What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes

warm colored boho bedroom


The modern boho style has emerged from the once-so-popular, deep-rooted bohemian style, and nowadays, it is taking over the interior design world. Modern boho, also known as urban boho, is a variation of bohemian style.

Urban boho adopts the most prominent elements of the bohemian style, such as rattan, macramé, and ethnic patterns on pillows and rugs.

In addition to these, differently from classical bohemian interiors, urban boho adds modern and unexpected elements as well.

So, how do we draw the line between boho and modern boho? Well, as Doğtaş, a modern furniture store, we have compiled a modern boho to-do list for you as you will see as you keep reading.

Before you go straight into how to create a modern boho home style, let’s define boho style and answer the question, “what is boho style?

What Does It Mean Boho?

boho living room with red armchair

You might have heard the term ‘boho’ a hundred times, but what does it mean boho?

Boho is the shortened form of the French word Bohémien. The term "Bohemian" used to refer to a particular group of people, gypsies, who traveled from Bohemia, a region in the Czech Republic.

Later, the word took on an addition to its meaning, referring to any artist, musician, actor, or writer who pursued an artistic life and was often poor.

The use of the word; bohemian in English dates back to the mid 19th century when it was adopted from the French. It gained meaning as to describe the unconventional and impoverished lifestyles of the artistic people in the major European cities.

Did the word stop taking on a new meaning there?

No, of course not. In the 1950s, boho culture was reshaped by a group of people known as the beat generation, which later paved the way to the hippie culture of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

That’s a short summary of the history of the word. What about today? Let’s take a look at the definition of modern boho home style.

boho style bedroom with warm colors

What is modern boho home style?

We have discussed the meaning of bohemian. Then, what is modern bohemian style or urban boho style? It is an updated version of the bohemian interior style.

Boho chic home decor adopts the unusual and bold items from its predecessor and combines them with the streamlines, relaxed features of the modern. Modern boho home-style highlights the natural elements, ethnic patterns, colors, and textures.

Modern Boho Style To-Do List

modern grey sofa and fireplace in modern boho living room

1. Fuse Colors with Patterns

What are the rules for mixing and matching colors and patterns in the modern boho-chic style?

None of the traditional decorating rules at all! Use bright colors and varying patterns such as florals, tribal prints, geometric and ethnic patterns for throw pillows.

You can also prefer subdued colors like mustard yellow or olive green. Opt for a simple, minimalist sofa such as the Doğtaş Luna minimalist sofa set to balance the bold patterns and colors.

2. Use Leather

grey suede sofa in a modern living room interior

Leather is a commonly-used material in boho-chic style. Use imitation suede or leather throw pillows or suede sofas such as Doğtaş’s cream suede sofa set; Lucca sectional sofa set.

This material adds to the eclectic energy of an urban boho living room. You can even pair the leather look with an artificial fur throw.

3. Add Ethnic Accents

Moroccan bohemian lantern in a dark bedroom

Given that the boho culture has a history of referring to wandering artists, ethnic accents play an important role to create boho vibes. Integrate a global feel with items like a Buddha statue, colorful Turkish lanterns, tribal prints to pull off the bohemian look.

Also, you may collect souvenirs from places you travel to or purchase global accents from import stores or retailers if you can.

4. Include Modern Furniture

round wooden coffee table

Since it is not just ‘boho’ but ‘modern boho,’ it is no surprise that you will need modern details as well as the bohemian.

In bohemian decor, things are exaggerated, unconventional, and too much of everything, if we might say, whereas, in urban bohemian, you should keep it casual and relaxed.

For example, for an urban boho living room, you can use a modern coffee table with a glossy surface and surround it with traditional boho elements.

This way, you will give place to the unusual and achieve a unique balance between boho and modern.

5. Opt for Natural & Raw Materials for Rustic Touches

pastel toned living room with rattan chair

No boho trend is complete without the use of natural and raw materials such as wood, sisal, rattan, and hemp.

Place items around in an urban boho living room or a modern boho-chic bedroom like macrame plant hangers, rattan hanging chair, and wooden decorative ladder. The key is to infuse natural and raw accessories in the decor.

6. Use Vintage Pieces as Boho Decor

wooden vintage dresser

The bohemian culture was adopted by the Americans in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. You can create a unique and interesting home space by adding mid-century vintage pieces, preferably from the aforementioned dates, to your modern boho decoration.

If you can’t find such pieces, use modern variations such as a vintage-style arc floor lamp or turn the tiny vintage pieces from the ‘70s into decorative accessories. For example, you can create a wall gallery from vintage magazine covers.

7. Do Justice to Bohemian Culture Like a Pro

blue and orange modern boho living room interior

Given that the bohemian culture was born from an artistic spirit, a modern boho style would not be complete without curated art and books.

Literary bohemians had more books laying around than any furniture. Place piles of books on side tables, coffee tables, and sideboards.

Create a wall gallery and display an eccentric collection of art prints for starters. Also, you can make use of music for your boho modern living room decor. Add a vintage pickup and pile of records for an artful atmosphere and bohemian ambiance.

8. Add Emphasis with Bold Wallpaper

green walls and cream couch

The use of bold wallpapers was common in the bohemian style’s blooming times. You can achieve a similar emphasis by using bold wallpaper in decoration.

For example, try creating a chic urban boho dining room with patterned wallpaper and combine it with a modern dining table. Then, add some texture using vintage seats with traditional textile covers.

This will certainly add spice and visual interest to the room.

And that’s it! We hope that now you know the answer to the question, ‘what is modern boho’ and that these tips above have inspired you to create your own boho-chic style interior!

Don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more decoration tips and inspiration.

Yayınlanma Tarihi: 29 Ocak 2021 Cuma