Elements of Haute Bohemian Design
You know the style by now, I’m sure. Wild patterns, multiple colors, trinkets from travel worldwide, the works. This informal style of decor all makes up the bohemian style of design. Throughout the last decade, the boho style has evolved. What started as a melee of all things color and travel-related has grown into an industry-standard that now contains several levels of boho interior style. Many bohemian style design books have been published and they all focus on what designers like to call the New Bohemians.
However, the intricately entwined details of traditional Bohemian (yes, there’s such a classification now) isn’t for everyone. There’s a way to capture the essence of free-spirited Bohemian design without the need to deal with the overwhelm of pattern matching.
A more toned-down version of Bohemian design involves the usage of a neutral base as in the choice of colors on the wall while implementing two or three subtle patterns throughout the space. A mixture of fine metals and textures adds to the sophisticated feel of the style we’re discussing today. This pared-down version of maximal Bohemian design is called Haute Bohemian.
What distinguishes the characteristics of Haute Bohemian from other versions of this wildly popular interior design style?
There are several things:
A. Neutral colors on the walls and main design elements
B. Richer tones and fabrics used throughout the design
C. Patterns are still present in the Haute Bohemian world although they’ve been given more of a stage to thrive on and stand out within this type of design.
D. A sense of cohesiveness in the overall design that doesn’t exist in its wild-child cousin
E. Pieces collected from travels around the world. So you have none of those you say? Nonsense. Thrift stores inherit travel heirlooms all the time. Some of the most interesting pieces displayed in my home were found during a thrift shop raid. But that’s the topic of a whole new blog post that we’ll get to later.
While both maximal and Haute Bohemian styles employ the feel of a well-traveled owner, the main difference between the two designs rests in the choice of color and fabrics used throughout the main focal elements of the room.
For example, the maximal bohemian bedroom uses several rich colors on the wall along with patterned wallpaper and another design in the curtains. It’s more reserved cousin the Haute Bohemian uses light gauzy fabrics on the windows that either display a small pattern or none at all.
The window treatment choice either blends in with the white walls or displays a small pattern to be admired when observed on closer examination by the homeowner’s enamored guests. However, neither style would ever be accused of that hideous word, the red sheep of the design world… boring. The mixture of fabric texture, pattern, and wall coloring still makes up the basis of the allure of Bohemian design magic.
The overall design should feel as though the items in the room were collected over time. The challenge of Haute Bohemian design might appear to be easier said than done. After all, you can simply toss anything and everything into your intended space and voila! The design is complete. Um… not really. There’s still a method behind the Bohemian design scheme. The overall goal is curated sophistication and not a hot tangled mess.
Throughout this article, we’ve included examples of designs where we’ve used the Haute Bohemian design style. The goal was to create a space that when people step inside they feel as though they’ve been transported to both another time and global location as well. When done correctly, Bohemian design creates one of the most cohesive and fun design plans of all styles.
If you’d like to talk to us about bringing this sophisticated style of curated Haute Bohemian design into your home then let us know. Schedule an initial e-consultation today and let’s get started bringing your Haute Bohemian dreams to life.
