The New Boho: Cool & Collected Homes

In her beautiful book, The New Bohemians, renowned design blogger Justina Blakeney celebrates the many facets of the new bohemian aesthetic. We’re slightly in love with her style, so here we’ve picked some top tips to help you bring the new boho into your own home…

?Today’s bohemians seek to erase the distinctions between work and play, and our living spaces reflect that lack of boundaries. Our new bohemian lifestyle is rooted in freedom: free-spirited, free-form, and free of rules? – Justina Blakeney.

Throw caution to the wind. The first rule of the bohemian aesthetic is that there are no rules (now, that’s a design theory we can get behind). With a healthy emphasis on freedom, creativity and individuality, there is no right or wrong when it comes to this refreshingly playful style. So dont be precious ?? true bohemians mix and match patterns freely, customise readily, and even let the cat sleep on the bed.

Layer, layer, layer. If we took just one tip away from this book, it was the importance of layering. Justine calls the new bohemian “a master of layers”, and refers to her childhood bedroom as “a forever-unfinished canvas, consistently evolving and being layered upon”. Following on from the idea of unfettered mixing and matching in point one, bohemian style involves a willingness to embrace the eclectic. Layer different-sized rugs, patterned textiles, or prints, maps and artifacts on a wall display. Layering can also stretch into the dining room, as seen above.

Rugs, rugs and more rugs. Rugs aplenty are pretty much essential when it comes to this look. Layered mats make for a fun and customisable d?cor, but stand-alone rugs can be a more interesting focal point, especially in a bathroom.

Bring the outside in. According to Justine, the earthy bohemian home is “full of rattan and wool, plants and pets, earth tones and weathered woods”, as showcased in this ravishingly rustic plant-filled living room. Natural materials are at the heart of this style, as is a willingness to keep the plants happy-slash-alive. Luckily, this is al timeless look that can easily go from season to season, with bleached driftwood giving a summery feel, while sheepskin pelts and soft leather add cosiness in winter.

Knock on wood. Wooden accents in the form of shelves, countertops and decorative elements give a formerly cold space an earthy charm. The bar lamp pictured above, in the home of Emily Katz and Adam Porterfield, was fashioned from salvaged driftwood.

Buy the book from Abrams and Chronicle Books.

See our Pinterest board for even more new boho interiors inspiration.

Kate Phelan for @Image_Interiors