Bohemian Style in Home Interiors

The Boho or Bohemian Style embodies a free-spirited aesthetic that fuses global cultures and artistic expressions into a distinctive look, emphasizing organic elements and nature.

When I first moved to NYC, I enjoyed shopping at Pearl Paint and Indian stores on lower Lexington Avenue for unique home decor and clothing. I worked in Bloomingdale’s Store Design and Planning Department for Barbara D’Arcy, the visionary behind the iconic model rooms known for their global influences and rich jewel tones. Our apartment featured a mix of bean bag chairs and pink Eames lounge chairs, among other eclectic pieces.

Today, the Boho style reflects personal expression rather than an unconventional lifestyle. It is characterized by its use of white walls or unique screens to highlight distinctive items such as wicker, rattan, and wood. Jewel tones, metallics, animal rugs, and global fabrics for throws and pillows are common, with furniture including butterfly chairs, ottomans, daybeds, hanging chairs, and lounge chairs.

From my weekend visits to flea markets, I’ve discovered beautiful finds like gold metal leaf-pattern wall art, Venetian-style mirrors, wheat-sheaf end tables, bamboo-framed mirrors, and green serving pieces for a long window ledge. Exploring these markets is an adventure—don’t forget to check eBay for great deals!

Plants are key accessories in Boho decor, offering a nod to nature. Consider adding a Bird of Paradise or Chinese Money plant with its perfectly round leaves.

On a fashion note, I’ve recently become enamored with the Kafkan, a traditional garment worn in Central Asia, India, and by various Turkic and Ottoman cultures. I now own four Kafkans and love wearing them to dinner. These garments often feature designs with birds, floral motifs, animals, and geometric patterns.