This interior design style guide will break down Bohemian and Modern style homes into their basic elements, teach you how to replicate them in your own home and even share a bit of the history behind the look.
Bohemian
Origin and Inspiration
The word “bohemian” describes someone who thinks outside of social or political norms — or someone who prefers to live with very few rules. Bohemian interior design is meant to reflect an avant-garde lifestyle.
Defining Elements
As the description above suggests, bohemian homes don’t stick to any specific interior design style, color palette or time period. Much like the Hollywood Regency style, it has an attitude where anything goes. It’s an artfully messy look with vibrant colors, rich patterns and metallic accents. Also, similar to coastal interiors, natural lighting is of great importance.
Personality and Lifestyle Match
Like the industrial style, bohemian interior design isn’t for everyone. However, it’s a match made in heaven for those with a carefree and adventurous spirit — and with a soul full of wanderlust. If you enjoy taking lots of vacations every year, whether they are short road trips or international travels, the bohemian style is probably for you.
How to Achieve It in Your Home
With bohemian design, it’s all about the nomadic vibes. Fill your home with well-worn furniture, vintage light fixtures and other eclectic pieces. Display trinkets you’ve collected from around the globe, and the more textiles the better — especially if they have patterns inspired by different cultures. Bursts of vivid hues are key, whether they come from a deep purple rug or a red bombe chest.
Modern
Origin and Inspiration
Even though it has “modern” in the name, this popular style of interior design is rooted in the architecture and streamlined furniture of the 1930s. It some circles, it may also be called minimalist design.
Defining Elements
As you might expect, modern design places an emphasis on simplicity. It hinges on clean lines, strong geometric shapes, asymmetry in the room layout and an absence of decoration. Rooms are sparse, and anything in a living space is put there with a distinct purpose. Even the color palette is kept fairly neutral.
Personality and Lifestyle Match
For some people, such a minimal style might make them miserable, but for others it’d feel like paradise. It’s not ideal for families with children, but it could be a good match for young professionals or deeply spiritual adults who eschew the capitalist mindset and consumption of the present age. Modern interior design is also well-suited for smaller homes because it amplifies the illusion of space.
How to Achieve It in Your Home
If you’ve recently de-cluttered your life, you’re off to a great start! Homes with modern interior design sidestep most bold wall colors in favor of white, avoid using too many textures and stray from excessive accessories. Any introduction of color should not be oppressive on the eyes, and items with patterns or small details won’t mesh well with the rest of the elements in a room. Highlight something with a polished surface, like a coffee table, and arrange furniture to have an asymmetrical balance.
OCD, Organize Create Design LLC 