Decorating: How to Mix It Up for Effortless Boho Style
There’s an art to creating an effortless mix of colours, patterns and styles. Steal some tricks from these relaxed boho schemes
A mix of interesting finds, each with its own story to tell can make for a more inspiring space. Many people collect pieces over time and their style naturally encompasses different periods, while others take a shortcut and create the boho eclectic vibe in one go. Whatever your approach, take some inspiration from these homeowners, who have perfected this effortless style to a T.
Indulge in theatricals
Using pieces in unexpected ways (colanders as lights) or in surprising places (a gramophone in the kitchen) is the essence of boho. Let your imagination run wild!
Using pieces in unexpected ways (colanders as lights) or in surprising places (a gramophone in the kitchen) is the essence of boho. Let your imagination run wild!
Say yes to bare boards
The boho look works best with sanded floorboards, whether natural or painted, rather than wall-to-wall carpet. Add in a couple of bold, patterned rugs for a splash of colour.
The boho look works best with sanded floorboards, whether natural or painted, rather than wall-to-wall carpet. Add in a couple of bold, patterned rugs for a splash of colour.
Cosy up large spaces
To make the boho style work in an open-plan space, use screens or floaty curtains to give it the intimate, cosy feel it needs. Mismatched lighting also helps, with a combination of floor lamps, table lamps and pendants hung at different heights offering both a visual mix and different levels of lighting to set the desired mood.
To make the boho style work in an open-plan space, use screens or floaty curtains to give it the intimate, cosy feel it needs. Mismatched lighting also helps, with a combination of floor lamps, table lamps and pendants hung at different heights offering both a visual mix and different levels of lighting to set the desired mood.
Highlight architectural features
Architectural features, such as an exposed brick wall, enhance the boho look. Don’t have a brick wall? You can fake it with slip bricks or brick-effect wallpaper (try Caselio or Eijffinger).
Architectural features, such as an exposed brick wall, enhance the boho look. Don’t have a brick wall? You can fake it with slip bricks or brick-effect wallpaper (try Caselio or Eijffinger).
Forget the set
Instead of going for a matching table and chairs in your dining room, opt for two very different eras for a pleasingly mismatched look. These antique balloon-back chairs really stand out against the sleek and glossy white dining table.
Check out other ways to mix and match your dining room style
Instead of going for a matching table and chairs in your dining room, opt for two very different eras for a pleasingly mismatched look. These antique balloon-back chairs really stand out against the sleek and glossy white dining table.
Check out other ways to mix and match your dining room style
Curate collections
Whatever your passions – from taxidermy to typography to travel – shape your displays in unexpected places, but where guests are sure to see them. This arrangement of plates looks amazing – and surprising – in the bathroom.
Whatever your passions – from taxidermy to typography to travel – shape your displays in unexpected places, but where guests are sure to see them. This arrangement of plates looks amazing – and surprising – in the bathroom.
Layer neutrals for ‘boho lite’
If you’re veering towards boho but still can’t commit to an overabundance of colour, layering is your entry point to the style. Choose neutral shades, but vary the textures, materials and styles for an effortless, relaxed feel.
Like the boho look? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
If you’re veering towards boho but still can’t commit to an overabundance of colour, layering is your entry point to the style. Choose neutral shades, but vary the textures, materials and styles for an effortless, relaxed feel.
Like the boho look? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
A great way to go boho is to keep bigger items plain, simple and contemporary, then team them with vintage, colourful and playful accessories. The colourful chandelier and footstool, quirky cushions and clashing patterned armchair in this room instantly mix up and energise the plain scheme.
Browse other ways to incorporate velvet into your scheme