchairs, sofas, and even on the floor. Cushions finished with fringes and adorned with ethnic or botanical patterns will look fantastic. Animal motifs or fluffy chair cushions will also hold their own.
Boho Blankets
Secondly: any boho blankets are perfect for a boho interior, as they will be a beautiful decoration and introduce a cosy mood. Grey blankets, white, or neutral-coloured ones adorned with ethnic patterns will work best here. Remember to choose wool throws or cotton throws; plastics are not welcome in a modern boho living room! You can toss blankets into a decorative basket or drape them over a sofa or armchair like a throw. And just like that, it will instantly feel cosier!
Rugs
Thirdly: when choosing textile accessories for the living room, don't forget about a rug! A fluffy boho-style rug will add warmth and cosiness to any arrangement. Ethnic patterns or a vintage-style rug with decorative distressing will work perfectly here.
Plants in a Boho Living Room
An interior inspired by exoticism simply can't be without greenery! The most popular choices are consistently monsteras, whose motif often appears on boho accessories, and other plants with large, green leaves, such as strelitzia or ficus. We assure you: other plants with decorative green leaves will also work brilliantly! If plant care isn't your strong suit, at least opt for botanical motifs in decorations, e.g., botanical posters, and place trendy pampas grass in a large decorative vase. Choose decorative plant pots, preferably ceramic or stone. Woven or wooden pot covers will also look fantastic here. It's also worth installing hanging plant pots to create a unique atmosphere!
Our Tip
Decorations and Accessories with Soul
Finally, we've saved the best for last: accessories! It's decorations that build the boho vibe. In boho-style interiors, trinkets reign supreme, telling the story of who you are, what your passions are, and what captivates you. Don't be afraid to display your creativity: paintings, drawings, handicrafts. Both works of art and joyous personal creations are equally welcome here! You can unhesitatingly showcase travel souvenirs or seemingly mismatched trinkets. Choose items with soul: those with a history, handmade, imperfect. Head to a vintage shop... or your grandma's attic and rummage for second-hand treasures. All sorts of weaves, kilims, macramé, ethnic patterns, and wall decorations will look brilliant in a boho interior. Don't be afraid to combine different textures and patterns! And remember: in boho, more is more, and you can never have too many beautiful accessories.
Our Tip
And finally...
Above, you'll find plenty of tips, but the most important thing to remember is this: the essence of boho style is cosiness and unrestrained freedom. So, furnish your interior exactly as you wish, and it will undoubtedly be beautiful!
