When we think of the boho design aesthetic, the idea of organic, free-flowing, almost an organized chaotic look comes to mind.
The boho chic style uses a lot of vintage, found, handmade and almost kitschy objects and furnishings, that can sometimes feel like they don't quite go together. But it is usually a curation of things that the owner loves to be surrounded by. Things that speak to them well beyond a design style.
A few years ago, boho chic became very commercialized to the point of pain for me. Many people were designing in this trend using a ton of macrame and pampas grass, that just took away from what I perceive to be a pure design aesthetic.
I have a full appreciation for the boho design style because it is often what people truly love, very unpretentious and relate right back to their personalities, and it should never be anything particularly iconic like pampas grass and macrames - though these elements can have a place in the overall vibe of boho chic.
When our Cypress client reached out about a year ago to update her living room, dining room and foyer, I was very intrigued by her style and collection of beautiful things. I even hesitate to call it boho chic, because my client simply wanted to make the space her own, filled with the things she loves.
The blue paint color on the walls that she inherited and the really heavy furniture was not doing the space any justice - especially with her warm, sweet demeanor.
The space called for something much more playful, feminine (without being too feminine for her husband), and light.
Let me show you where we started.
Please note that the AFTER photos were not professionally shot, but our Operations Manager, Courtney Morris was able to capture some good angles at installation.
Here's the before of the living room
The space was generous, but definitely lacked personality.
The architectural features of the room were dominating it, but not in a positive way, and the blue color on the walls was contrasting too heavily with the orangey tone of the floors.
You can also see that the brown leather sofa and chairs were quite heavy and unrefined.
This is the dining room right next to the living room. The same wall color carried through to this space, and it really needed some purpose and refinement.
Both the client and I love the dining room light fixture, but felt that it was a bit small for the room.
Same for the foyer. The blue continued here as well, and though it is not a dark color, it made the space feel a bit closed in.
First order of business was to paint the walls in a warm white to unify the entire space.
Next we added a wall of built-ins to house our client's collectibles and books.
Our carpenter Getze built it from scratch from our design, and we painted it this beautiful two-tone of blue on the exterior and white on the interior, for a more custom look.
I just love the little flower knobs that can be found here and the beautiful chandelier that we added. The chandelier can be found here
I just loved the shape of this modern Chesterfield sofa and wanted to upholster it in something unexpected like this chartreuse velvet fabric.
Just look how it pops in this space.
Black and white stripes is a favorite motif that I love to use in every space, and this bone-inlay coffee table was a perfect choice - styled with this beautiful permanent floral arrangement, books, candles, a chinoiserie ginger jar and horse sculpture.
We kept the existing shutters on the windows, but added light, gauzy drapery panels for some softness.
A faux fiddle leaf fig tree helps to fill this "dead" corner int he room. Greenery always add some life to a space - even if this one isn't a natural tree.
Our client didn't want a formal dining room because there was another area of the house where they have a dining area set up, so we instead created more of a game table space where they could also dine if they chose to.
The mini banquette was a great choice to make it feel like less of a dining area.
We fell in love with this amazing chandelier, found here, and it was a must-have.
We moved the smaller fixture that our client already owned to the foyer, where it was better suited.
The brushstrokes lamps in the background, found here, were a perfect pop of color and movement on the new sideboard.
We carried the gauzy drapery panels to the dining area as well to add some softness and height.
The wool rug is an all time favorite, and was a perfect anchor to the room.
All the art in the dining area are from our client's personal collection.
I just love that we were able to use most of her artwork, and only had to bring in one large scale piece.
Here in the foyer, we went with this large dramatic piece of art that is another favorite piece that I love so so much!
The florals look "trippy" according to another client of mine who also fell in love with this piece. Haha. But it makes for a bold statement right as you walk into the house.
The bust and bubble lamp are very interesting pieces as well, and perfect for that first impression in the foyer.
We used the client's own art here and this mini bookcase full of books definitely give a nod to the vintage and collected vibe of the space.
Notice the bug cabinet knobs? This is a client after my own heart. Totally something I would have chosen as well.
This boho chic space turned out incredibly beautiful, comfortable and colorful! And we were so excited that we used a lot of our client's existing pieces.
Though, due to scheduling we didn't get to return for professional photography, I am glad we were at least able to get some good shots to showcase the space. So forgive the visible cords and electrical outlets, that we normally would photoshop in pro shots.
Reach out for your bold and colorful space - whatever your style is.
Book a consultation now for openings in Spring 2025.
And don't forget that we offer Art Curation service to address those naked walls.
Wishing You Beauty and Inspiration!
Veronica
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