Wafflemama.: Home Style || Boho Home Styling

bohemian home style antiques thrift stores home decor

What is boho style?

The term 'boho' is widely used and it's easy to be confused as to what it really means. Boho style though simply means unconventional, mixed patterns , pre loved and is known for being associated with creative artists and free spirits. The term bohemian originally comes from the french word for gypsy. In terms of fashion, we'd most likely think of a festival style, with loose fitting, comfortable, layers, feathers, hair braids and big hats with those maxi dresses and denims. Pattern wise it tends to be florals, tie dies and mandala type prints, which ties in with the home style interpretation of boho too.

picture:cuckooland.com

When it comes to the home, boho style incorporates a look of someone that is well travelled, cultured, with perhaps lots of interesting artifacts and a somewhat 'random' unmatched style. The look that goes with someone typically 'bohmeian', (writers, artists, travellers) and includes patterns and keepsakes from far away lands. There tends to be earthy base tones, with bright pops of colour, metallics and natural fibres. Boho is a 'more is more' approach to home decor, without being cluttered but incorporating lots of styles to reflect life's adventures and interests. With furniture, boho tends to offer an upcycled, pre loved or hand made look, with pieces that tell a story or at least look like they do. Lots of throws, rugs, floor seating and a welcoming uplifting vibe to guests.

How to achieve the boho look

Lighting is key as with every style, but with boho it's very much more muted, soft and relaxing. Lanterns and candles light the way with table lamps more so than conventional ceiling lights. Add plenty of plants to add to the natural vibe of your home too, clearing the air and adding another texture of life to this welcoming space.

The boho look should be filled with items that tell a story, with heirlooms, souvenirs and hand made items, but just buying things you love that fit the theme along the way is just as good and will make their own story over time, especially if they were picked up somewhere memorable. You don't have to be well travelled and have hoards of antiques to pull off a good boho look though, so you can 'fake it til you make it' with some beautiful shop buys and still achieve a great look in your home.

In short, your boho style home should include lots of texture, textiles, pattern, story telling furniture and represent your life's stories, adventures and family. The boho home is welcoming, calming and truly a reflective home of those that live in it. Here's a few home buys that would fit perfectly into any space you want to give a splash of boho right now, starting with accessories;