NEW YEAR ROOM REFRESH

Bohemian

Free-spirited living through rich textures, eclectic patterns, and a laid-back mix of vintage and modern pieces.

Scroll down for our designer-approved tips and inspiration to help you nail that effortless boho vibe.

Machine
Washable

Stain Resistant
& Spill Proof

Nonslip &
Interchangeable System

Sustainably
Sourced

Kid-Safe &
Pet-Friendly

Designed in
Australia

Bohemian Styling Guide

Your guide to laid-back living, where perfectly imperfect is totally the point. Create a space that feels collected, not decorated – where comfort meets character.

Mixing Natural Materials

Combine raw materials like wood, rattan, and bamboo in furniture pieces. Ensure each material appears at least twice in the space for visual cohesion. Mix smooth and rough textures for balance. The key is to avoid perfect matching – Bohemian style embraces thoughtful imperfection. Let your materials complement rather than mirror each other.

Integrating Plants

Your floor-to-ceiling space becomes a canvas for creating depth and visual interest through thoughtful plant placement. Start at ground level, where large statement plants become your anchor points. Moving up to your mid-level spaces – think tables, shelves, and consoles – this is where medium-sized plants can create bridges between your floor and ceiling elements.  Your window areas offer prime real estate for hanging plants, where they can catch natural light while adding vertical interest.

Optimising Natural Light

The way you capture natural light can transform your entire room. The key is to choreograph your furniture placement like you're directing a dance with sunlight. Instead of pushing your larger pieces directly against windows, consider angling them at 45 degrees nearby, creating inviting pathways for light to travel deeper into your room. Every reflective surface becomes an opportunity to bounce light deeper into your space. Strategically placed mirrors, metallic accents, and even glossy plant leaves can help carry sunlight into darker corners, creating that bright, airy feeling that's so essential to Bohemian style.

Transitioning Colour Between Spaces

Create flow between rooms by carrying one or two vibrant colors throughout the home. Use different intensities of the same color to maintain consistency while adding variety. The beauty of this approach lies in its flexibility. Your chosen colours can shift in intensity and application while maintaining their essential character. These colour echoes create an intuitive sense of connection, guiding the eye naturally from one space to the next. Let these colours appear in varying proportions – sometimes as bold statements, other times as subtle nods – creating a rhythm that feels both intentional and organic.

Strategising Pattern Mixing

Combine patterns in complementary colours. Use large-scale patterns for main pieces and smaller patterns for accessories. Ensure patterns share at least one colour to maintain cohesion. Limit to 3-4 different patterns per room. Your patterns might include a flowing botanical print, a structured geometric design, and perhaps a subtle texture that reads as a pattern from afar. When these elements share at least one colour, they create a conversation rather than a competition. These patterns should feel collected over time rather than purchased as a matching set.

Distributing Accent Colours

Place bright accent colours in at least three different spots in the room to create balance. Use smaller items like cushions, vases, or artwork for these pops of colour. Space these accents evenly throughout the room. The key is to create a visual triangle with your accent pieces, creating a sense of movement and balance that makes your space feel alive. Let your accent colours appear in varying intensities – sometimes bold and commanding, other times subtle and whispering – but always in dialogue with each other and your overall space.

Layering Patterns

Start with the Checkered Taupe or Checkered Brown New Jute Rug as your base layer. These neutral geometric patterns create a strong foundation while maintaining versatility. Layer with the Quiet Bone Chenille Rug in high-traffic areas for added texture and practicality. This isn't just about adding another layer – it's about creating depth and dimension through thoughtful overlap. 

Transitioning Textures

Use the varying textures of Double's jute and chenille rugs strategically. Place the more textured jute rugs in low-traffic areas and the smoother chenille rugs in high-use spaces. Both options offer the convenience of being machine-washable while providing different tactile experiences. This thoughtful transition between textures isn't just about practicality – it's about creating a sensory map of your space. The shift from rough to smooth, from organic to refined, adds depth to your interiors.

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Bohemian Collection

Bohemian FAQs

What exactly is Bohemian interior style?

Bohemian (or "Boho") style embraces a relaxed, eclectic approach to decorating with rich colours, mixed patterns, and natural textures. 

Bohemian style’s defining characteristics include multiple layers of textiles (rugs, tapestries, pillows), jewel-toned colours mixed with earthy neutrals, along with natural and organic materials (wood, rattan, hemp, bamboo). Bohemian interiors are abundant with plant life and botanical elements put together with vintage and handcrafted items. Mixed patterns and textures are also evident, and low-level seating and floor cushions are usually used in these spaces. 

The Bohemian style emerged in 19th century Paris among artists, writers, and travelers who rejected conventional Victorian-era design norms. The term "Bohemian" originally referred to people from Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic), but came to describe the unconventional lifestyle of artists and creatives.

Pioneered by notable figures such as:

  • Writers and artists like Victor Hugo, Charles Baudelaire, and Georges Sand who were among the first to embrace unconventional living spaces that mixed art, found objects, and exotic textiles
  • Key historical influencers like William Morris whose arts and crafts movement heavily influenced the handcrafted aspect of Bohemian style, promoting the use of natural materials and traditional craftsmanship
  • Modern pioneers like Talitha Getty who popularized the "Marrakech Look" which became synonymous with Bohemian interiors and combined Moroccan elements with European luxury; San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury Community who collectively established the modern Bohemian aesthetic and introduced Eastern spiritual elements and psychedelic influences
  • Contemporary influencers like Justina Blakeney who founded The Jungalow and modernized Bohemian style by combining it with tropical elements, hence creating the "New Bohemian" movement; Emily Katz who popularized modern macramé in Bohemian interiors and brought back traditional textile arts in contemporary spaces

Key Influences:

  • Nomadic Cultures: Influences from Middle Eastern, African, and Asian textiles and patterns
  • Artistic Movements: Post-Impressionism and Art Nouveau
  • 1960s Counterculture: Revival and popularization of Bohemian aesthetics
  • Global Travel: Integration of diverse cultural elements and artifacts

Boho style is commonly applied to these spaces:

  • Living rooms and bedrooms
  • Artist studios and creative spaces
  • Reading nooks and meditation areas
  • Outdoor spaces and sunrooms
  • Home offices

Design Principles:

  • Asymmetrical Balance: Creating harmony through informal arrangement
  • Layering: Building depth through multiple textiles and textures
  • Personal Expression: Incorporating meaningful objects and artifacts
  • Organic Flow: Avoiding rigid layouts and formal arrangements

Bohemian style has evolved to include:

  • Sustainable and eco-friendly materials
  • Mix of vintage and modern pieces
  • Cleaner lines while maintaining eclectic elements
  • Focus on intentional curation rather than maximalist chaos

Practical considerations in adapting the Bohemian style:

  • Best suited for spaces with natural light
  • Requires regular maintenance due to textile layering
  • Benefits from high ceilings and open floor plans
  • Most effective when built over time through authentic collection

This style continues to evolve while maintaining its core principles of personal expression, cultural appreciation, and artistic freedom.

What colours work best in Bohemian decor?

Bohemian style typically features:

  • Warm earthy tones (browns, terracotta)
  • Jewel tones (royal blue, emerald)
  • Natural neutrals (beige, cream)
  • Pops of bright colours (yellow, orange)

Try layering our Checkered Brown New Jute Rug as a base with the Unboxed Yellow New Jute Rug for that perfect boho colour contrast.

How do I mix patterns in Bohemian style without it looking chaotic?

Start with a larger pattern as your base (like our Diamond Mustard Chenille Rug) and layer with smaller patterns. Keep a consistent colour palette to tie everything together. Mix geometric patterns (try our Checkered Taupe New Jute Rug) with organic designs for balance.

What materials are essential for Bohemian style?

Focus on natural materials:

  • Jute: Plinth Royal Blue New Jute Rug
  • Chenille: Mother Pink Chenille Rug
  • Natural fibers: Checkered Pale Pink New Jute Rug
  • Woven textiles: Parts Crimson Chenille Rug
How do I layer rugs in Bohemian style?

Follow these simple steps:

  • Start with a large neutral base rug (like our Quiet Bone Chenille Rug)
  • Add a smaller patterned rug at an angle (try the Carrel Dark Pink Chenille Rug)
  • Ensure rugs are different sizes and textures
  • Keep at least part of each rug visible
It’s my first time decorating my space on my own. How can I apply the Bohemian style?

Start with key pieces and build gradually:

  • Choose a statement rug (Parts Crimson Chenille Rug)
  • Add plants and natural elements
  • Incorporate vintage finds
  • Layer with affordable textiles
  • Mix in handmade items
What furniture works best with Bohemian style?

Look for:

  • Low-profile seating
  • Vintage or antique pieces
  • Natural wood furniture
  • Floor cushions 

Try anchoring your furniture arrangement with our Carrel Bone Chenille Rug for a cohesive look.

How do I prevent my Bohemian space from looking cluttered?

In creating an “organized mess” in your space, consider doing the following:

  • Choose a cohesive colour palette
  • Create intentional groupings based on height variations, similar materials or textures, or layering items at different depths
  • Maintain negative space by leaving breathing rooms between busy areas and allowing walls to have empty spaces
  • Use larger statement pieces (like our Checkered Brown New Jute Rug) and anchor each room with one dominant piece
  • Rotate decorative items seasonally
How do I maintain my Bohemian-style rugs?

All Double rugs are machine-washable, making maintenance simple:

  • Vacuum regularly
  • Wash according to care instructions
  • Rotate rugs periodically
  • Address spills immediately 
Can I combine Bohemian style with other interior styles?

Yes! Bohemian style pairs well with:

  • Scandinavian: try our Checkered Taupe New Jute Rug
  • Modern: Mother Pink Chenille Rug works great
  • Industrial: Diamond Mustard Chenille Rug adds warmth
  • Minimalist: Quiet Bone Chenille Rug creates perfect balance

The Journal

Where style meets story, and spaces become personal narratives. Through intimate conversations with creatives, designers, and style enthusiasts, we explore how our environments shape our daily lives and reflect our journeys.

Join us as we discover the many ways people create meaning through their spaces, one story at a time.

The Cultural Dialogue: How Bronte Shapes Spaces Through Story

Cleo Collects owner Bronte demonstrates how cultural crossroads and considered collecting shape her uniquely bohemian home, where every piece tells a story.

READ MORE

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