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Design style of the month: bohemian

Design Style of The Month: Bohemian

ICYMI, the Bohemian design style—carefree, organic layers of pattern, texture, and color that lack structure—is having a moment.

It's rich, playful, and cozy, cropping up in homes, corporate settings, spas, weddings, and retail spaces around the globe.

(Seriously, think about how many baby nurseries and cocktail bars you've seen on Instagram lately adorned in Monsteras, gold mirrors, beige throw rugs, and variously sized trinkets.)

It's also accessible and fully customizable to all, which is a homage to its humbling beginnings. The Bohemian design style first started appearing after the end of the French Revolution, when painters, writers, and other creatives faced an economic crisis that didn't afford them the luxuries of the French aristocrats. 

As they embraced a simple, minimalist lifestyle, these artists, already deeply immersed in art, music, and spirituality, began infusing their free-spiritedness into their fashion choices and living spaces. (When this fresh wave of artists emerged with their distinctive attire, they were initially likened by the general public to the nomadic gypsies hailing from the Balkan region of Eastern Europe, precisely a locale referred to as 'Bohemia.') So, too, did the beatniks of the transcendental Romantics period, the Aesthetics movement, and the 1960s and 70s hippie years, which is why the Bohemian style is more popular than ever today. 

Unlike other design styles, there are no hard and fast rules for making the Bohemian design style work in your home or office. Whether a minimalist, maximalist, or something in between, you can mix, match, and layer to create a uniquely creative visual space that truly epitomizes the Bohemian look.

Here are four ideas to consider:

1. Prioritize textures and layers.

While starting with a neutral, earthy base color in your Bohemian room is essential, layer it up with expressive textures and patterns to get the party started. Place a sapphire low-backed sofa or rattan chair over a khaki rug, for example, or create a corner book nook replete with a macrame hammock, splashy statement pillows, and a distressed trunk you found dumpster diving. Vintage, thrifty pieces you pick up at a flea market or on the side of the road will always thrive in a Bohemian space.

2. Become a plant parent.

Not only do botanicals reduce stress, improve air quality, and boost creativity and focus, they're great to look at. Consider easy and low-maintenance ones (especially if you're new to the plant game), like a Golden Pothos or ZZ plant or vibrant and tropical (a Swiss Cheese plant or Bird of Paradise). Lush, colorful succulents and cacti can also elevate your Bohemian space and tie the design style together.

3. Embrace cultural influences.

Hand-woven baskets and wool rugs from your last trip abroad or a refurbished side table from your great-grandmother have a place in any space, especially a Bohemian one that combines objects, colors, and patterns from many areas of the world. Allow these personal, unique pieces to make your house a home.

4. Incorporate statement lighting.

Though natural lighting is the best way to While natural lighting helps cultivate a clean, balanced flow in any Bohemian space, ambient, understated lighting (lanterns, candles, and floor and table lamps) can also do the trick, especially in small, windowless rooms. To help create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home or office, we recommend three of our lamps:

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Lark Floor Lamp, Brass
Lark Floor Lamp, Black
$139 $200
Rowan Floor Lamp
$139 $190
Glow Globe Plug-in String Lights
$59 $80
Serena Table Lamp, Beige
Serena Table Lamp, Red
Serena Table Lamp, Teal
Serena Table Lamp, Pink
$59 $75

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