iwantiwantiwant.com.au Blog

Dec

2011

Boho chic

Posted by Ria

Image from www.dowithlove.wordpress.com

One of the coolest, most eclectic, and budget friendly styles you can get is Boho or Boho chic. Bohemianism is the practice of an unconventional and creative lifestyle with a disdain for societies rules…and the Boho look is exactly that. Conventional style rules do not apply. Vibrant colours stylishly clash, multiple patterns elbow each other for your attention, thrift shop finds hold centre stage, while Moroccan lanterns hang out happily with German clocks and Danish armchairs. But… as with fashion, the boho style can go terribly wrong if not done with flair and a good bone structure (Sienna Miller vs Lindsay Lohan…).

Image from www.honestlywtf.com

First stop, as always, is your colour palette. The Boho look is dependent on colour and pattern to give it style, so go vibrant and have fun. Purples, oranges, yellows, reds, greens and blues… they all have a place in a boho scheme. Remember that you will be layering more colour and patterns with throws, cushions, rugs etc. The easiest way to begin is to find fabric you love that has multiple contrasting colours…and use that as your starting point. Once you have found a great fabric you can then be sure the colours work together and all you need to do is find items with similar colours.

Image from www.emeraldsrain.livejour.com

Be eclectic. If you have a love of foreign lands and particularly the colourful patterns of the Middle East, India and Asia then this is the style for you. Bringing together various global influences is an important part of the Boho look. As is the vintage component. Bohemian’s are generally low on money and high on talent, so well chosen thrift store finds reflect their ability to elevate the mundane to the fabulous.

Image from www.anindiansummer-design-blogspot.com

If you’ve saved money at your local Vinnies with your accessories, or even furniture…then spend a little on a truly gorgeous antique mirror and light fixture. These are the “good bones” I mentioned before…crucial to ensure the overall look doesn’t end up a little second hand roseish.

Image from www.blessedwildapplegirl.tumblr.com

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! More is more with this style, so have fun and be careful not to have odd voids in the room. If you’ve made three quarters of the room beautifully busy with a mix of old and new, then don’t have a sad corner left empty. Amongst your accessories add a little random sparkle. Metallic bowls or lanterns scattered about, or even gold or bronze painted furniture help give a romantic glow to the room. And finally, don’t forget your candles…loads of different sizes, colours and shapes… at different levels throughout the room.

Some more Boho images to inspire you…enjoy x