Mix Patterns and Colors With Abandon

There is a foolproof formula for mixing and matching throw pillows like a pro; but, when it comes to creating a boho style space, all rules go out the window. Bright colors and lots of patterns such as florals and paisleys mixed with natural prints and geometric patterns are a hallmark of boho style. If brights aren’t for you, embrace a subdued mix of shades like olive green, cognac, mustard yellow, and rusty oranges.

Even in a living room space—like this one by Dazey Den—you can throw a mix of pillows and throws on a day bed or simple sofa for a layer of extra comfort, style, and eclectic energy.

Use Natural and Rustic Finishes

The hippie influence of the 1960s and ’70s on boho design ushered in an infusion of accessories that utilize natural or raw materials such as hemp, sisal, wood, and rattan. Think woven wall decor, macrame plant hangers, a sisal area rug, or a leather accent chair. Although natural textures are key, don’t let that stop you from throwing in metallic touches like a floor lamp for a little shine alongside natural elements like this tree trunk coffee table in a living room designed by Arbor & Co.

Put an Emphasis on Culture

Bohemian styles have significant ties to global and cultural aspects, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re representing when decorating your space. The Instagram page Afro Bohemian Living takes this to heart—the hallmarks of boho style are present, with distinct African culture serving as the center of it all. From the artwork to the woven baskets and decorative items, African presence is featured all throughout her home.

Add Global Accents

Given that boho culture has a history of celebrating wandering artists, home accessories that have a global feel are important in a bohemian style space. Again, this is where being mindful of each piece’s cultural significance is essential.

If you’re lucky enough to travel to far-flung locales, look for beautiful souvenirs that can help you achieve a natural-eclectic feel in your home with authentic pieces; but, if you don’t have that luxury, shop thrift stores, flea markets, or use apps like Nextdoor and Mercari to find global accents that are budget-friendly and closer to home. Whenever possible, try to source items directly from the cultures they originate from. Then again, you can also decorate with a vintage globe, a quirky and charming travel-centric addition.

Go Casual

It’s very important to keep in mind that when it comes to this style, keep it casual. Boho-style spaces are not fussy. Think floor pillows and poufs, piles of pillows or a comfy area rug, and spaces that encourage conversation, reading, and listening to music or playing games rather than watching TV or hosting formal dinner parties.

Try Thrifted Pieces

While thrifting for that perfect find may require some serious effort, you would be surprised at how many potential boho accents you can acquire on a budget—especially when it comes to textured pieces like wicker. Emma Wilson of Wilson Aesthetics snagged this gorgeous wicker shelf on Facebook Marketplace, which serves as the perfect place to display her curated decor collection.

Layer Plenty of Textures

Layering textures in your space can help create a boho-chic atmosphere. Try layering boho-style bedding in a mix of textures, colors, and/or patterns, or add a chunky knit throw on your bed to add dimension to a more minimalist room.

Mix Styles

Like any eclectic, interesting home space, boho-style rooms make creative use of interesting and unique pieces. But rather than sticking solely with one particular style, this concept focuses more on midcentury modern accessories as well as anything reminiscent of the free spirit hippy culture of the 1960s and ’70s. For example, a mid-century hairpin leg desk mixed with a geometric print rug and a sleek white bookshelf with plants galore will achieve the look flawlessly.

Be Artistic in Your Design

No bohemian-style space would be complete without a curated, creative mix of art and books. In fact, beatniks of bygone eras likely owned way more books than they did clothing, furniture, or other material possessions.

If this decorating style appeals to you, you probably already value the arts, so you’re well on your way. A goal of creating a boho style space gives you a license to pile art books on the coffee table, frame album covers as wall art, or hang an eclectic collection of art prints on a gallery wall that stretches floor to ceiling. The results are often dazzling, such as in this example of organized chaos of this blue living room designed by Dazey Den.

Try Neutrals With Boho Flair

Neutrals work as a foundation for many different styles, and boho is no exception. If you aren’t as wild about going colorful or overly eclectic, then focus more on working with your neutral color scheme and adding some boho accents here and there. This living room includes a curated gallery wall with various art prints, keeping things cohesive while still staying true to the slightly chaotic aspect boho brings to mind. The layering of a print rug over a solid white one, and of course, the leather and wicker decor accents add to the overall theme.

Add a Touch Of Whimsy

Boho style is meant to be playful, so try to have fun with it. This apartment by Alvin Wayne has its share of plants, muted tones, and a calming presence—yet the geometric tapestry on the wall boasting bright, abstract hues adds a whimsical touch to the room without overpowering it.

Pair Earthy Textures With Glamorous Ones

One lovely thing about this style is you do not have to choose between something glamorous vs. something down to earth. Often, the two work together perfectly. This living room by Blue Copper Design shows how it’s done—opting for leather and wood accents in lightened tones to work with the airy, chic white walls and floor-to-ceiling curtains. No matter where you look, it feels comforting and inviting.

Add All the Plants

When working with a bohemian style, you can never have too many plants. They serve as the perfect functional decor choice and add life to any room in your home. This living room from Leaf and Lolo is covered with different plants in various shapes, sizes, and styles. The macrame wall hanging and the wicker baskets only add to the boho vibe.

Give it a Personal Touch

Ultimately, boho style isn’t about creating something “perfect”—it has to do with making the space feel like your own. Adding personal touches can tie things together. This cozy corner designed by Home and Spirit not only includes a string of pothos plants, but a skinny wooden plant serves as a vertical shelf and a painted mural to liven things up next to the white macrame hammock chair.

Keep It Simple

You don’t have to go all out to create a boho-centered room (unless you want to!). Keeping things simple can sometimes be the key—like this bedroom by Arbor & Co. A black and white color palette, a simple tapestry, and an oversize rug make up most of the decor here—yet it works so effortlessly.

Add a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls truly can take a boho-decorated room to the next level. The key is to work not only with photos or art prints but also with objects. There are really no rules—and definitely no rhyme or reason—to how your art collections and objects should be arranged, and we encourage a whimsical approach wherever possible. This gorgeous example from House of Chais truly brings the wall to life.

Bring Scandinavian and Boho Vibes Together

Boho and Scandinavian styles are often linked hand in hand with each other, though there are a few differences. Scandinavian styles focus more on simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, whereas boho tends to be more free-spirited and imperfect in its approach. However, the two styles can work together well, especially in bedrooms. The neutral color scheme and minimal decor are paired with whimsical wicker baskets, textured throws, and plenty of comforting attributes.

Add a Statement Piece

Bohemian styles do not necessarily need a centerpiece to work, but statement pieces can absolutely contribute to the room’s overall feel. This bedroom by K Shan Design has plenty of notable accents, but the wicker flower-shaped headboard truly catches your attention the moment you see it. The unusual shape and natural textures truly scream boho chic.