It’s not just me that loves a mix of ethnic and eclectic, patterned and plain it seems. IKEA have also embraced the boho chic look. Against a white background palette they have added some bright confident hues and a mish mash of styles to liven up the mix.
This is IKEA’s take on holiday entertaining – chairs are brilliantly mixed and matched, even a heap of magazines is turned into an extra impromptu seat with a cushion plopped on top. Instead of slavishly following the clichés of modern Scandi design they have styled this set up in such a way that the room feels like part of an actual home. It’s messy and chaotic but in the best possible way way. Packed with personality and full of stuff which has been artfully placed to look like it’s just been causally thrown onto surfaces. Might look carefree but ironically it’s really tricky to make it look so effortless!
The bohemian look is probably one of the hardest to pull off since there is no formula as such. There’s always the risk it can go seriously wrong and look like an utter mess. A few helpful words of advice from the late, great designer Dorothy Draper:
“If you are a collector, let other people share your pride and joy. Don’t sprinkle your collection out of sight in a meaningless jumble. Notice how groups of small objects, when they are well arranged, become important and effective. Remember that repetition is a form of emphasis. Collect what you will, but see to it that you arrange your hobby to its best advantage.”
Couldn’t have put it better myself! Enjoy entertaining and a very happy Thanksgiving to those of you Stateside.