What Colors Are Boho?

Introduction

Bohemian-or "boho"-style has captured the heart of home decor lovers from around the world. Characterized by its eclectic and free-spirited feel, boho decor breaks down traditional barriers and ushers in a wide array of textures, bold patterns, and rich colors. But what colors are truly boho? If you're considering bringing this trend into your home, take a deeper look into what makes boho colors tick and just how you can harness that signature warmth, relaxation, and style. This tutorial will go in deep into the essential bohemian palette, give some tips on how to harmonize those hues in your space, and inspire you to curate your bohemian paradise.

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Understanding the Boho Color Palette

Boho style is all about embracing warmth, earthy tones, and a mix of both vibrant and subdued shades. This actually helps create an atmosphere that may feel both very grounded and adventurous. Here are some foundational colors of boho style:

1. Earthy Tones

Colors: Terracotta, warm beige, deep browns, ochre.

Why They Work: Earthy tones provide the core of most boho spaces. These colors bring in a sense of being outdoors, anchoring the decoration and providing a friendly base upon which to build.

How to Use: Employ earthy tones in larger statement pieces, such as on couches or rugs. A plush terracotta rug or a linen couch in beige can set the tone for warm, inviting comfort that is a hallmark of boho style.

2. Rich Jewel Tones

Colors: Emerald green, royal blue, deep purple, burgundy.

Why They Work: Jewel tones bring depth and a touch of luxury into the boho palette. They introduce a sense of opulence in stark contrast to the rugged feel of earthy tones.

How to Use: Infuse these colors into your space with accent pillows, throws, and even wall art. A few emerald green cushions placed on a brown sofa or a royal blue tapestry can really lift up a space with a burst of sophistication.

3. Warm Neutrals

Colors: Cream, ivory, soft taupe, muted greys.

Why They Work: Warm neutrals balance out the boldness in jewel tones and earthy hues. They keep the space from feeling over whelming and offer a rested background.

How to Use: Paint your walls a soft ivory or taupe to maintain airiness and an open feel in the room. You can also use these shades in bedding or curtains to soften the look.

4. Natural Greens

Colors: Olive, sage, moss.

Why They Work: Green is innately calming and puts us in touch with nature. It's a subtle, soothing way to bring the outdoors in, integral to boho decor.

How to Use: Bring green in through indoor plants, but also sage green cushions, olive throws, or even an accent wall. Some plants that also work incredibly well for adding a boho touch include the fiddle leaf fig or snake plant.

5. Vibrant Accents

Colors: Mustard yellow, burnt orange, turquoise, coral.

Why They Work: A boho space should feel energetic and layered, and bright accents provide that eye-catching focal point.

How to Use: Employ these shades in small, whimsical doses, such as an orange pouf, a mustard throw, or a turquoise vase. These hues create touches of color without overwhelming the earthy core of the decor.

How to Harmonize Boho Colors in Your Space

Boho decor can so often seem like a no-brainer, but it actually requires a thoughtful hand to avoid clashing or over-saturating a room. Here are some tips to help you achieve that balance:

Layer with Textures and Patterns

Boho design is as much about texture as it is about color. When working within a boho color palette, don't be afraid to layer different fabrics and patterns in similar color families. For example:

Mix in a terracotta rug with patterned throw pillows in complementary shades.

Add in some textured fabrics, like macramé wall hangings or woven baskets. Those are really boho essentials that complement this color scheme so nicely.

Stick to a Dominant Color and Then Accent

To keep the space cohesive, select a couple of main colors-as in earthy brown and ivory-and use the rest as accents. This trick tames the room so that you can make those stunning, vibrant boho accents thoughtfully.

Add Organic Elements

Plants are an essential element in boho decor. Sure, it might contribute to the natural greens within the room, but this design element brings life and texture to any room. Spill plants that were hanged, potted trees, vines laid on any shelves or stands will add to the airy, casual feel of the boho home. Plus, plants could easily meld into any bohemian color palette, making them pretty versatile too.

Don't Be Afraid to Mix Old and New

Boho style really prospers with the mix of secondhand finds and new pieces. Add in antique furniture or decor elements, like an old wooden chest or a retro patterned chair, to your space. More often than not, these items boast faded hues or unique textures that easily marry well with the color palette of boho.

Practical Tips for Choosing Boho Colors in Different Rooms

Each room varies in need, so let's break down a few ideas for bringing the boho color palette into specifics, room by room in your home.

Living Room

Primary Colors: Earthy tones of terracotta and beige.

Accent Colors: This room includes jewel-toning on cushions, an olive green throw, and decor accents in mustard colors.

Tips: Neutral base, beige or taupe walls with textiles and wall art in layers to add color. Add a large plant in a woven basket to complete the look.

Bedroom

Primary Colors: Soft neutrals with pops of jewel tones.

Accents: Vintage patterned rug in burgundy or royal blue, along with ivory or cream textured bedding.

Tips: Use warm, muted colours to help create a relaxed setting. Avoid bright tones in the bedroom; it's over-energizing for a sleeping room.

Kitchen

Primary Colors: Greens with natural elements, using warm neutrals.

Accent: Burnt orange or mustard, used sparingly in decor accessories, like dishtowels and utensils.

Tips: In a boho kitchen, keep tones natural and earthy. You might introduce a sage green backsplash or accessories in clay color to bring some warmth into the room.

Bathroom

Primary Colors: Warm neutrals

Accent Color: Deep blue towels or a green plant to introduce nature indoors.

Tips: Earthy, soothing colors will work great in a boho bathroom. Make the most of macramé wall hangings and textured bath mats to acquire that cozy, bohemian feeling.

Mistakes to Avoid in Boho Color Selection

While boho encourages experimentation, a few missteps stand in the way of making your space cluttered rather than cozy.

Too Many Vibrant Colors: Less is often more. Too much vibrancy will only overwhelm the room. It's better if you stick with accents rather than full walls or large pieces.

Neglecting Neutrals: Neutral colors keep the space locked down, giving visual breaks amidst vibrant accents and layered textures.

Too much repetition of patterns: Though the Bohemian style is all about patterns, too much of this can amount to overdoing it. Try to stick with one statement pattern, then balance that with simpler designs.

Conclusion: Boho Colors-Embracing Eclectic Charm

Boho is all about self-expression and creativity where the colors narrate a story and each hue serves a purpose. Whether earthy tone, jewel hue, or pop of vibrant color, the success of a bohemian space lies in the art of its balance. Remember to mix your textures, harmonize your palette, but most importantly, let your personality shine through in this space.

Designing a boho-inspired room is less about the rules, but more about creating an atmosphere that feels free, layered, and uniquely yours. Now, get up and get your hands dirty while your imagination runs wild in making your boho haven with colors no less than essential in nature.

Ready to elevate your home décor? Order your Gango Home Decor Amsterdam's Fleurmonde by Erin Berzel today

Frequently Asked Question

Q: Can I mix bohemian colors with other decor styles?

A: Yes, boho can coexist with styles from Scandinavian to mid-century modern; just remember, it's all about the balance of color so they don't collide.

Q: How can I add boho colors without painting?

A: With textiles such as rugs, pillows, and throws. They bring color with much less permanence than paint.

Q: Is there a color that doesn't work in boho decor?

A: Boho decor is very forgiving, but just generally speaking, overly bright neon colors or sharp whites are mostly avoided because it doesn't really complement the earthy, cozier feel of it.

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