Image: Clair Strong Interior Design
It’s really easy to fall in love with a trend and want to incorporate it into every aspect of your home design, but doing so can be quite overwhelming. In my experience, the most chic and stylish spaces are those that hint at particular trends without going completely overboard.
The bohemian trend is one look that can very easily go from 0-60 in ten seconds. To avoid your home looking like a tired cliché, blend a few favourite features from the trend with a touch of modern minimalism.
Start with a very modern and fresh colour scheme of white or grey. White walls, white floors – a neutral foundation on which to layer the more boho elements.
Boho chic is traditionally very colourful with rich jewel tones and dusky desert hues, but too much of a good thing can be a little overbearing. A neutral backdrop acts as an anchor; it brings everything together and allows you to go wild with accessories and furniture.
Plants whether real or otherwise, are practically a necessity for an authentic bohemian look. Exotic plants like cacti, succulents and palms are the most visually striking choices for this scheme. All that lush greenery goes especially well with the texture, colour and patterns of boho textiles too.
One iconic aspect of the boho trend is layers upon layers of pattern and colour. Think rugs, blankets, cushions, tapestries and curtains in clashing, eclectic prints.
While this really works in boutique hotels or perfectly styled magazine photo shoots, it’s not practical for everyday life. I think a simplified look of a few key pieces has more impact than heaps of unnecessary textiles that overwhelm the eye.
Repurposing well-loved and well-worn vintage furniture is as much a part of this trend as sourcing ethnic textiles. Finding one-off, unique pieces to decorate your home allows you to channel that bohemian spirit.
Combine vintage and modern pieces for a balanced look. If you want to buy all vintage, choose pieces that complement each other, leave the clashing to the textiles.
The final piece in every design puzzle is accessorising. It’s the little things like ornaments, art work and lamps that really finish a space. Think outside the box and pick accessories that only give a sly nod to the trend. For example this Cactus Vase by Rockett St George is charming, playful and stylish and would look great in a boho space.
