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What is Urban Boho Interior Design?
Urban Boho interior design is a style that combines elements of both urban and bohemian aesthetics. Urban interior design as a standalone style embraces various contemporary, industrial and modern aspects, creating a trendy, fresh and stylish aesthetic. Meanwhile, bohemian interior design is all about natural materials, free-spirited decor, earthy colours and layering. The two together create a unique, eclectic space that brings a beautiful balance of grounding earthiness and contemporary aesthetics.
History & Origin of Urban Boho Interior Design
Because urban boho is a blend of two design styles with different backgrounds, we need to first consider them separately.
Urban interior design dates back as far as the 18th century when architecture embraced the use of new materials like steel, glass, and concrete. With this design discovery, more structures like high-rise buildings and modern infrastructure were created.
Now, in the 21st century, minimalism, functionality, sustainability, and smart design are at the heart of urban interiors. Urban interior design often inspires looks like loft apartments with elements such as exposed brick and open-plan living spaces.
The term "bohemian" originally referred to unconventional lifestyles embraced by artists, musicians, and writers in the 19th century. For this reason, today's bohemian interiors are full of life, colour, and creativity. Bohemian interior design also now pulls inspiration from multiple different cultures such as those in countries like India, Morocco, or Mediterranean countries, bringing a range of beautiful textures, materials, patterns, and colours to create a diverse aesthetic.
As a unified style, urban boho interior design takes ideas from traditional bohemian styles and infuses them with a contemporary urban twist. The result is a bold and vibrant aesthetic that's all about diversity, self-expression, and mixing cultural influences, adapted to fit the dynamic energy of urban living.
Urban Boho Interior Design Key Characteristics
Industrial Foundations: Use industrial elements such as exposed brick, concrete, and metal fixtures. This creates an urban base over which you can layer bohemian furniture or embellishments.
Layered Textures and Patterns:Â Create layers of depth and warmth by combining elements such as woven textiles, patterned rugs, and cushions, opting for materials like jute, velvet, and leather to create a diverse range of textures across each room.
Communal Spaces: Design open-plan areas that encourage a community vibe, with casual seating like floor cushions around a low, large table. This will help to foster a relaxed and social atmosphere.
Modern-Rustic Mix: Blend sleek modern architecture or furniture with artwork made with rustic, natural materials such as wood and stone to fuse the elegance of urban interiors and the earthiness of bohemian styles.
Functional Layouts: Prioritise practicality with smart storage and efficient furniture placement, keeping spaces stylish but livable and spacious.
Midimalism: Classic bohemian interior design tends to be more maximalist, while classic urban design leans towards minimalism. By combining the two styles, aim for a midimalist look that strikes a balance between excessive decoration and functionality. Opt for highly decorated embellishments, like patterned rugs, wall art, or wallpaper which don't take up extra space so you can maintain a practical living space with a thoughtful design.
Urban Boho Interior Decorating Ideas
Bohemian Patterns:Â Incorporate boho-inspired patterns like bold Aztec or tribal designs, botanical prints, and mandalas into your textiles, such as rugs, cushions, or blankets, to give your space a vibrant Bohemian touch.
Reclaimed and Repurposed Decor: Embrace sustainable decor by using reclaimed wooden furniture or repurposed vintage items. This not only adds character but aligns with the boho spirit of individuality and eco-consciousness.
Collected-Over-Time Look: Layer textures and incorporate eclectic vintage finds to create a "collected-over-time" aesthetic. Think mismatched furniture, curated art, and unique pieces from a range of different cultures, styles and eras to give your space depth and personality.
Houseplants: Bring nature indoors by adding houseplants. From large leafy varieties to small succulents, plants add a fresh, earthy element to your urban boho space.
Unique Artwork: Choose distinctive artwork that reflects your personality. Whether it’s handmade, vintage, or abstract, art can serve as a focal point while enhancing the eclectic, artistic vibe. Consider textile art such as fabric wall hangings which are especially suitable for a bohemian look.
Global Influence:Â Infuse cultural elements like Moroccan pouffes, Indian tapestries, or African textiles to create a worldly feel. These pieces add a rich, layered texture to the space, connecting it to global traditions and craftsmanship.
Natural Materials: Incorporate organic materials like wood, cotton, and rattan for an earthy, grounded feel. Using natural elements keeps the space warm and inviting, softening the urban edge.
Neutral Base with Pops of Color: Keep walls and large furniture on the neutral side (white, beige, grey, or warm muted tones) to create a calm backdrop, then add bursts of colour in rich shades such as jewel tones through accessories like cushions, throws, and rugs for that boho vibrancy.
Mixed Furniture Styles: Consider combining modern, sleek furniture with vintage or rustic pieces. For example, a minimalist metal coffee table next to a plush, vintage armchair blends urban and boho charm.
Soft Lighting: Use soft, ambient lighting like floor lamps, fairy lights, or candles to create a cosy, warm atmosphere, balancing the rawness of industrial elements with a comforting glow.
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