ACCENTS

Bohemian rhapsody

There is no clearer way to put it: the bohemian aesthetic is for the eccentric.

In line with its dictionary definition, the bohemian style breaks away from tradition and takes an unconventional approach to decoration and design. Uneven lines, mixed patterns, and different colors and textures are often put together with no real structure, but it is never chaotic. Somehow, even though each component is different from the other, this form of design works as one collective art piece. Artists and performers from days past started the bohemian movement, and their eccentricity still carries on.

As an accent, Bohemian elements can still steal the stage of a space because of their bold personalities. Accent pieces can include cultural, spiritual and natural pieces like crests, shell jewelry or exotic plants. Other accents can be an array of fabrics, like a display of different silks. To get a good idea of what bohemian looks like, simply find a vintage store and take a look at what is hanging on the walls.

Lauren Flanagan of the Spruce deems “deep browns, greens and grays” as bohemian base colors, while “saturated purple, fiery orange, and electric blue” are complimentary. Another way of

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Bohemian decor can incorporate different patterns, colors, natural elements and metals as well.

continued from page 7 choosing bohemian colors is to get inspiration from peacock feathers. Creating a pattern with these colors if they are painted on a wall, can add a bohemian look.

Because the bohemian style favors more over less, it can be intimidating to incorporate as an accent. It is best to keep in mind that this style should be used if you want to make a statement in a space. Hallways can be a good beginner’s start to implement this look. Hanging various trinkets and plants along the walls can make a hallway look fuller, as if one is walking through a floral garden.

For bigger spaces, bohemian accents work best where neutral colors like white, beige or gray are used largely. They can also work with other colors, but it requires some artistic relevance to the rest of the room so that it is complimentary, rather than competitive.

The bottom line for bohemian style is to not be afraid to go against the grain. Most homes will likely have patterns and consistency to their design, but the bohemian approach ignores that.

There is beauty in messy, abstract art. p