Bohemian Style Decorating

‎ Bohemian style decorating is all about living simply and expressing one’s creativity throughout the design. The Bohemian way of life is traditionally linked with free thinking counterculture and is influenced by the gypsy lifestyle. Inspiration for this type of décor comes from the art colonies of nineteenth century Europe where musicians, actors, artists, and writers converged into avant-garde communities.

Living Like a Bohemian

One of the first steps to creating a Bohemian vibe is to paint your walls and ceiling. White walls are not welcome here! Color palettes in Bohemian style decorating are deep and rich without too much brightness. Also, using multiple colors in the design is key to achieving the right mood. Daring color combinations are appropriate in Bohemian rooms when they are well planned. Think of saturated primary and secondary hues like red, yellow, blue, orange, green, and purple. Strong pastels or even neutrals can be mixed in for dramatic contrast.

Choose the same tone for each color, and they can be used in endless combinations. At the paint store, one way to do this is to select colors from the same position on the swatch. For example, the third red down on one swatch should tonally match the third yellow down on another swatch of the same paint brand. It’s not fool-proof, but it’s a good place to start.

Furnishings in Bohemian Style Decorating

An artist’s sense of romance should be instilled into a Bohemian room. Comfortable sofas and armchairs with a Victorian flair are right at home in this design style. Tapestry print fabrics and velvets can add to the theatrical atmosphere when used on upholstery. Dark stained wooden furniture is important to a Bohemian look along with chunky, substantial pieces. To counter the rich color palette and heavy furniture, use dreamy sheer or lace fabrics on windows and bed linens.

Accessories in a Bohemian home are those of a well-traveled collector who appreciates the little details. Old books and vintage maps are ideal for display on shelves and tables. Interesting accents like magnifying glasses, musical instruments, ornate boxes, or aged photographs can add charming appeal to the space. Reflective surfaces like mirrors and metallic accents will help bring glints of light into the jewel-toned rooms. Artist’s canvases displayed on walls or easels will emphasize the imaginative theme.

Since greenhouses were popular in the Victorian era, greenery is right should be part of a Bohemian design. Live plants with rich greens and flowering plants are wonderful additions to this theme. Variegated plant species with white highlights can also provide a nice distinction against the rich color scheme.

Lighting is another opportunity to show your own creativity in Bohemian style decorating. Funky crystal chandeliers and multi-colored fixtures will cast an avant-garde glow. Simply using a softly colored light bulb in a traditional lamp can generate a Bohemian mood. A gypsy vibe can be easily be produced by adorning a lampshade with a colorful scarf. Candlelight is another Bohemian lighting must-have. For a safer more modern option, check out the latest battery-operated flameless candles such as those made by Candle Impressions.

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