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Bold & eclectic

Bohemian

Boho, boho chic

Free and relaxed: layered textiles, pattern, rattan, plants and collected treasures.

OatTerracottaMustardDusty roseMoss green

Origin: Rooted in 19th-century European artistic life, revived in the 1960s–1970s

Bohemian style comes from the free-spirited life of 19th-century European artists and returned with the 1960s–1970s hippie movement. It follows no rules: the home is a collection of things the owner loves, gathered from travels, flea markets and craft villages. Expect layered rugs, woven cushions, rattan chairs, macramé and trailing plants in earthy terracotta, mustard and dusty rose. In Vietnam it suits bedrooms, homestays, cafés and young travellers, using abundant local crafts, as long as one palette ties the layers together.

Illustration drawn by HICONIQUE from the style’s palette and signature details.

Materials

  • Woven rattan, bamboo, seagrass and water hyacinth
  • Ethnic brocade, handwoven fabric and macramé
  • Patterned woven rugs and jute rugs
  • Rustic and reclaimed timber
  • Handmade ceramics and terracotta
  • Trailing and hanging plants

Furniture & forms

  • High-backed rattan chairs, hanging chairs and woven seats
  • Low sofa piled with patterned cushions
  • Floor cushions, poufs and layered rugs
  • Open shelves of collected objects, books and plants
  • Low bed with voile canopy and woven throws

Lighting

  • Large woven rattan, bamboo or seagrass shades
  • String lights and paper lanterns with warm light
  • Candles and fabric-shaded lamps for cosy corners

How it differs from similar styles

Bohemian vs Fusion – Eclectic

Bohemian has one consistent spirit – free, handmade, earthy; fusion deliberately combines two or more styles and can be very formal.
Bohemian vs Mediterranean

Bohemian is a layered, pattern-rich way of styling; Mediterranean is an architectural language of arches, whitewash and sea colours.
Bohemian vs Scandinavian

Bohemian is colourful, layered and carefree; Scandinavian is far brighter, tidier and more restrained.

Best for

  • Young people, artists and travellers
  • Bedrooms, reading nooks and creative workrooms
  • Homestays, cafés and studios
  • Flexible budgets and owners who enjoy styling themselves

Home types

ApartmentGarden / resort home

Typical finishing level

Standard

Estimate building cost at this level

Common mistakes

  • Piling things up with no main palette, which becomes clutter
  • Textiles and rugs that are hard to wash and collect dust and damp
  • Untreated rattan and bamboo prone to mould and borers
  • Applying it to an entire large house, which is hard to clean and lacks focus

Care & northern Vietnam climate

Choose washable rugs and textiles, dry them thoroughly and vacuum often, as they hold moisture in humid weather. Treat rattan against mould and keep it away from damp walls and harsh sun.

Styles in the same family

Bold & eclectic

Industrial

Factory beauty: concrete, bare brick, black steel and exposed pipes, bold and free-spirited.
Bold & eclectic

Mid-century Modern

Optimistic and retro: warm teak, slim tapered legs, organic curves and orange and mustard.
Bold & eclectic

Fusion – Eclectic

Mixing with intent: several styles and eras united by colour and proportion.

Want a home in the Bohemian style?

HICONIQUE balances style with function, orientation, climate and your real budget.

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