How to Go Bohemian in the Living Room and Skip the Chaos
A careful curation of some of your favourite objects can create transform a living room into a bohemian dream
Meera Innes
25 August 2015
Houzz contributor. Freelance writer and lover of beautiful things. I grew up in Japan so my taste in interiors runs to the minimalist with an emphasis on natural colours and textures - but the Indian in me can't say no to sumptuous fabrics in glorious jewel tones either! I'm a big lover of combining old with new, so expect to see plenty of upcycled pieces and interiors featuring contemporary twists on period character.
Houzz contributor. Freelance writer and lover of beautiful things. I grew up in Japan... More
Bohemian style is a natural fit for a living room, a place where we can display and enjoy our favourite objets d’art, punchy upholstery or statement lighting.
Items that have been collected over time lend themselves to an eclectic theme, resulting in an amalgam of styles that don’t always match; however, a truly eclectic look is a conscious, rather than accidental curation of contrasting pieces from different eras and influences, put together thoughtfully for a unique scheme that reflects your personality and taste. Eclectically-inspired rooms should look cohesive and natural – and these examples show how a clash of colours, patterns, textures and styles can complement one another for a harmonious, one-of-a-kind look that’s as stunning as it is original.
Items that have been collected over time lend themselves to an eclectic theme, resulting in an amalgam of styles that don’t always match; however, a truly eclectic look is a conscious, rather than accidental curation of contrasting pieces from different eras and influences, put together thoughtfully for a unique scheme that reflects your personality and taste. Eclectically-inspired rooms should look cohesive and natural – and these examples show how a clash of colours, patterns, textures and styles can complement one another for a harmonious, one-of-a-kind look that’s as stunning as it is original.
Contrast selectively
Eclectic, when done well, isn’t a free-for-all of colour and print. Key pieces that create a striking contrast are far more effective than a hodge-podge of mismatched items. Offset by plain white walls and flooring, the yellow, green and red pieces in this room can each be a focal point without competing for attention.
More ways to add sunshine yellow to your home
Eclectic, when done well, isn’t a free-for-all of colour and print. Key pieces that create a striking contrast are far more effective than a hodge-podge of mismatched items. Offset by plain white walls and flooring, the yellow, green and red pieces in this room can each be a focal point without competing for attention.
More ways to add sunshine yellow to your home
Go big or go home
If you love prints, why stop at one? There is so much going on here, from the contrast of the sofa against the rug to the in-your-face artwork and a bursting library, but it works thanks to the solid background colour of the bookcases and the muted walls.
If you love prints, why stop at one? There is so much going on here, from the contrast of the sofa against the rug to the in-your-face artwork and a bursting library, but it works thanks to the solid background colour of the bookcases and the muted walls.
Try a Scandi take on shabby chic
Mixing styles is a hallmark of eclectic decor, and if you don’t want to go too full-on, roughing up the edges of a style you already love is a great place to start. Here, a clean Scandinavian aesthetic is given the shabby-chic treatment with a few faded accessories and vintage pieces for a cosy and playful feel.
Mixing styles is a hallmark of eclectic decor, and if you don’t want to go too full-on, roughing up the edges of a style you already love is a great place to start. Here, a clean Scandinavian aesthetic is given the shabby-chic treatment with a few faded accessories and vintage pieces for a cosy and playful feel.
Make a black and white base
This living room clearly belongs to someone who has put a lot of thought into their eclectic decor. There is print everywhere, but it doesn’t overwhelm due to the mainly monochromatic colour scheme. This is then punctuated by welcome bursts of bright colour from select pieces of seating and a gothic-style chandelier.
This living room clearly belongs to someone who has put a lot of thought into their eclectic decor. There is print everywhere, but it doesn’t overwhelm due to the mainly monochromatic colour scheme. This is then punctuated by welcome bursts of bright colour from select pieces of seating and a gothic-style chandelier.
Set a neutral baseline
The whimsical theme in this room achieves consistency because it sticks to a palette of sherbet shades that are repeated in smaller accessories throughout the room. The neutral walls and floor maintain a sense of order and ensure focus stays on the statement artwork.
The whimsical theme in this room achieves consistency because it sticks to a palette of sherbet shades that are repeated in smaller accessories throughout the room. The neutral walls and floor maintain a sense of order and ensure focus stays on the statement artwork.
Embrace the unexpected
A bohemian aesthetic has the power to totally transform a space, as seen in this living room with a period fireplace and cornicing. Establishing a uniform base and using a bold colour, such as black or navy, will create a compelling backdrop for flashes of colour and a collection of curated pieces that reveal your personality.
A bohemian aesthetic has the power to totally transform a space, as seen in this living room with a period fireplace and cornicing. Establishing a uniform base and using a bold colour, such as black or navy, will create a compelling backdrop for flashes of colour and a collection of curated pieces that reveal your personality.
Use the element of surprise
The decidedly rustic, masculine feel of this cabin gets a flamboyantly hippie twist from the multi-coloured display along a single wall. By separately grouping contrasting elements, such as the collections of colourful pottery and taxidermy seen here, the varied decor styles are kept looking neat and ordered, not chaotic.
The decidedly rustic, masculine feel of this cabin gets a flamboyantly hippie twist from the multi-coloured display along a single wall. By separately grouping contrasting elements, such as the collections of colourful pottery and taxidermy seen here, the varied decor styles are kept looking neat and ordered, not chaotic.
Believe in the dark
No one said eclectic has to be colourful, as proved to stunning effect by this display of dark pieces on a grey backdrop. Splashes of brightness from white accessories and pale-green velvet upholstery bring just enough relief to the austere theme, and an abundance of greenery and flowers keeps things feeling fresh.
Dark and moody rooms that are anything but gloomy
No one said eclectic has to be colourful, as proved to stunning effect by this display of dark pieces on a grey backdrop. Splashes of brightness from white accessories and pale-green velvet upholstery bring just enough relief to the austere theme, and an abundance of greenery and flowers keeps things feeling fresh.
Dark and moody rooms that are anything but gloomy
Be playful with a statement print
An eclectic style is not about playing it safe – for example, if you have a single wall to decorate, pick a wallpaper that will add impact. Even if the rest of the decor isn’t as punchy as that displayed in this living room, the library-themed wallpaper sets an eclectic tone all by itself.
An eclectic style is not about playing it safe – for example, if you have a single wall to decorate, pick a wallpaper that will add impact. Even if the rest of the decor isn’t as punchy as that displayed in this living room, the library-themed wallpaper sets an eclectic tone all by itself.
Hunt for antiques
Many older pieces have a surprisingly modern appeal and hidden potential that just needs to be tapped into. Reupholster a vintage chair in a vibrant print for a stunning addition to a contemporary eclectic space, then further update vintage finds by interspersing them among newer items.
TELL US
Do you embrace a little eclecticism in your home? Let us know how in the Comments.
MORE
So Your Style Is: Eclectic
How to Channel Your Inner ‘New Bohemian’
Gypsy in Your Soul: 10 Steps to a Bohemian Bedroom
Many older pieces have a surprisingly modern appeal and hidden potential that just needs to be tapped into. Reupholster a vintage chair in a vibrant print for a stunning addition to a contemporary eclectic space, then further update vintage finds by interspersing them among newer items.
TELL US
Do you embrace a little eclecticism in your home? Let us know how in the Comments.
MORE
So Your Style Is: Eclectic
How to Channel Your Inner ‘New Bohemian’
Gypsy in Your Soul: 10 Steps to a Bohemian Bedroom
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@candijg, I would suggest you post in the advice section as people are more likely to see it........I've had great responses from a similar query before!!