How to Get the Global Boho Chic Look at Home (Part II)
Welcome to the second and final part of our discussion on modern global bohemian chic - what it is and how to nail it. In part one we explored the history of Bohemia itself. We then connected the dots from the origins of Bohemianism to its nearly 200-year evolution into what is now one of the most popular home decor movements and lifestyles.
Yep, the globally inspired bohemian style is definitely here to stay! If you're looking for ways to authentically incorporate sensual and carefree boho chic vibes in your home, keep reading.
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What Global Bohemian Chic is NOT
But first a word... As with any style of decor, there are various ways of expressing it. The same is true for bohemian. Nowadays, bohemian and eclectic interiors are often portrayed as chock full of excess and redundancy. A far cry from the original intent of the aesthetic to live a more frugal life.
Someone once said, "when decorating a space, take away 5 things until the finished space makes you cry". This statement captures the essence of soulful decorating and bohemian eclectic decor. So let's pick up where we left off, shall we? Below are five more distinct ways to pull off this sultry decorating style.
“When decorating a space, take away 5 things until {the finished space} makes you cry.”
1. Study the Art of Layering
I stated this as eloquently as I could above. But for all you straight-shootin' conversationalists who may have missed my efforts to be tactful, chic layering does not mean junky, cluttered or tacky. If that's how you roll though, by all means, go for it. But chic-anything is always stylish, and smart. Never excessive.
Layering colors and textures is certainly a trademark of globally eclectic bohemian chic spaces. The "chic" part, though keeps the design style trimmed and sophisticated, with clearly identifiable focal points. The goal is to seamlessly mix and match contradicting textures and pieces with a controlled hand to add depth and character to your home. The result is an added element of suspense that is simply mesmerizing.
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So how can you determine where to draw the line between soulful decorating and hoarding? Here are the two indicators I use:
Cleaning. Cleaning? Yes, cleaning. If the mere THOUGHT of how much time it will take to move items to clean whatever room you're styling exhausts you. You may have gone too far.
Lack of negative space. If you can no longer see the corners of your boho room, that could mean there’s too much in the space. Eyes need a place to “rest” even when they’re looking at something beautiful.
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Two throw pillows in different textures or patterns, a piece of driftwood and a sisal area rug all constitute a layered look. Obviously more than the 4 elements mentioned may be needed to complete a space. The key is to be more conscious and intentional about your design choices.
2. Incorporate Metallics in Your Bohemian Spaces
Including personal, vintage or collections from your travels into your boho home are a must. Generally, such things though are not bright and shiny. A touch of metallic helps to breathe fresh air into an otherwise earthy robust space. They also elevate a space, making it more current, modern - relevant.
3. Tassels and Fringe
Tassels and fringe are clever details that add opulence, without the expensive price tag. I have always been obsessed with them! To create an organic bohemian look, I tie them on doorknobs and furniture pulls. I even use tassels on decorative sculptures, side tables, and lamps. In an upcoming post, I'll show you how easy it is to make your own.
4. Add Plants
Have you ever seen a bohemian-inspired space without plants? Me neither. Besides their beautiful aesthetics, plants enrich our lives. They improve air quality and are known to reduce stress and create a feeling of well-being, both mentally and physically. Many who ascribe to the boho lifestyle are conscious of these facts.
5. Add Wallpaper for A Bit of Wanderlust
You might be surprised to know that even though wallpaper is featured in several rooms of my home, I'm not always eager to use it. When I do use it, I'll only wallpaper one wall of any space. Blogger buddy Jewel Marlowe and I have joked in the past about my “wallpaper commitment issues”. I'm working on it. LOL!
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Yet all “commitment issues” aside, wallpaper that evokes memories of places I've traveled goes straight to my heart! The hot-fuschia damask wallpaper in my living space transports me back to Italy, France, and Spain. Bali-inspired prints on the walls of my hallway conjure up memories of El Yunque National Forest, Maui and the lush remote parts of Dominican Republic.
Some of you may have realized by now that many of the items listed in this 2-part series are not really new. But I hope that I’ve presented them in a way that makes you more thoughtful about how you create this aesthetic in your own home. And at the very least, I hope made it an entertaining discussion.
What do you think about the concept of Global Bohemian Chic?
What did you think of this 2-part series?
Would you like to create a Global Bohemian Chic look in your home?
