What is bohemian chic style?

The bohemian chic, also known as boho-chic, is a romantic design style inspired by hippie and bohemian influences. Popular since the 1990s, its current roots trace back to the 1960s and the counter-cultural movement of the time. Some even trace it back to 19th century England. Over the decades, its popularity has continued to rise, particularly thanks to various celebrities or personalities who literally wear the style on their backs. The Bohemian style is a nod to pop culture, which makes it so unique!

If you have ever attended or watched major music gatherings like Coachella in California🎉, or fashion shows, you have probably seen a form of bohemian chic in action. The Bohemian chic style is characterized by its warm tones, its graceful layered look with patterns of all colors. This gives it a very eclectic appearance. After all, the bohemian is a reference to counter-culture: people who reject the establishment's way of doing things and march to the beat of their own drum.

Now that you are intrigued by this unique design trend, continue reading to discover everything there is to know and how you can make its unique design your own.  

The word itself is curious and often a source of confusion for some people. Defined as an unconventional lifestyle with like-minded others, it historically applies to artists, musicians, literary figures, and even those seeking more transcendent and spiritual activities. Although these bohemians often hold anti-establishment social and political views, they sometimes express their philosophy by committing to reduce their consumption.

First used in English 🇬🇧 in the 19th century, the term bohemian primarily referred to writers, actors, and musicians in major European cities. Many of them lived non-traditional existences. The term "bohemian" itself came into use in 1848, transferred from the French bohemia, which literally meant a Gypsy.

It was mistakenly believed that the Romani people originated from Bohemia, which is now in the Czech Republic, the largest and westernmost historical section of Czech territory. Nevertheless, as the Romani have historically been a nomadic people traveling across Europe, the meaning of the word "bohemian" as a representative of an unconventional counter-culture takes on an additional significance.

There really is no one who can say (not even historians!) pointing out, "Aha, this is the origin of chic bohemian!" Yet, there were pivotal moments after the acceptance of the word in the English language that gave us clues about its development as a distinct design style.

The elements we associate today with this design trend date back to the mid or late 19th century, particularly the Pre-Raphaelite movement, so named because of its opposition to the emphasis placed by Renaissance painter Raphael on elegant compositions and classical poses, which he believed corrupted art. 🖼

Their philosophy was rooted in the belief that art should be completely reformed by rejecting the so-called mechanistic method of Mannerist works (the successor to Raphael), which was characterized by more artificial design elements. The Pre-Raphaelites wanted to bring art back to the ideals of the quattrocento era, towards 15th century Italy, which were favored by:

• Complex compositions

• Bright colors

• Excessive details 

Therefore, several of their paintings featured a style that was unconventional for the time they were created (from the mid to late 19th century). This is how their paintings became one of the earliest examples of bohemian art, particularly their portraits of women. A leading Pre-Raphaelite, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, painter, Pia de' Tolomei, is a beautiful example.

What also makes the bohemian aspect of this painting, is the importance given to details, both on the subject's face and clothing as well as on the background. It is also worth noting the striking similarity between the representation of women and the depiction of women in Art Nouveau works, which generally showed them in long dresses surrounded by nature. Art Nouveau would reach its peak from the late 19th century to the very early 20th century.

The English embroiderer Jane Morris exhibits certain characteristics that one might associate with today's bohemian chic, such as:

• Layered clothing (although there are also layers in the composition of the background)

• Mixed patterns (waves in her hair, folds/wrinkles in her clothing)

• Neutral and more vibrant colors for a pop effect

Then quickly going back to the first half of the 20th century, we find references to bohemian as a form of fashion from an unlikely source, no less. For example, in his 2005 volume, English historian A.N. Wilson noted how the famous model Kate Moss was described as bohemian chic as early as 2002, due to her combination of pieces like lynx mini-tops and braided leather belts. However, it is English actress Sienna Miller who has been credited with sporting this look in such a way that it became mainstream. 

In 2004, Miller appeared at the Glastonbury Festival 🎉 with a very prominent bohemian chic style. She had been influenced by life in the North Kensington area of London, which had always been associated with boho chic since the 1950s.

In the following years, other female celebrities began to adopt this hippie chic look, including actresses Zooey Deschanel and Mischa Barton and musicians like Florence Welch from the indie rock band Florence + the Machine.

Today it is clear that this approach to chic has borrowed here and there from other design trends, which is very common in movements. As we have already said, there is a very clear overlap with certain themes and aesthetics of Art Nouveau.

Moreover, the expression "bohemian chic" is in itself a contradiction as it combines the dressed-up aspects and frugal elements of bohemian with elegant and more expensive accessories of chic fashion.🤩

Overall, it results in a style that is visually striking (although it can be a bit confusing to know what it is, given its varied influences over the years).

To help clarify this point, here is an overview of the main characteristics of this design trend. 😍

The basic components for a bohemian wardrobe! 👚 :

• Colors reminiscent of spring and summer: (Shades of beige, white, pastel, the must-have turquoise chiffon!) 

• Hippie Chic style jewelry: Bracelets, Earrings, Rings, Long Necklaces (Sprinkled with beads and ethnic patterns)

• Flowing skirts and dresses (often adorned with floral patterns)

• Country-style kimonos or tunics with pom-poms or fringes 

• Soft and loose pants

• Boots, sandals, or suede heels 

• Hair bands or flower crowns

• And finally, the essential bohemian lace dress 

 

To create a beautiful bohemian decoration, we need it!  🛋 :

.        A relaxed atmosphere! 

• Linen cushions, rattan chairs 

• Knitted throws 

• The essential dreamcatcher

• The use of natural materials or noble materials like burlap, bamboo, brass, gold metal, or stainless steel!

• Ambient lighting: lanterns, candles, and table lamps

Thanks to its little tips, you'll have a cozy and relaxed decoration!

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To have 100% Bohemian graphics, we need it! 📸:

• Neutral colors (from earth tones to more metallic silvers)

• Numerous floral and botanical patterns

• Nature theme in general

• Mixed patterns and prints

• Contrast, both in terms of colors and textures

• Perceptible excess and eclecticism (as opposed to minimalism, for example) 

Overall, this is an eclectic trend that has borrowed from different places to create a style that is its own, unique, and leaves a lasting impression. These different elements characterize the bohemian spirit very well! 

For more ideas on what makes bohemian chic so special, including insights into its design features, take a look at some of our digital assets on the market: