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BOHEMIAN
STYLE
HISTORY
A Bohemian (/boʊˈhiːmiən/) is a resident
of Bohemia, a region of the Czech Republic or the
former Kingdom of Bohemia, a region of the former
Crown of Bohemia (lands of the Bohemian Crown).
In English, the word "Bohemian" was used to
denote the Czech people as well as the Czech
language before the word "Czech" became
prevalent in the early 20th century.[1]
In a separate meaning, "Bohemian" may
also denote "a socially unconventional person,
especially one who is involved in the arts"
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The name "Bohemia" derives from the
name of the Boii, a Celtic tribe who inhabited that
area towards the later La Tène period. The
toponym Boiohaemum, first attested by Tacitus,[2] is
commonly taken to mean "home of the Boii" (from
the Germanic root *haima- meaning "world, home")
In most other Western European
vernaculars and in Latin (as Bohemi), the word
"Bohemian" or a derivate was used. If the Czech
ethnic origin was to be stressed, combinations such
as "Bohemian of Bohemian language" (Čech
českého jazyka), "a real Bohemian" (pravý Čech),
etc. were used.
1

It was not until the 19th century that other
European languages began to use words related to
"Czechs" (as in
English, Tschechien in German, Tchèques in Frenc
h) in a deliberate (and successful) attempt to
distinguish between ethnic Slavic-speaking
Bohemians and other inhabitants of Bohemia. The
latter were mostly ethnic Germans, who identified
as "German Bohemians" (Deutschböhmen) or
simply as "Bohemians" (Böhmen)..
Currently, the word "Bohemians" is
sometimes used when speaking about persons
from Bohemia of all ethnic origins, especially before
the year 1918, when the Kingdom of Bohemia
ceased to exist. It is also used to distinguish
between inhabitants of the western part (Bohemia
proper) of the state, and the eastern (Moravia) or
north-eastern (Silesia) parts.
The different term "Bohemianism" was
associated with "a socially unconventional person,
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especially one who is involved in the arts", that
comes from the French word bohémien.[1]
Bohemian,’ as commonly used in the West
for the last two centuries, means a person who
lives an unconventional lifestyle, often with few
permanent ties, involving musical, artistic, or literary
pursuits. It is a notion which has come to in many
ways define and transform neighborhoods like the
East Village and Greenwich Village, which are
more strongly associated with the term than almost
anyplace else on earth.
in Paris in the early 19th century that the
term “bohemian” came to be associated with
people living an artistic and unconventional
lifestyle. But how did a term which literally referred
to a medieval
2
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WHAT IS THE BOHEMIAN STYLE ?

Bohemian is a of Mix Old and New with Reckless
Abandon. Although the essence of Boho-Chic is a vintage-
inspired version of “laissez-faire,” or, in other words, “let it
be how it will be,” the style benefits by juxtaposing older
items with more modern ones. For example, a sleek,
streamlined table could hold a colorful fringe-y table runner
with great effect.A lacquered swivel chair could accompany
an old, weathered secretary. Or, the more modern “white
space” could make an excellent background for other
Bohemian-style décor objects.

Bohemian Style embrace the Handmade. Just as

the entire style itself is focused on the sense of unique
individuality, handmade items are a perfect component.
Really, no two handmade items are alike. Whether the
handmade comes in the form of textiles, a braided rug
(photo), a sculpture, or an oil painting on the wall, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that the feeling of
individuality supersedes any prior notions of decorating dos and don’ts.

*Bohemian style had a massive resurgence in the 60s and 70s, with key features of what we call
retro or boho-chic. Wooden furnishings are a must, random and busy surfaces are typical and most things
come from outside of the design box! Bring spring’s 60s and 70s trends into your home decor with these
bohemian inspired incarnations.

• MO RO C C AN BO HO
Colourful lanterns, low tables and floor cushions lend a summer
bohemian feel to outdoor space. Invest in some ottomans, plush
furnishings, lanterns and netting.
.
When it comes to boho interior design, more is more: multi-tonal
ikat-inspired prints complement one another, they don’t clash in
such a melding pot of colour, texture and pattern.

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• E AS TE R N E U RO PE AN B O H EMI A
Think of burlesque gypsy wagons, beaded
embellishments, tassels and crochet curtains. This take on
bohemian interior design allows you to be messy and unruly,
but with flare and elegance. Take to your room with lace,
driftwood, jewellery and trinkets; anything from nature and
anything from your travels.

• WESTERN BOHO
Vintage leathers, tassels and butterfly chairs – high
canopies and low floor-beds. Think rustic timbers, and woody
furniture offset by sturdy materials made up of tie dye blankets
and hemp pillows to transform your space into a ’60s haven.
Tribal rugs and succulents cap off the Wild Western Boho
interior. Skip out on a sofa in place of a pillowed in fortress,
adorned with bright patterns and Navajo rugs.

• MODERN BOHO-CHIC
White on white is fantastic for boho interior, think white
painted timber floorboards, a few fairy lights as a canopy
above your bed and some plush furry throws over the
end of a vintage couch. Bold hues and rich textiles offset
white walls and earthy plants for a laid back ambiance.
You can never have enough plants or prints.
Chic meets boho when your old guitar collection makes
for cool, indie wall art. An all-white palette gets a ’70s-
inspired twist with the addition of an ornate rug and
pillows. Take your kitchen back to the ’70s with bright
patterned wallpaper or tiles in blues, oranges and
browns.

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Five Characteristics of Bohemian Style

Everything old is new again. Along with Midcentury Modern, another style from the ‘60s is
experiencing a revival: Bohemian Chic. Flowing and casual, this global look is reminiscent of the days of
flower children. Updated for today’s contemporary lifestyle, Boho Chic furnishings turn your home
surprising style oasis.

• Bright colors

Boho Chic isn’t for the shy. The

palette of this style is a rainbow of
shades, and the brighter the better.
Choose upholstery in striking fuchsia
or tangerine. Let a bright yellow rug
make a statement underfoot. And
add a painted wooden piece in a
shade like turquoise. The more
colors you can introduce, the more
your room will shine.

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• Layers

Boho Chic has a flowing feel,

and that includes layers of
fabrics. Add a throw to the arm of
a chair or sofa. Use lots of throw
pillows in a variety of designs –
especially if they are adorned
with beads and trim. Layer rugs
for an intriguing look. And pair
draperies with sheers at
windows.

• Mixed patterns.

In a Boho Chic home, patterns play together nicely. Don’t

be afraid to mix floral with paisley, chevron and stripes. Use
embroidered textiles as wall art. Find unexpected places to
introduce more patterns, such as lampshades, ottomans,
vases and rugs. Part of the fun of this style is that anything –
and everything – goes!

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• Ornate wooden accents

Wood furnishings in Boho Chic style have

beautiful carvings on legs, arms and trim. These
details add to the abundance of texture in the
room. Dark wood is a favorite, and pieces look like
they were handmade and passed down through
the generations.

• Natural element

From plants to stone, metal, shells and

feathers, Boho Chic interiors pay tribute to
Mother Earth. Fill the room with potted
plants. Look for accents that bring interest
to the room, such as a metal end table or
bowl filled with shells collected on the
beach. And add animal-inspired details,
such as statues, carvings or prints. This is
a style that thrives on energy.

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BOHEMIAN STYLE IN INTEROR DESIGN

• If you enjoy structure and order, you might want to give this
style a pass. But if you’re inherently drawn to free expression,
unconventional displays, and colorful collections.This is most
definitely the place where your own personal style and aesthetic can
shine.

• Bohemian Style Tip: Mix Old and New with Reckless

Abandon. Although the essence of Boho-Chic is a vintage-inspired
version of “laissez-faire,” or, in other words, “let it be how it will be,”
the style benefits by juxtaposing older items with more modern ones.
For example, a sleek, streamlined table could hold a colorful fringe-y
table runner with great effect.A lacquered swivel chair could accompany an old, weathered
secretary. Or, the more modern “white space” could make an excellent background for other
Bohemian-style décor objects.

• Bohemian Style Tip: Fill Every Space. With an eye toward variety and diversity in color and
form, choose objects that you love and use them to fill every
visual and physical spot in the space. Think outside the box in
layout, and think of each plane as an open book for you to fill.

• The sky is the limit, here – think art, books, furniture, fabrics,
pillows, sculptures, plants, lamps, or whatever else makes
your heart sing its free song. Remember, you’re trying to
create a cozy space full of life and a sense of the well-traveled,
well-lived person.

• Bohemian Style Tip: Embrace the Handmade. Just as the

entire style itself is focused on the sense of unique
individuality, handmade items are a perfect component.
Really, no two handmade items are alike. Whether the
handmade comes in the form of textiles, a braided rug (photo),
a sculpture, or an oil painting on the wall, it doesn’t matter.
The important thing is that the feeling of individuality supersedes any prior notions of
decorating dos and don’ts.

• Bohemian Style Tip: Less is Less, and More is More. As if to pack a space with as much
personality as possible, Bohemian style encourages a sense of stuffed-to-the-brim. This
mimics a feeling of overflowing with life, in a sense. An interior that embraces Boho-Chic

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should appear busy, almost chaotic, and yet confident and happy in
its fullness. Cover the walls with beloved items, fill surfaces with
textiles and color, and layer, then layer, then layer again

• Bohemian Style Tip: Look to the Lights. Soft lighting creates a

special, comforting atmosphere. This is a key element to show your
treasures’ best face in the space. Lighting options that hover around
the sense of serenity provide an excellent contrast to the near-
chaos that is everywhere else in your free-spirited Bohemian space.

• Bohemian Style Tip: Make the Space Your Own.

As you’ve no doubt realized by now, the individual is
what makes Boho-Chic such an inviting and
interesting style choice. You don’t need to change
your own style or life in any way to adopt a sense of
the Bohemian in your space.

• Be creative in the use of your furniture, bring in

rich, vivid colors of any hue, and go bold with any
patterns you happen to love. Throw in photos of your
family or favorite vacation spots. You don’t need to
edit your life or loves in a Bohemian space – the style
itself embraces it all.

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Bohemian Colors

While there are

no rules when it comes
to Bohemian decorating,
warm earthy colors are
common, as are
metallics and jewel
tones. You'll want to
think deep browns,
greens, and grays for
base colors, then
accessorize with
saturated purple, fiery
orange, and electric
blue. Combining and
layering colors is what
makes this style unique.

Feel free to mix patterns

and textures, and don't
be afraid to use styles
that wouldn't necessarily
go together in a
conventional way. Use
dyed textiles and patterns from around the world, like Ikat from Cambodia or Suzani from
Central Asia, to give the space a sense of fun and exoticism. Layer throws on top of furniture
and try hanging tapestries and area rugs on the walls alongside your photos and art. If this
all seems a bit much, keep in mind that while saturated color is key to Bohemian style, white
can have a place as a backdrop for richer tones; use it strategically to bring a little visual
space into the equation

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Decorative Materials

As the opposite of minimal, modern, and sleek, Boho embraces a "more is more"
philosophy. The key to using decorative materials in a Boho room is to mix and match.
Natural, basic materials like burlap and sisal can be combined with silk and chenille. The
materials should have a slightly worn look—not damaged, but not shiny and new either.
Fringe, crochet, and macramé abound—pillows, curtains, and throw-rugs combine to make
a cozy, globally inspired hangout. Canopies over bedsand living areas are signature Boho
embellishments.

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Bohemian Furniture

Bohemian furniture usually isn't

found in a store. These rooms
tend to be filled with furniture
collected over time, so second-
hand and vintage items are right
at home here. Each piece of
furniture should be special and
tell a story. Have fun exploring
your local vintage shops, and
choose each piece individually; if
you love it, it will fit right in.

Both you and your guests will feel

the Boho vibe with plush chairs
and couches in saturated colors.
Throw rugs or overstuffed floor
pillows will create a welcoming
floor-seating atmosphere. And
since a Boho room should have a
“sit and stay awhile” feel,
streamlined or straight-backed
furniture won’t be right here.
Choose comfortable, relaxed
pieces like chaises longues,
daybeds, or butterfly chairs.

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Lighting and Accessories

Ambient, understated lighting will unify your Boho room and complete the calm and
welcoming feel. Rather than overhead fixtures, decorate with multiple lanterns, candles, and
floor and table lamps. Today’s global design markets make it easy to find a variety of shapes
and styles—perfect for the mix-and-match look.

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Embracing the natural world is central to this style, so bring your room to life with ferns and
hanging plants. Not only do they lend vibrancy to a room, plants also improve air quality, so
the more the merrier. Philodendron and peace lilies are very forgiving and withstand a
variety of light and temperature levels. Or consider succulents—now widely available in a
range of colors and textures—which are great for people with a less-than-green thumb.
These eye-catching plants need little more than a sunny spot and occasional watering.

Finally, pull together your Boho room with family heirlooms, handmade items, and objects
from your travels. Accessories should tell your story, so feature what you love: tapestries,
vintage bottles, maps, or mismatched china—you name it. And keep in mind that while
Bohemian style tends to be eclectic, it can still be chic and glamorous, so don't be afraid to
try out an ornate chandelier or a chunky gold-framed mirror. The only rule is that every item
in the room should tell a story.

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