Zest for panache

Boho decorating is meant for those who have panache in life and want their homes to reflect this free spirited zest. ‘Boho’ is a shortened form of the word ‘bohemian,’ which refers to gypsies who travelled from Bohemia in the former Czechoslovakia.

The word later evolved to include any artist, writer, actor or musician who led a nomadic and carefree lifestyle. Today, this design aesthetic blends art and culture while making sense of the weird, quirky and curious. The vibe of a bohemian styled home is relaxed and casual.

Here’s how you can use bohemian and hippie influences when styling your domicile’s interiors.

ETHNIC CULTURE Boho homes display an eclectic mix of art and publications from around the world. Pile up those coffee-table books; hang art deco prints, drawings, photos and paintings; and display floor to ceiling bookshelves in the living room.

Arrange bookshelves with beautiful and authentic travel souvenirs, and other ethnic objects.

THAT RETRO LOOK Furniture and art displayed in Bohemian styled homes should be reminiscent of the hippy or flower power counterculture of the 1960s and ‘70s. A simple way to achieve this is to frame monochrome life-size posters of celebrities from this era.

Record players, old radios, bright chaises longue and vintage side tables help achieve the look you are aiming for. However, keep the main furniture modern in order to maintain a balance and not appear over-the-top. SUNDRY CUSHIONS Decorate with floor and sofa cushions in bright rainbow colours. Also get creative with a combination of florals and paisleys, mixing them with ethnic motifs, arabesque lines and geometric patterns.

However, limit these to a maximum of two in a room.

MIXED FEELINGS Experiment with textures like wood, fabric or wicker in different rooms of the home. Keep the ceilings high to ensure a more sophisticated and spacious look as boho interiors tend to make spaces look cluttered.

NATURALIST VIBE Boho inspired houses always incorporate nature with lots of fresh flowers and house plants.

Potted plants can be placed in wicker baskets while bunches of fresh flowers could be displayed in coloured glass vases to add to a free spirited vibe in the home.

LIGHTING WHIMSY The more elaborate boho light fixtures include whimsical glass and crystal chandeliers while bamboo lamp shades also fall into the same category.

Choose what works best for your spaces depending on the colour scheme and furniture.