How to Create a Boho Look in Your Home

Eclectic and Global boho design inspiration for your home

I love the new trend affectionately called Boho Chic. If you are sitting there wondering what I am even talking about do not fret. The entire concept of Bohemian or “Boho Decor” was completely new to me to until very recently. And if you’re like me and like to hang out on Instagram you’ve likely seen the bohemian decor that is trending now, it’s everywhere. Call it what you like, Eclectic, Tribal, Boho Chic. It’s definitely a powerful design trend and so much fun to achieve. I am going to break it down and share some easy ways you can embrace this new trend in YOUR home. I will highlight three of my favorite design sources that have been integral in this process, Juju Boutik, Ty’s Knots and The Dancing Tapestry.

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.

Plants | Natural Materials & Fibers | World Vibe | Bold Hues | Mixing Prints

 

Elements of Boho Decor

First off, let’s discuss the different elements of Boho Decor.

Plants

• Any kind of plants:  succulents or tropical, the more the better. If your house is starting to look a bit jungle-like, you’re on the right track.

Natural Elements

Natural elements can be the use of wood, rattan, fibers as in macrame, crochet and woven art. Think 70’s retro vibe and you’ll be in the groove. Get it? As in ‘groovy’?

Ok, If you weren’t alive in the 70’s, never mind.

Boho Macrame

Yes folks. Macramé is back. And it’s more alluring than ever. If you’re feeling crafty feel free to get weaving. Or just sit back and enjoy these beautiful pieces you can have hand made for you. My friend Ty from Ty’s Knots is so so talented. She is the source behind my macrame wall hangings AND my macrame hanging plant holders. Shop all her designs below. Ty has been creating macrame pieces for about 8 months, but with her dedication to creating unique quality pieces it looks like she has definitely found her niche. She gladly accepts custom orders and is a dream to work with.

“My designs are inspired by my love for gardening and the natural rustic beauty of the world. I want to bring functionality and style into your home and garden with a new spin on macrame. Ty’s Knots is my way of creating modern and high quality home decor items for you!” ~ Ty Long  

She adds, “I am striving to make Ty’s Knots a way for me to not only design and make high quality decor pieces, but a chance to teach and to inspire others to follow their passions.”  She hopes to one day be able to provide Macrame DIY Kits and workshops in her area.

Boho Tapestries

This hand-dyed fiber art piece is another way I’ve jumped on board and fallen in love with the new Bohemian decor style. I love how unique it is. I am crazy about texture, and this is incredible 3-D art for your wall. Each piece is actually a piece of original artwork. It was love at first sight for me. Meet Alicia from The Dancing Tapestry. Alicia is a true artist creating her hand-dyed bohemian fiber tapestries one by one. You can follow Alicia on Instagram @TheDancingTapestry and check out her all her gorgeous tapestries here:

Alicia has a Master’s degree as a contemporary choreographer, but after she had children getting to the dance studio was difficult. Dip-dying was her way to find completeness in the creative process again. Alicia is self-taught, and over the past couple of years she has honed her own particular style which involves a sense of whimsy and delight. She uses the natural fibers of wool and alpaca to allow her colors to be vibrant. She is influenced by her surroundings so you’ll often see ocean and desert themes along with the influences of her two young daughters.

Each piece is cut, strung, and hand-dyed with love by her in San Diego home. Some pieces are quick dip-dyes, while others require several layers and special techniques which usually requires 2-3 weeks to create. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation and shows her exquisite attention to detail.

 

Boho World Vibe

Another way to capture a Boho Chic vibe in your home is to include unique pieces that add cultural interest. You don’t have to be a world traveler to look like one these days. Unique pieces like this African Juju hat are one fabulous example of this. Talk about a conversation piece. My walls fight over this amazing work of art. Gone are the days when we need to decorate our walls with a framed, 2-dimensional (read: boring) piece of art. I love adding surprising elements with character and texture to my walls.

Boho Decor: Juju Hats

The story of the Juju hat comes all the way from Cameroon where each headdress takes 2-3 entire days to make. They are hand woven by Bamileke tribes and made out of real feathers. They symbolize prosperity and wealth.

Meet the adventure-loving sisters behind Juju Boutik, Elisa & Danielle. Their love for “global decor” actually found its origin while on an African adventure of their own. It was love at first sight when they first spotted these exquisite headdresses and they could immediately see their worldwide appeal. They find real meaning in bringing these examples of authentic tribal art to you all while helping support the local economy of Cameroon.

For the full story of the Juju hat and to look through the amazing assortment of colors offered by Juju Boutik head to their website www.jujuboutik.com. Use our coupon code THEDESIGNTWINS10 to receive 10% off your order.

The wooden tray in the above pic is a “found” item I purchased recently, it could be from Africa or Asia. All I know is it looks super cool.

Fun fact about us, Julie and I used to be a world travelers. I lived in France, Morocco, Turkey and Mexico. Julie lived in France and Singapore. Too bad we were mostly impoverished students and then teachers (not much better) during these periods. We didn’t have the finances to buy too many items and bring them home. We both did, however, have the good fortune to fall in LOVE with art and decor from all over the world. Julie fell in love with Asian decor, and you’ll see some Asian influences mixed into her home. I fell in love with all things Moroccan. So, when I was putting together my living room makeover this Moroccan style chandelier was the perfect choice.

Bold Boho Hues

Next up, COLOR. Bright, bold colors are a wonderful way to add some bohemian style to your home. Try painting an accent wall in an exciting color like I did. Then try bold decor accents like this gold pineapple and you’re in business. Paint color is “Deepest Sea” by Dunn-Edwards.

Pattern Mixing Adds a Fun Boho Feel

The only thing better than ONE fun pattern is MIXING it with another. Look for Ikat, mudcloth or tribal prints. I’m a neutral girl at heart so I usually keep my patterns to grays, tans and black and white, but the sky is the limit here.

Feel free to choose whichever colors inspire you. Blues are particularly exciting in this pattern mixing trend. Remember, decorating should be an expression of you and what your heart is drawn to. How about a colorful Moroccan pillow? Or bringing in pattern & color with a rug?

Boho Style is for Everyone

What’s not to love? Bohemian style is:

• organic
• unique
• creative & imaginative
• contemporary
• eclectic
• on-trend

As you can see a Boho chic vibe is fun and easy to achieve. And one of the best parts is that this trend mixes effortlessly with almost any decor. The organic elements of Boho blend well with both modern and traditional. Boho adds whimsy to more conservative styles. These elements can bring an updated look to your current decor. It’s always rewarding to evolve and have a  fresh take on your home. We hope you enjoy mixing in one or more of these components to create your own unique fusion of decor.

Happy Decorating, Friends!