How to Channel Your Inner 'New Bohemian'
Creative and artsy, unique and layered, these looks lead to an inspiring lifestyle at home
Becky Harris
30 March 2015
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
It seems like every other magazine and catalogue I’ve read this year is touting ‘new bohemian’ style; I haven’t seen those words used so much since Edie Brickell & New Bohemians topped the charts with What I Am in 1988. Even the most buttoned-up brands like Britain’s Burberry and usually all-American Ralph Lauren are celebrating boho-spirit throwbacks in new ways.
Some hear ‘bohemian’ and recoil in fear of dust and clutter and being trapped beneath a Stevie Nicks collection-sized pile of scarves; I know this because I’ve seen your comments here on Houzz. But this is a misconception. The truth is, there is only one hard and fast rule for bohemian style, which is to express your own unique creativity however the heck you want to. New bohemians know that a quirky but curated collection isn’t clutter and that unplugging and lounging for a bit can fuel creative fires. If you’re having trouble letting your new-bohemian flag fly, here are a few elements and loose guidelines. Put on a kaftan, fire up some tea and get inspired by these modern-day looks.
Some hear ‘bohemian’ and recoil in fear of dust and clutter and being trapped beneath a Stevie Nicks collection-sized pile of scarves; I know this because I’ve seen your comments here on Houzz. But this is a misconception. The truth is, there is only one hard and fast rule for bohemian style, which is to express your own unique creativity however the heck you want to. New bohemians know that a quirky but curated collection isn’t clutter and that unplugging and lounging for a bit can fuel creative fires. If you’re having trouble letting your new-bohemian flag fly, here are a few elements and loose guidelines. Put on a kaftan, fire up some tea and get inspired by these modern-day looks.
Fearlessly celebrate textiles
In the great trials of mixing and matching, there are no rules. Kuba cloth, suzanis, ikats, paisleys, crochet, geometrics, even tie-dye trimmed in pompoms – they’re all fair game. In fact, the more you mix in, the better they’ll all work together.
In the great trials of mixing and matching, there are no rules. Kuba cloth, suzanis, ikats, paisleys, crochet, geometrics, even tie-dye trimmed in pompoms – they’re all fair game. In fact, the more you mix in, the better they’ll all work together.
Be artful in new ways
One big watercolour-esque wall in this bedroom is unique and soothing. While one might think this wall was painted during a creative spurt involving tossing paint on the wall straight from the can late one night, this bohemian look was created in a modern way. It is a digital image taken from a small watercolour image, printed on canvas.
10 steps to a bohemian bedroom
One big watercolour-esque wall in this bedroom is unique and soothing. While one might think this wall was painted during a creative spurt involving tossing paint on the wall straight from the can late one night, this bohemian look was created in a modern way. It is a digital image taken from a small watercolour image, printed on canvas.
10 steps to a bohemian bedroom
Enjoy alfresco meals
Forget the melamine plates and plastic silverware. New bohemians deck out their outdoor tablescapes like something you’d find in an elegant desert caravan tent. Intricate metal placemats, chargers, candle holders and ornaments, layers of luxe fabrics, stunning china and plenty of candlelight create extravagant settings for outdoor meals.
Forget the melamine plates and plastic silverware. New bohemians deck out their outdoor tablescapes like something you’d find in an elegant desert caravan tent. Intricate metal placemats, chargers, candle holders and ornaments, layers of luxe fabrics, stunning china and plenty of candlelight create extravagant settings for outdoor meals.
Bring the indoors out
When I think of bohemians, I think of that iconic photo of Yves Saint Laurent and Marian McEvoy lounging on a rug and large pillows laid atop the grass outside his home in Morocco.
New bohemians take advantage of warm climates and all of the new sun- and fade-resistant textiles available. On this lanai in Hawaii, tribal-print curtains, a chunky knit throw and a birdcage painted gold provide just the spot to recharge artistic batteries in the fresh air.
When I think of bohemians, I think of that iconic photo of Yves Saint Laurent and Marian McEvoy lounging on a rug and large pillows laid atop the grass outside his home in Morocco.
New bohemians take advantage of warm climates and all of the new sun- and fade-resistant textiles available. On this lanai in Hawaii, tribal-print curtains, a chunky knit throw and a birdcage painted gold provide just the spot to recharge artistic batteries in the fresh air.
Conversely, bring plant life indoors
Full of global textiles, like kilims and a suzanis, along with plants, African masks and most importantly, sunlight. Design consultant Justina Blakeney’s home, dubbed The Jungalow, has become a well-known example of modern-day bohemianism. She incorporates plants into every room.
Full of global textiles, like kilims and a suzanis, along with plants, African masks and most importantly, sunlight. Design consultant Justina Blakeney’s home, dubbed The Jungalow, has become a well-known example of modern-day bohemianism. She incorporates plants into every room.
Embrace botanicals
In addition to live plants and flowers, go for plants in your prints, artwork and fabrics. In this room embroidered botanical patterns on the pillows and a large-scale birch tree print on a screen bring the feeling of nature indoors.
In addition to live plants and flowers, go for plants in your prints, artwork and fabrics. In this room embroidered botanical patterns on the pillows and a large-scale birch tree print on a screen bring the feeling of nature indoors.
Create focal points and curate
One thing people fear about a boho look is chaos. But many new-bohemian rooms are layered yet ordered and well curated. In this room a red paper lantern from Vietnam draws the eye, and the furniture and accessories are centred around a metal Moroccan table.
The room’s decorator, Charmean Neithart, also taught us a great trick for salvaging an antique rug too torn up to use on the floor: Have salvageable pieces sewn into beautiful pillow covers, such as the ones on this daybed.
One thing people fear about a boho look is chaos. But many new-bohemian rooms are layered yet ordered and well curated. In this room a red paper lantern from Vietnam draws the eye, and the furniture and accessories are centred around a metal Moroccan table.
The room’s decorator, Charmean Neithart, also taught us a great trick for salvaging an antique rug too torn up to use on the floor: Have salvageable pieces sewn into beautiful pillow covers, such as the ones on this daybed.
Don’t resist the fade
The wear and fading on this floor’s antique rug only add to its appeal. Also, the striking suzani on the wall is full of deep colours; the faded rug allows this piece to be the focal point.
The wear and fading on this floor’s antique rug only add to its appeal. Also, the striking suzani on the wall is full of deep colours; the faded rug allows this piece to be the focal point.
Embrace a fringe element
Like the suede swaying on ’70s fashion icon Jane Birkin’s coat, fringe enhances new-bohemian rooms. It can appear in the form of macramé (as with the top plant holder seen here) or at the bottom of a window treatment.
See the rest of this home, which is the Brooklyn, New York, apartment of Project Runway (season 8) winner Gretchen Jones.
See more modern-day macramé
Like the suede swaying on ’70s fashion icon Jane Birkin’s coat, fringe enhances new-bohemian rooms. It can appear in the form of macramé (as with the top plant holder seen here) or at the bottom of a window treatment.
See the rest of this home, which is the Brooklyn, New York, apartment of Project Runway (season 8) winner Gretchen Jones.
See more modern-day macramé
Practice the art of lounging
Throughout history bohemians have been known as being carefree, or sometimes looked down upon as being idle. New bohemians have no problem unplugging from all the distractions of modern society, shutting out the noise and taking time to get inspired. Channel your inner Talitha Getty while lounging on a Moroccan-style daybed. No Wi-Fi is allowed during recharge time.
10 ways to unplug and tune in to nature
Throughout history bohemians have been known as being carefree, or sometimes looked down upon as being idle. New bohemians have no problem unplugging from all the distractions of modern society, shutting out the noise and taking time to get inspired. Channel your inner Talitha Getty while lounging on a Moroccan-style daybed. No Wi-Fi is allowed during recharge time.
10 ways to unplug and tune in to nature
Take the lounging to the floor
New bohemians know that floor pillows and poufs serve as comfortable seats and lolling spots. This designer used kilims from Morocco. Also, the coffee table was crafted from a Moroccan window topped with glass, and the screen on the right was crafted from an Indian gate. This designer had the sofa pillows made from textiles from Uzbekistan.
The magic of Morocco’s textiles and style continues to influence today’s bohemians, whether they ever spent a Hideous Kinky–esque year or two travelling the country or not.
New bohemians know that floor pillows and poufs serve as comfortable seats and lolling spots. This designer used kilims from Morocco. Also, the coffee table was crafted from a Moroccan window topped with glass, and the screen on the right was crafted from an Indian gate. This designer had the sofa pillows made from textiles from Uzbekistan.
The magic of Morocco’s textiles and style continues to influence today’s bohemians, whether they ever spent a Hideous Kinky–esque year or two travelling the country or not.
Add layers in the bathroom
While soaking, new bohemians like to have textures and artwork around them, as well as a place to set a cup of steaming cup of Darjeerling tea. Woven rugs, wicker tables, interesting patterns, artwork and flowers all enhance this room with bohemian style.
While soaking, new bohemians like to have textures and artwork around them, as well as a place to set a cup of steaming cup of Darjeerling tea. Woven rugs, wicker tables, interesting patterns, artwork and flowers all enhance this room with bohemian style.
Catch your dreams
I was amazed when I saw how many dreamcatchers showed up when I was searching for new-bohemian-style rooms. But it makes sense; new bohemians are dreamers. These webbed pieces, made of sticks, feathers and often a gem, were originally created by Native Americans. The most popular lore is that they catch bad dreams while letting the good ones filter through, while some clans believe they promote natural wisdom.
I was amazed when I saw how many dreamcatchers showed up when I was searching for new-bohemian-style rooms. But it makes sense; new bohemians are dreamers. These webbed pieces, made of sticks, feathers and often a gem, were originally created by Native Americans. The most popular lore is that they catch bad dreams while letting the good ones filter through, while some clans believe they promote natural wisdom.
Let your beads hang out
Whether replacing a door with hanging beads, using crystals to harness good energy or simply showing off a favourite turquoise necklace, new bohemians know the power of beads.
Whether replacing a door with hanging beads, using crystals to harness good energy or simply showing off a favourite turquoise necklace, new bohemians know the power of beads.
Know that architectural style doesn’t matter – boho can go with anything
Whether they live in a strictly traditional or an ultra-modern home, new bohemians can cosy it up. In this deconstructed saltbox, the owners did it with textiles, Asian vases turned into lamps, lots of textures and a photograph collection casually displayed on a big beam.
See the rest of this home
Whether they live in a strictly traditional or an ultra-modern home, new bohemians can cosy it up. In this deconstructed saltbox, the owners did it with textiles, Asian vases turned into lamps, lots of textures and a photograph collection casually displayed on a big beam.
See the rest of this home
TELL USDo you have a bohemian spirit? How does it show in your home? Please share with us in the Comments section (and we’d love to see your photos too)!
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A newly added room I wish had been on Houzz when I wrote this story:
Totally en pointe', Becky!
love the bohemian life!