Designing with Eclectic and Free-Spirited Style: Embracing the Bohemian Bliss

6 min readMay 14, 2023

Bohemian style, often referred to as “boho” or “boho-chic,” is a design aesthetic that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Bold colors, mixed patterns, and unconventional design elements characterize the style. Bohemian style is all about creating a relaxed and free-spirited atmosphere while incorporating elements of luxury and elegance.

An interior design academy may offer courses on eclectic and bohemian styles. It’s always a good plan to check the course curriculum to see if it includes this topic.

Natural Materials

Incorporate natural materials like rattan, jute, and wood into your design scheme to achieve this look. Use these materials to create furniture with a relaxed, almost “beachy” feel. Choose comfortable seating options like overstuffed chairs and sofas in neutral colors like beige or white.

Bohemian style is all about creating an earthy and relaxed atmosphere. One way to achieve this aesthetic is by using natural materials in your design. Wood, rattan, bamboo, jute, and other natural fibers are great choices for furniture and decor pieces. Not only do they add texture and warmth to a space, but they also bring the outdoors inside and connect you with nature. Consider incorporating a wooden coffee table, a rattan chair, or a jute rug to create a bohemian vibe.

Another great way to use natural materials in your bohemian design is by incorporating plants and greenery. Plants add visual interest, purify the air, and create a calming atmosphere. Using a hanging planter, you can place a potted plant in a woven basket or macrame hanger or create a vertical garden on a wall. Natural materials like stone, clay, and seashells can also create unique decor pieces that add a bohemian touch to your space.

When selecting natural materials for your bohemian design, choose sustainable and ethically sourced options whenever possible. It ensures your design is eco-friendly and supports small businesses and artisans who create these products with care and craftsmanship.

Use of Bold, Vibrant Colors

One of the key elements of bohemian design is the use of bold, vibrant colors. Incorporate rich jewel tones like deep purples, emerald greens, and bright blues into your design scheme — mix and match patterns with abandon, choosing textiles with ethnic-inspired prints, florals, and geometrics. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors that are seemingly mismatched — the eclectic nature of the bohemian style makes it unique and charming.

Bohemian style is about embracing bold, vibrant colors that pop and make a statement. Whether it’s a bright fuchsia or a rich turquoise mix, match colors that might not typically go together. The key is to form a sense of warmth and happiness, so take your time incorporating your favorite hues.

When working with a bohemian color scheme, it’s also important to consider balance. Use a neutral base color like white or beige to ground the space, and then incorporate bold colors in accents like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains. It will help prevent the space from feeling overwhelming while allowing you to showcase your love for vibrant hues.

Another way to incorporate bold colors is through artwork and accessories. Look for colorful tapestries, paintings, or sculptures to bring a sole pop of color to your bohemian space. And plants! Adding greenery is a great way to add some natural color while bringing life to the space.

Mix and Match

Lighting is also an important aspect of bohemian design. Create a warm, inviting atmosphere using string lights, floor lamps, and lanterns. Choose lighting fixtures with intricate designs or a vintage fixture for an added touch of authenticity.

Bohemian style is about embracing bold, vibrant colors that pop and make a statement. Whether it’s a bright fuchsia or a rich turquoise, mix, and match colors that might not typically go together. The key is to form a sense of warmth and happiness, so take your time incorporating your favorite hues.

Another way to incorporate bold colors is through artwork and accessories. Look for colorful tapestries, paintings, or sculptures to bring an exclusive pop of color to your bohemian space. And remember plants! Adding greenery is a great way to add some natural color while bringing life to the space.

Lighting

Bohemian style is about embracing bold, vibrant colors that pop and make a statement. Whether it’s a bright fuchsia or a rich turquoise, don’t be afraid to mix and match colors that might not typically go together. The key is to form a sense of warmth and happiness, so don’t hold back on incorporating your favorite hues.

Another way to incorporate bold colors is through artwork and accessories. Look for colorful tapestries, paintings, or sculptures to bring an inimitable pop of color to your bohemian space. And don’t forget about plants! Adding greenery is a great way to add some natural color while bringing life to the space.

Textiles

Incorporate textiles into your design, such as tapestries, macrame, and embroidered fabrics. These items can add texture and a handcrafted feel to your space.

Textiles play a crucial role in designing with an eclectic and free-spirited style. Bohemian interiors often feature patterns, textures, and fabrics to create a cozy, layered effect. Natural fibers are commonly used in bohemian-style textiles. These materials bring a sense of heat and comfort to a space.

Patterns are another important aspect of bohemian textiles. Large-scale prints, bold colors, and intricate patterns are often combined to create a visually interesting and dynamic space. Mixing patterns can be intimidating, but it can also add depth and personality to a room.

Consider incorporating woven wall hangings, fringed throw blankets, and embroidered pillows when selecting textiles for a bohemian space. These items add texture and dimension to a room, bringing in unique, handmade elements. Mix and contest different patterns and textures to generate a cozy atmosphere.

Accessories

Regarding accessories, bohemian style is about creating a collected and curated look. Incorporate vintage rugs, tapestries, and woven baskets to create a layered, textured effect. Use plants and greenery to add a natural element to your space, choosing oversized potted plants or hanging plants in macramé planters.

Accessories are a crucial part of creating an eclectic and free-spirited bohemian design. Consider incorporating unique and handmade pieces such as woven baskets, macrame wall hangings, and vintage tapestries. You can also add some plants and greenery to bring life and vibrancy to your space.

Pillows and throws in a mix of patterns and textures can add warmth and comfort to the space. Layering rugs and mixing materials such as jute, wool, and cotton can create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Mix and match patterns, colors, and textures to create a sense of playfulness and depth.

Finally, lighting can also be crucial in creating a bohemian atmosphere. Use string lights or hanging lanterns to add a warm and cozy glow to the space. Table and floor lamps can also add to the ambiance and help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Memorize the key is to mix and match different elements to create a unique and free-spirited bohemian design.

Conclusion

The bohemian style creates a relaxed, inviting, and authentic space. Embrace the free-spirited nature of the style by mixing and matching patterns and colors, using natural materials, and incorporating unique and unexpected design elements. With a little vision and thought, you can achieve a bohemian-inspired look that is stylish and comfortable look.

When choosing home interior design schools online, research the program’s curriculum, course offerings, and instructors.