Free spirits unite with these boho style ideas
Carefree and unconventional, boho style is perfect for individuals who see value in a wide variety of designs, motifs, patterns, and textures. The best part about bohemian design is that there isn’t a one-size-fits all rule, and you can incorporate it however you’d like throughout a home. To learn more about the history behind this interior design trend, check out our What Is Bohemian Style? article. Use this guide to discover how to get this chic look in any room in your home.
From sharing a snack with family to preparing a show-stopping meal, the kitchen is often the central place to congregate. From more permanent upgrades, like replacing cabinets or countertops, to sprinkling in bohemian decor elements, there’s always a way to add boho style.
While white and gray cabinets have dominated the kitchen interior design world, you can shake up this trend by opting for light wood cabinets instead. This is a good option for those who enjoy the way that white or gray paint opens up a space and makes it feel larger, but want to bring a touch of warmth into the room. Make the raw beauty of the wooden cabinets the focal point, and sprinkle in greenery and succulents to stay true to the bohemian design.
A timeless and versatile upgrade, butcher block countertops are the perfect way to add boho flair to your kitchen. With this type of countertop, the natural texture of the wood is exposed, which is why they fit in with the carefree vibes of the boho aesthetic.
Jump on the open-shelving trend for a boho-chic kitchen aesthetic. Not only does incorporating open-shelving give you more storage opportunities, but this style of shelving uproots the traditional design of cabinets with doors—an authentic trait of boho style. Use them to store plates, kitchen accessories, and some decor to add character to the room.
What’s more inspiring than keeping fresh plants in your kitchen? Any type of houseplant will work when you’re trying to achieve this style—the more, the better. Opt for plants varying in height and color, and store them in pots and planters that are cohesive, but not necessarily matchy-matchy. Remember, you don’t have to keep them in pots specifically designed for plants, either—pitchers, macrame plant hangers, and mason jars can serve as alternative containers.
Even though boho is associated with mixing and matching colors, you can still get the look, albeit a bit more refined, by opting for a black-and-white color palette. To maintain the boho aesthetic, throw in different textured materials in either black or white, and sprinkle in bursts of color through plants or kitchen gadgets to bring visual points of interest to the space.
Check out how to bring boho into the bathroom.
Greenery can be used in place of trinkets and decor that you might tire of to add a fresh look to your space. What’s more, bringing houseplants into the bathroom is an unexpected addition, but is an easy way to add character to a room that often gets overlooked when decorating. Use different plant species in various sizes to add dimension to the room.
Even though bohemian style is considered eclectic, that doesn’t mean the space has to be cluttered. Equip the room with boho-inspired baskets and storage solutions that will encourage you to keep the space neat and tidy.
Piece together various boho elements, like woven baskets, natural materials, and dried flowers, to create an eclectic space that’s easy on the eyes. A neutral color palette sets the scene for a calming and soothing space, perfect for a main bathroom or guest bathroom. Bonus points for using dried plants that have an aromatherapy-like effect, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or thyme.
Soak in the dreamy boho aesthetic of the room from your bathtub, and take inspiration from your favorite spa when designing the space. A bath caddy is the perfect addition, as it is designed to rest on the ledge of the tub to keep anything you may need during your soak on hand. Whether you prefer to light locally sourced candles, rotate using various aromatic lotions, or pour yourself a glass of wine for your bath, this tray has just enough space for bath time essentials.
Section off the space in your bathroom—without putting up permanent walls—by adding a room divider to an area you want to partition from the rest of the space. This black see-through divider doesn’t overwhelm the area, but adds privacy and division to the bathroom. What’s more, the boho pattern of the screen brings texture and dimension to the room’s white-on-white color palette.
Whether you’re sharing a small intimate meal with close family, or hosting a large holiday get-together, the dining room can be the central place to gather. Bring boho design elements into the space to show off your personal style for all of your guests to enjoy.
Show off your personality by mixing and matching various-sized photos on a designated accent wall in the dining room. You can go for a more refined look by keeping all of the prints black-and-white. Or, go bold and use different colored photos and frames to create a carefree vibe.
Consider the impact that finding the right light fixture can have on the overall look of the room. This oversized rattan pendant light becomes the focal point in the area, and coordinates well with the rest of the bohemian elements in the dining and living space.
Breathe new life into your dining room by using light and airy colors to create an open and carefree environment. Opt for minimalist furniture and a bright color palette to make the room feel larger than it is.
Eclectic style can be characterized by mixing and matching various patterns, textures, and artwork to create a unique space to show off your individuality—a perfect complement to bohemian design. Note how this dining room features a variety of artwork hung from different spots, unique trinkets, and a wide collection of textured accents, so there’s a visual point of interest from any spot you choose to focus on in the room.
Make your living room a laid-back, yet expressive place that you’ll look forward to hanging out in all day. For an extensive list, check out our Boho Living Room Ideas guide, but here are some of the essentials to consider when designing the:
Rattan furniture
Layered area rugs
Patterned textiles
Plants, plants, and more plants
Flowy curtains
Floor pillows and laid-back seating
Lived-in look
Low to the ground coffee table
Retro decorative accents
Macrame tapestries
Maximalist decor
Bring the bohemian look into the bedroom for a cozy and free-spirited feel. Check out some home decor and furniture ideas to incorporate this design style in your room.
One of the fundamental attributes of the boho design style is incorporating natural materials and elements into the space. From a rattan room divider to woven baskets to dried pampas grass, this room uses naturality in the space for an earthy, yet chic look.
Keep it laid-back, and opt for low-to-the-ground furniture in the room. This low-profile bed and short end tables are easily accessible and give the room a more modern feel. Take advantage of the newfound empty vertical space by hanging a large mirror or artwork to draw the eye upward.
Not just for the modern farmhouse aesthetic, shiplap walls have their place in the bohemian interior design world as well. Hang the shiplap planks horizontally, and paint them bright white to act as a blank canvas for decorating the bedroom with your favorite boho-inspired pieces.
Like peanut butter and jelly, macrame tapestries and houseplants just make sense when paired together. Opt for a single tapestry, or add a few to the wall to take the bedroom from ordinary to a bohemian oasis. Sprinkle in a few potted plants on a nearby shelf to complement the natural-looking texture of the tapestry.
Updating your space with bohemian decor doesn’t have to be expensive. Go on a garage sale treasure hunt to look for vintage and retro pieces to add to your space. This metal antique mirror provides the perfect amount of juxtaposition in the room next to the earthy elements on the shelf to create a perfectly eclectic setting.
Think of other ways to illuminate the room—aside from main light fixtures—to bring a soft glow to the space. An assortment of candles set on an end table can provide a delightful fragrance to the area, while making the bedroom feel relaxing and peaceful.
Another fundamental element of boho decor is to mix colors and patterns. An easy way to accomplish this in the bedroom is by adding an assortment of bright throw pillows to the bed and accent chair. The different textures and bright colors of the pillows bring dimension to the room, and put the finishing touches on the overall aesthetic.
Bring the boho vibe outdoors with some of these styling ideas.
As previously noted, wicker furniture can set the tone for a boho chic space. The best part? You can easily find outdoor-friendly wicker patio furniture in most home improvement stores or garden centers.
String lights add an element of charm to light up your back porch or patio area. You can find string lights in a variety of options, but these pendant lights complement the structure of the fence, and can illuminate the space so you’ll want to linger outdoors a little longer.
Kick back and take in the beauty of your backyard from a hammock that’s suspended from the trees. Free-spirited in nature, a hammock is the perfect addition to a yard, and the macrame material of this piece gives it an even more bohemian look.
Who says tree swings are just for kids? The fun and jovial nature of a swing can be adult-friendly, too, with this hanging macrame tree swing. Not only does it provide a chic look, but it’s an unexpected outdoor focal point that’s sure to serve as a conversation piece.
