Posted June 7 in Expert Tips & Advice

Mastering the art of a modern bohemian interior design style

Taking its inspiration from the eclectic airy homes of Palm Springs, modern bohemian is one of this year’s most sought-after interior designs. Offering a cosy and calming aesthetic, this versatile style fits perfectly across a host of Victorian locations – be it breezy coastal suburbs, the tree-filled countryside, or abodes in inner urban suburbs.

‘In 2023, contemporary boho interior design speaks to a white, bright, and airy resort-style feel. While far removed from the boho vibes of the 70’s, this style still provides a sense of interest and homeliness,’ explains Boutique Homes Project Designer, Kat Moore.

Boho offers the perfect opportunity to deviate from the classic Hamptons or Coastal scheme and insert some personality while still being confident in the style’s longevity.

‘The most important thing is to ensure your home has good indoor-outdoor flow, staying true to the warm and natural boho roots,’ says Kat.

Looking to create a boho-inspired interior in your own home? Below, Kat shares her top tips for creating a modern bohemian interior that captures your personality and complements your lifestyle.

1. Stick to a neutral colour palette

Modern boho is all about a white, light, and airy base, mixed in with greige and bone feature hues. Think Dulux Vintage Linen as your primary colour, offset with the warmth of Dulux Pipe Clay.

‘Avoid any bright or pastel feature colours – modern boho is all about creating a neutral base for you to work from,’ says Kat.

‘I love using Caesarstone Cloudburst or Fresh Concrete for the kitchen and bathroom benchtops to bring softness and texture to the space, which typically has hard finishes.’

2. Add warmth through texture

Bring warmth to the neutral colour scheme by adding plenty of textures. Think woven floor rugs, throws, and 3D textural pillows. Wool carpets are a great addition to your theatre and bedrooms – look for one with different colour tones to create interest.

‘For something a little different, consider adding a pattern-less woven wallpaper feature wall to your bedroom, theatre room, or hallway nook,’ suggests Kat.

‘In an oatmeal or biscuit colour, this style of wallpaper brings a homeliness to the space without being overpowering or susceptible to dating.’

You can also get creative with your tile choices. ‘A beautiful Clay Chalk matte-finish tile with uneven surfaces can be laid in a variety of patterns to suit your style and personality,’ says Kat.

‘Ever-popular terrazzo tiles in softer tones are also a favourite in a boho bathroom or kitchen.’

3. Insert natural fabrics and finishes

Give a subtle nod to the warmer 70’s boho style through natural fabrics, materials, and plenty of greenery. Light to mid-tone timber like Polytec Prime Oak is the cornerstone of any modern boho home, particularly for your floors and cabinetry.

‘An effective trick to enhance the interest in your kitchen space is to use feature cladding to the rear and / or sides of your island bench,’ says Kat.

Prefer to steer away from excessive timber accents? Opt for subtle laminate colours, such as the Polytec Legato range.

‘Insert pops of tan leather and natural wicker in your furniture and add sheer linen window furnishings,’ suggests Kat. ‘Complete the look with natural and woven cane light fittings in organic shapes.’

As for which finishes to avoid? Gloss and metallics, and too much black. For example, stick to subtle champagne, brushed brass, or brushed nickel tapware in your wet areas.

4. Choose furniture in organic shapes

Feel free to play with your choice of furniture. Boho is all about imperfection – there’s no need for furniture to match. Untucked or ‘lived in’ linen bedding and preloved pieces are the hallmark of an authentic boho interior.

‘Ensure plenty of soft lines and organic shapes – nothing too harsh or square,’ says Kat.

Bookshelves and open shelving allow you to curate your personal pieces on display. Young families can ensure the space remains functional by incorporating plenty of built-in storage.

‘When it comes to artwork, feel free to get creative – landscapes, line drawings, and abstracts all work well. Just keep colour to a minimum to ensure it doesn’t overpower the space,’ adds Kat.

‘For an elevated look, frame your pieces in a complementary timber to the rest of the home.’

5. Create interest with your personal touches

While boho colour schemes and styling have similarities to Hamptons or Coastal styles, the point of difference comes from its eclectic nature. While still a clean style, Boho steers away from modern minimalism, allowing your personality to shine.

‘You can make this style as minimal or as eclectic as you like – just ensure it suits your taste and lifestyle,’ says Kat.

‘For young couples, this might mean a light and bright style filled with favourite mementos from your travels. Think handmade pottery, clay vases, macrame wall hangings, textured rugs, and throws.’

‘For young families with small children, you may need to be more practical and think about styling based on your family’s needs,’ adds Kat.

Ready to start your journey to find ‘The One’?

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