What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (2024)

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (1)


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?

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (2)

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.

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (3)

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

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (4)

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

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (5)

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

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (6)

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.

  • Take a look at our Turkish Home Decoration Tips for a Home Like a Palace for inspiration.

4. Include Modern Furniture

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (7)

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

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (8)

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

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (9)

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

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (10)

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

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (11)

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.

What Is Modern Boho? Ultimate Guide To Boho-Chic Homes (2024)

FAQs

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

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.

What is the difference between boho and boho chic? ›

No boho outfit is complete without accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and dangly earrings. Boho chic is a more curated boho look. Pieces may be more closely fitted, more coordinated and use more neutral colors than boho, but the style is still very self-expressive.

What is modern boho? ›

It showcases color, texture, and pattern in a relaxed way. It's electric and shows off personal style with one of a kind flea market finds or even passed down paintings, quilts, and more. Often, bohemian decor uses natural and at times rustic materials, such as wood or rattan.

What does boho mean in a house? ›

Boho style is a free-spirited aesthetic that mixes different cultures and artistic expressions into an eclectic style with an emphasis on organic elements and nature. When putting together your boho style space, mixing patterns, metals, woods, materials, animal hides and trinkets from your travels is highly encouraged.

What does boho chic stand for? ›

Boho-chic is a style of fashion drawing on various bohemian and hippie influences, which, at its height in late 2005 was associated particularly with actress Sienna Miller, model Kate Moss in the United Kingdom and actress/businesswoman Mary-Kate Olsen in the United States.

What color is boho chic? ›

Some of the most common colors in a boho colour scheme are yellow, brown, white, light grey, blue, and red. A combination of these colors may be too much visually in other styles, but boho just finds a way to make them work and look effortlessly cohesive.

What dress code is boho chic? ›

Off-the-shoulder necklines are typical for boho-style dresses, but you may also find standard necklines, deep V-necks, and square necklines. The essential components of a Bohemian Attire include lace, patchwork, embroidery, and various colors. A dress in a solid color with a boho vibe is impossible to find.

Can you mix boho and modern? ›

Include Modern Furniture

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.

Is boho chic still in style? ›

The core of boho aesthetics is all about being artistic and carefree. It is still the same in 2024 but has a modern take. A lot has changed since this style was first invented, like the lifestyle of people, the introduction of technology, and the style and size of homes.

How to decorate a modern bohemian? ›

A modern boho-style interior can be a maximalist space filled with color, pattern, texture, and a multitude of vintage and global decor objects. Or it can feature a streamlined interpretation of the style with white walls, woven accents and furniture, and natural decor elements like plants and dried florals.

Does boho go with farmhouse? ›

Boho farmhouse style beautifully mixes both of these distinct styles. When blending the styles you will often see the bold bohemian patterns toned down, in neutral, texture filled, shades and mixed in with those traditional farmhouse items.

What is boho style hair? ›

Boho hairstyles tend to be soft, flowing, and earthy—nothing too tight or perfect. Think long waves, loose braids, and face-framing strands. It's also the perfect excuse to weave some flowers, greenery, or other nature-inspired elements into your look.

What is boho food? ›

Almost all organic foods are Boho, with a strong preference for homemade, home-baked goods, pastries, fresh cold cuts of meat and cheese served on wooden plates. The same goes for all drinks, from beers to hard liquor, anything goes as long as it's served in a beautiful, rugged beer glass, a glass jar or a wooden cup.

What is the difference between boho and modern boho? ›

Modern boho is a mixture of contemporary style and functional furniture pieces with traditional, travel-inspired decor. Traditional boho is slightly more relaxed, and designed for a nomadic lifestyle.

Is boho still in style in 2024? ›

Boho style is by no means a new trend, but 2024 has updated this earthy look. Inspired by organic shapes, colors, and a free-spirited attitude, bohemian style is easy and breezy. However, 2024 is giving the boho look a darker twist with deep-colored accent walls and jewel tones peppered throughout the home.

What is boho slang for? ›

a person who is interested in artistic and unusual things, for example art, music, or literature, and lives in an informal way that ignores the usually accepted ways of behaving: Brooklyn bohos. Synonym. bohemian.

What is considered boho fashion? ›

Throughout history, Bohemian fashion has undergone significant transformations, reflecting the cultural shifts and influences of each era. Today, contemporary Bohemian fashion embraces flowing fabrics, vibrant colors, and natural, woven materials instead of knits.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 5857

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-12-23

Address: 4653 O'Kon Hill, Lake Juanstad, AR 65469

Phone: +494124489301

Job: Marketing Representative

Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking

Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.