Boho Home Decorating

Eclecticism

• Having a variety of furnishings and other decorative items is an important part of boho decorating. Mix antiques and vintage pieces from the '50s, '60s and '70s with contemporary items. Worn and rustic antiques serve as counterpoints for bolder retro pieces, such as vinyl chairs and brightly colored plastic end tables. Floral prints, matched throw pillows, rugs and crockery, especially teacups and saucers, go well with this style.

Color Palette

• For walls, go with deep, rich colors, such as shades of red, purple, brown and umber. Avoid bright hues. Damask wallpaper is also a good choice, as it evokes the French regency period in which the bohemian style originated. Any wooden antique or antique-style furnishings should be stained a dark mahogany or painted white or cream. The only bright or primary colors should be on retro or contemporary accent pieces.

Signature Pieces

• If you can afford them, or you can find a budget version, try to add one or two signature pieces. These should be antiques or recreations. Examples include a sturdy mahogany four-poster bed, complete with thick drapes, a regency-style sofa upholstered in velvet or a large and ornately carved armoir. Although these signature pieces aren't necessary to achieve a boho look, they can make a room look extra special.

Art and Accents

• It's a room's accents that really bring together the boho style in home decor. Paintings and other artwork should be mismatched and whimsical. Rather than choosing prints of well-known works, display a collection of framed pictures found at flea markets. Fill shelves and other surfaces with ornaments and pottery pieces. Again, these should be mismatched and seemingly arranged at random. But as careless as the boho style appears, it takes some thought to pull off the look.