It seems like every other magazine and catalog I’ve received this year is touting “new bohemian” style; I haven’t seen those words used so much since Edie Brickell & New Bohemians topped the charts with “What I Am” in 1988. Even the most buttoned-up brands like Great Britain’s Burberry and usually all-American Ralph Lauren celebrated boho-spirit throwbacks in new ways. 

Some hear “bohemian” and recoil in fear of dust and clutter and being trapped beneath a Stevie Nicks collection–sized pile of scarves; I know this because I’ve seen your comments here on Houzz. But this is a misconception. The truth is, there is only one hard and fast rule for bohemian style, which is to express your own unique creativity however the heck you want to. New bohemians know that a quirky but curated collection isn’t clutter and that unplugging and lounging a bit can fuel creative fires. If you’re having trouble letting your new-bohemian flag fly, here are a few elements and loose guidelines. Put on a kaftan, fire up some tea and get inspired by these modern-day looks.

Part 1

1

Design Manifest

Fearlessly celebrate textiles. In the great trials of mixing and matching, there are no rules. Kuba cloth, suzanis, ikats, paisleys, crochet, geometrics, even tie-dye trimmed in pompoms — they’re all fair game. In fact, the more you mix in, the better they’ll all work together.

2

Be artful in new ways

One big watercolor-esque wall in this bedroom is unique and soothing. While one might think this wall was painted during a creative spurt involving tossing paint on the wall straight from the can late one night, this bohemian look was created in a modern way. It is a digital image taken from a small watercolor image, printed on canvas.

3

Enjoy alfresco meals

Forget the melamine plates and plastic silverware. New bohemians deck out their outdoor tablescapes like something you’d find in an elegant desert caravan tent. Intricate metal placemats, chargers, candleholders and ornaments, layers of luxe fabrics, stunning china and plenty of candlelight create extravagant settings for outdoor meals.

4

Ashley Camper Photography

Bring the indoors out. When I think of bohemians, I think of that iconic photo of Yves Saint Laurent and Marian McEvoy lounging on a rug and large pillows laid atop the grass outside his home in Morocco. 

New bohemians take advantage of warm climates and all of the new sun- and fade-resistant textiles available. On this lanai in Hawaii, tribal-print curtains, a chunky knit throw and a birdcage painted gold provide just the spot to recharge artistic batteries in the fresh air.

5

Ashley Camper Photography

Bring the indoors out. When I think of bohemians, I think of that iconic photo of Yves Saint Laurent and Marian McEvoy lounging on a rug and large pillows laid atop the grass outside his home in Morocco. 

New bohemians take advantage of warm climates and all of the new sun- and fade-resistant textiles available. On this lanai in Hawaii, tribal-print curtains, a chunky knit throw and a birdcage painted gold provide just the spot to recharge artistic batteries in the fresh air.

6

DiSipio Building Group, Inc.

Embrace botanicals. In addition to live plants and flowers, go for plants in your prints, artwork and fabrics. In this room embroidered botanical patterns on the pillows and a large-scale birch tree print on a screen bring the feeling of nature indoors.

7

Create focal points and curate

One thing people fear about a boho look is chaos. But many new-bohemian rooms are layered yet ordered and well curated. In this room a red paper lantern from Vietnam draws the eye, and the furniture and accessories are centered around a metal Moroccan table.

8

Don’t resist the fade

The wear and fading on this floor’s antique rug only add to its appeal. Also, the striking suzani on the wall is full of deep colors; the faded rug allows this piece to be the focal point.

9

Find an artistic community

Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles is a hotbed of new bohemians. The community is full of artists, actors, designers, writers and musicians who eschew the usual trappings of the Hollywood lifestyle. At actor Ian Harding and artist Sophie Hart’s house, a paisley umbrella and Moroccan lanterns set the scene for alfresco meals. 

10

Embrace a fringe element

Like the suede swaying on ’70s fashion icon Jane Birkin’s coat, fringe enhances new-bohemian rooms. It can appear in the form of macramé (as with the top plant holder seen here) or at the bottom of a window treatment. 

11

Practice the art of lounging

Throughout history bohemians have been known as being carefree, or sometimes looked down upon as being idle. New bohemians have no problem unplugging from all the distractions of modern society, shutting out the noise and taking time to get inspired. Channel your inner Talitha Getty while lounging on a Moroccan-style daybed. No Wi-Fi is allowed during recharge time.

12

Deborah French Designs

Take the lounging to the floor. New bohemians know that floor pillows and poufs serve as comfortable seats and lolling spots. This designer used kilims from Morocco. Also, the coffee table was crafted from a Moroccan window topped with glass, and the screen on the right was crafted from an Indian gate. This designer had the sofa pillows made from textiles from Uzbekistan.

13

Add layers in the bathroom

While soaking, new bohemians like to have textures and artwork around them, as well as a place to set a cup of steaming cup of Darjeerling tea. Woven rugs, wicker tables, interesting patterns, artwork and flowers all enhance this room with bohemian style.

14

Catch your dreams

I was amazed when I saw how many dreamcatchers showed up when I was searching for new-bohemian-style rooms. But it makes sense; new bohemians are dreamers. These webbed pieces, made of sticks, feathers and often a gem, were originally created by Native Americans. The most popular lore is that they catch bad dreams while letting the good ones filter through, while some clans believe they promote natural wisdom.

15

Let your beads hang out

Whether replacing a door with hanging beads, using crystals to harness good energy or simply showing off a favorite turquoise necklace, new bohemians know the power of beads.

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