Decorating
Living Rooms: How to Do Bohemian, Eclectic Interiors Minus the Chaos
Curate a boho showcase in your living room with a considered edit of your most striking pieces
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.
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 décor, 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 décor, 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’s put a lot of thought into their eclectic décor. 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’s put a lot of thought into their eclectic décor. 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.
Discover more tips for maintaining order in an eclectic style interior
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.
Discover more tips for maintaining order in an eclectic style interior
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 décor 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 décor 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.
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.
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 décor 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 décor 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 below.
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 below.
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.
Discover more ways to add sunshine yellow to your home