Bohemian (also known as “boho”) farmhouse style blends the relaxed, welcoming vibe of the American farmhouse with the fun and spirited boho decor.
The history of what we consider “Bohemian” is a bit confusing but goes something like this:
Romani people are of Indian descent, and they migrated worldwide, especially throughout Europe. They lived simple lives in colorful caravans. Many of them still do so today, while others have settled down. The Romanis were erroneously called “gypsies” by some who believed they came from Egypt. It is a name that has stuck over the centuries to the disapproval of the Romani people.
There was a lot of confusion about the term “bohemian” in France in the early 19th century. At the time, artists of all kinds gathered in Paris and lived in low-cost tenement areas where many Romani people also lived. Due to some similarities in their lifestyle, the French mistakenly likened the artists to the Romani people/gypsies and called them “Bohemians,” mistakenly thinking the Romanis were from Bohemia.
Fast forward to the present day, and the word “bohemian” is still synonymous with that relaxed, colorful, “gypsy” style. Regardless of the history of the term, the design world has upgraded and tweaked the idea of “bohemian” into an actual design style that many people gravitate toward. Below, let’s look at ways to incorporate this relaxed style into our farmhouses.
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Vibrant Colors
The bohemian style is all about bright colors. When you think of bohemian culture, you probably think of colorful fabrics and fringes originally associated with the Roma gypsies. Typically, boho colors are warm-pink, gold, yellow, and orange. There are, however, plenty of cooler hues as well, from turquoise to blue and then, of course, the greens of plants.
The color palette of a traditional farmhouse is usually more subtle and neutral. Subduing the bright tones of bohemian decor is an easy way to combine the two styles. Turn orange into rust, pink into faded ochre, yellow into mustard, and blue into navy for your boho farmhouse style. Use gold accents to tie it all together.
Texture galore
In a farmhouse, texture is King, so since the boho style plays on texture usually quite dramatically, this element doesn’t seem out of place. A shag throw pillow layered with a velvet one can look boho gorgeous on a farmhouse sofa. A mix of leather and wood will provide a more textural look and feel to a room like the kitchen or bath with many hard surfaces. Macrame, especially as wall art, is a classic bohemian decoration that looks equally lovely in a farmhouse. Using throw pillows, comforters, and other textiles with woven elements and fringes will give your boho farmhouse style a twist.
Ecletic is the name of the game
Boho style is known for its eclectic global elements, ranging from Moroccan poufs and macrame wall art to geometric shapes and Eastern artifacts (think Buddha statues and Eastern religious icons). On the other hand, a farmhouse is patriotic, down to earth, and usually filled with vintage items. Combining the two gives you a really fun boho farmhouse feel. Decorate with flag art and artifacts such as jugs, jars, and other vessels. Vintage globes on bookshelves are the perfect way to indulge your love of vintage and give off a sense of the traveling gypsy.
Indoor Plants
While farmhouse enthusiasts love house plants, bohemian enthusiasts live and breathe them. You can achieve a boho farmhouse style by simply adding more house plants! Hang them from the ceiling and create vignettes. Huge potted plants placed by a window, in a corner, or flanking a table add a casual boho elegance to any room in the house. Select additional plants that will drape well, such as golden pothos, spider plants, and trailing jade. Place some smaller plants on shelves with their trailing leaves draped over books and trinkets. Paint your farmhouse bathroom ochre, and then fill it with healthy green plants. Or put an old barn wood shelf above your bed and line up a series of cute plants in decorative terracotta pots.
What are some of your favorite ways to imbue your farmhouse with boho elements? Please share! We’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments section below.
