Pekota Design
For those of us who don’t have the mental rigour for a strict minimalist style of interior decor, there are a number of other options. My current favourite is the bohemian style which has replaced the outdated Shabby Chic look.
Dreamy Whites
The Shabby Chic style exploded in the ‘80s and was based on the concept of ‘gently worn’ great British country houses, where families have lived for generations adding bits and pieces of furniture, carpets and decorative items on top of each other, without bothering to refurbish the older pieces.
Make Room
The idea was to make things look ‘old’ and worn, either by picking it up from a flea market, or making furniture look like it has been around for years. Many pieces were whitewashed with milk paint, and then sanded back to look older than they really were. However, the style is limited by its femininity and it’s appeal has waned.
Prachi Damle Photography
The new version is something that’s being described as bohemian or boho chic. The bohemian look also has an eclectic feel, but the focus is on adding an artistic edge, stronger colours and less worn-out looking furniture. Think of it as a more colourful, luxurious version of Shabby Chic.
What is bohemian style?
The word ‘bohemian’ is French for ‘gypsy’ and has been used to describe people who live a more unconventional and usually artistic life.
In design, bohemian usually refers to a striking blend of the carefree, relaxed style and luxurious, travel-inspired glamour.
There is also a touch of the ‘oriental’ to bohemian, with its emphasis on deep jewel tones, darker wood, brass and gold and Middle Eastern motifs mixed with 18th century fabric prints.
Madison Modern Home
You need to add layers of rich colours – particularly red and purple – and lots of texture via fabrics. Indulge in lots of pillows, cushions, rugs and throws to get the style. Add tassels and vases full of flowers.
Get the look:
When adding interior fabrics like throws and rugs to your bohemian look, incorporate a variety of textures. An easy way to do this is with a multicoloured throw – extra tassels are always good!
Make Room
Another type of ‘layering’ comes in the form of multiple decorative items or objets d’art (works of art that are not paintings and include large or medium-sized sculptures, decorative boxes and ceramics).
Monkey Sculpture - Suar d19
Get the look:
You can pick up interesting hand-crafted artwork from a variety of different places. It’s especially fun to look for themed pieces when you’re travelling.
Make Room
Rasa en Détail
“Embrace your personal style and fill your home with things that evoke memories. Simple editing can improve the look from totally messy to a chic bohemian style one can call one’s own,” says Jas Jhol of Sugarbakers interior design firm.
Get the look:
The bohemian style needs to look ‘purposefully messy’, you should think of using varying heights. Take this corner for example - the side table is casually next to the chair and that tall stack of books is there perhaps because someone’s just finished reading them all.
Originals Furniture Singapore
In Singapore, the bohemian style is somewhat confused with the eclectic style.
The eclectic style is less darkly opulent and more a mix of various textures, trends, styles and time periods which is lighter in colour and features more natural materials.
Free Space Intent
The eclectic style in Singapore is less about 18th Ottoman boudoirs and more about ethnic textiles and muted natural colours.
Another version of this features bright colours mixed with Peranakan features and lots of indoor-outdoor spaces.
Hopkins Designs
Get the look:
You need lots and lots of cushions, pillows and throws for your bohemian style. Stick to rich jewel tone colours.
Handwoven Cotton Rug - Burnt Umber (Full Image)
Get the look:
If you want to invest in some rugs, check out the huge range of traditional and modern rugs and carpets at Jehan Gallery. These are the real deal and worth investing in. You can also try for interesting rugs and home textiles – they also have lots of interesting decorative items.
Must add art
Bohemian style is about being a creative individual – whether you are actually an artist or not doesn’t matter. If you love art, this part will be easy – shop for artwork that you love and respond to; you don’t need to stick to a strict colour scheme, but obviously it will help.
"Unconditional Affection"
Get the look:
You can purchase quality artwork from galleries like Ode to Art, Kult Gallery, or Naiise for prints.
CLARE HAXBY PAINTINGS
The Affordable Art Fair is a fantastic place to pick up some original art too. It runs this year from November 16-18, at the F1 Pit Building. Prices range from $100 to $15,000.
"Chasing Dreams"
If you feel you’ve got some artistic flair, why not create your own work of art? You can learn different painting skills at SG Art Class, or hit the canvas armed with supplied from Art Friend. If you’re serious about becoming an artist, why not sign up for a workshop and use your SkillsFuture credits?
Another place to look for art and interesting decorative items are vintage furniture stores.
Michael Fiebrich Design
For a Singapore-appropriate Asian interpretation of bohemian style visit Journey East which specialises in Asian vintage pieces. The Heritage Shop is a traditional style secondhand store with treasures tucked in every corner.
Free Space Intent
TELL US
What’s your style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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