Bohemian Style: 7 Defining Features

Bohemian style suits anyone who wants an artistic, comfortable atmosphere at home or at work. Pieces inspired by many different cultures can be gathered and arranged with care to create a look that is both unique and harmonious. So what do we mean by the bohemian approach? This article explores its character and its qualities in furniture, décor, colour and plants, and shows how to design an interior in this spirit, with the best ways to combine colours, furniture and greenery into a distinctive, artistic setting.

What is Bohemian style?

Bohemian style is an artistic and cultural approach built on creative freedom, invention and individual expression. It is known for vivid colours, intricate designs and unconventional patterns, and it reflects a bohemian way of life marked by freedom, creativity, playfulness, individuality and variety.

The term "boho style" emerged in the early nineteenth century to reflect the lifestyle of that era: a degree of personal freedom, an unconventional way of living and ample room for self-expression. For that reason some designers have regarded it as an unorthodox, even wild style, since it goes beyond the familiar and the established and leans towards boldness to an extreme.

Features of Bohemian style

Bohemian style has several distinguishing features. The most notable are:

1. Artistic freedom: the style gives artists and designers freedom to express themselves and to play with colours, patterns and ornament.
2. Relaxed elegance: its elegance is informal and comfortable at once, so many shapes, patterns and colours can be brought together and still look harmonious.
3. Vivid colours: boho style uses bright, bold colours, often combined in a distinctive and attractive way.
4. Ornament and patterns: unconventional motifs and patterns are used, and many are inspired by Eastern, African and Indian cultures.
5. Natural materials: wood, cotton, linen and leather are common in boho style, and the approach values quality and fine detail.
6. Variety: many different pieces can be combined, and the style manages to be diverse and cohesive at the same time.
7. Sustainability: the style cares about sustainability and the environment, using natural and recycled materials in many decorative and artistic pieces.

You may also like: The Victorian style in design

Furniture in Bohemian style

Furniture in Bohemian style is defined by artistic freedom, variety and a lively interplay of colours, shapes and ornament, and natural and recycled materials feature in many pieces. Its main characteristics are:

• Unconventional patterns: furniture uses unfamiliar patterns and ornament drawn from Eastern, African, Native American and other cultures.
• Sustainable furniture: sustainability and care for the environment are central, with natural and recycled materials used in many pieces.
• An interplay of patterns and shapes: different patterns and shapes are arranged artfully, and many different pieces can be grouped together.
• Informality: although relaxed, the style is comfortable and welcoming, which makes it well suited to everyday life and to gatherings of friends and family.

Plants in Bohemian style

Plants play an important part in bohemian décor. They add natural beauty and life, and sit well with the bright colours and unconventional patterns, creating a sense of calm, relaxation and inner balance. Their main qualities are:

• Authenticity: real plants are preferred, as they give the space a sense of authenticity and vitality.
• Variety: many different kinds of plant can be used and arranged artfully.
• Bright pots: colourful, decorated pots can be used to dress the plants.
• Natural light: plants can help to enhance natural light in a space, and they also purify the air and improve its quality.
• A positive effect on mood: caring for plants in bohemian style is one of the things said to lift mood and bring a feeling of comfort and relaxation.

You may also like: Arranging home furniture

Colours in Bohemian style

Colours in Bohemian style are bold and lively, drawing on a wide range of bright, vivid shades. The most characteristic boho colours are:

• Light blue and blue-green: these stand for calm and relaxation, and bring a sense of comfort and inner balance.
• Deep red and orange: these stand for vitality and warmth, and bring energy and enthusiasm.
• Dark green and bright green: these stand for nature and life, and bring a feeling of authenticity and freshness.
• White and black: these add balance and an attractive contrast against the other bright colours.
• Bright yellow and pink: these bring a feeling of happiness, joy and positivity.
• Brown and gold: these strengthen the sense of warmth, elegance and luxury.

You may also like: Colour schemes in interior décor