Boho Bits & Pieces

So when someone says I'm decorating in Bohemian Style, what exactly are they using in their space? It's all well and good to throw that statement out there, but what kinds of items are they using? Here is a link to an excellent synopsis by Ryan Saghian of Bungalow 1a that says in part:
Boho Chic is 1 part natural, 1 part shiny metal, 1 part French/Ornate, 1 part Moroccan/Ethnic adding in 1 stand-out lighting fixture and a loose/casual layering of accessories. 

We've already looked at the sofa in a previous post (see my archives) but what else defines Bohemian/Boho Style? Well let's start by taking a look at the bottom layer of the room:

Oriental carpet dream

A shade of red is always right

Mix up the carpet patterns

Animal prints are chic

Boucherouites are all the rage

Start with a floral

All of these rugs have a Boho vibe in common. They have pattern and color to start the layering process. The point is not to be shy with the rug! The rug is were you determine the room colors to use too.Then add another layer in  throw/floor pillows:

Beautiful embroidered floor cushion

Knitted poufs are cutting edge

Knit a throw pillow, goes fast cuz the needles are super sized

Cut up some Pendleton blankets to stencil

Mix up some florals, add crochet and pom pom trim

Awesome Indian prints or crazy quilted pillows

Moroccan still works in pastels and neutrals

Mix and match patterns

The whole reason the movement was called Bohemian was the participants scrounged/re-purposed objects in their homes for a non-conventional look. It was the original recycling and hand-me-down style of home decorating. Now add a natural element to the mix:

Leather chairs and plants

Animal prints, grasscloth wallpaper and sisal carpet 

Real fur for pillows and throws with more plants

Animal prints again with some sea coral

Some branches for texture….

Books are a natural object to add in

The ubiquitous sheep skin 

Take a really close look at all the pictures of the rooms I've used as examples. They have neutral walls, wallpaper, bricks and trim work as their backgrounds. Loads of pictures and mirrors are used around the rooms as an additional layer. Remember shiny metal? All these rooms have wonderful uses of shiny and metal. How about that great lighting focal point? Check out these: 

A lamp nest is definitely Bohemian 

Add a floral shade to any style lamp, with fringe of course

Velvet shades on glass lamps are perfect

Quirky trims and flowers

Add chandelier in any Boho room

I always use vintage or vintage looking lamps in my clients homes. I add custom shades to what my husband refers to as butt-ugly lamps to make them beautiful again. Never underestimate the usefulness of a great lamp shade store or their employees!

Now for some ornate/formal details: 

Pottery, screens, draperies & chandelier

Lucite, artwork, velvet

Coffee table books & glassware

Topiaries, glassware, silver, porcelain and embroidery

To start, I would gather as many pictures of Bohemian styled rooms to get an idea of how I would like my room pulled together. I use a collage board to present to my client to give them the feel of the room and you can do the same. Don't forget there is no right or wrong way for the Boho/Bohemian style. Just do it!  

Post a comment and share some ideas with me of rooms you have pulled together or if you need help getting started.

All pictures used are via Pinterest