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5 Ways to Create an Effortless Boho Style Aesthetic In Your Home or AirBnb

Author: Jamie Milam

Date: September 2, 2024

Boho style is having its moment right now. Effortlessly cozy, comfortable, and bohemian-inspired style elements can be seen everywhere from your stylish friend's house, to the cafe down the street, to the hottest Airbnb rental.

And it's easy to see why—boho style is effortlessly cool and often draws on natural and creative elements that help create a fun, carefree environment. People associate the boho look with being a free spirit and someone who's in touch with their individuality.

If you're wondering how to create a boho look in your space, fear not—there are lots of simple and cost-effective strategies to try out. So, whether you're refreshing your home or setting up an Airbnb, let's explore effortless ways to bring a chic boho style to life.

Key Elements of Creating a Boho Style

Background image of a boho style living room and text on top saying "Boho style is effortlessly cool and often draws on natural and creative elements that help create a fun, carefree environment."

Before diving into the tips on how to create your boho bedroom or living room, it's important to note that there's no one right way to have a boho style. After all, the look is all about creativity and individuality.

That said, boho style often centers around a few key elements such as:

Natural textures and materials like wood and natural cloths.
Eclectic, sometimes mismatched, decor or pieces.
Patterns and textures in things like pillows, rugs, or curtains.
Cozy details like throw blankets, candles, and mood lighting.
Greenery in the form of indoor plants and flowers.

With these things in mind, you can be as minimalist or maximalist as you want. The key is to have some fun with it and find things that you really like.

Your boho living room may not look like every other one out there, and that's the point! Boho style is an expression of who you are and what you enjoy, so don't worry about getting it "right."

How to Create a Boho Look in 5 Steps

Express yourself through your boho style and it will all come together. Here are five areas you can play with on how to create a boho look in your home or Airbnb:

1. Use a Variety of Textures

Boho style is all about using a variety of textures in your furnishings and decor. Here are a few options to try:

Wood accent wall: Show off a feature wall in your boho living room or bedroom by using a natural-looking stain on some 2X1 boards. I used this Minwax stain on my Airbnb's accent wall, which is easy to apply with one coat on and a quick wipe down
Leather decor: Always classic and sexy, leather decor will make your space pop! Try out items like leather pillows or poufs to complete your boho style.
Butcher block counters: This boho-style staple is very popular right now. The chunky wooden look is classic and attractive for your kitchen or bathroom counters.
Pampas grass: Small, large, or somewhere in between, pampas grass is attractive and versatile. Try thrifting some interesting vases and glasses and adding the pampas grass for a simple boho look.
Rattan furniture: With its natural texture, rattan furniture is a popular choice for your boho makeover. I like this TV stand I purchased or this storage cabinet (bonus tip: buy two of these for an alternative TV stand option!). They're simple, yet stylish.
Macrame: The 70s had it right with the love for macrame. Whether it's a DIY wall hanging or functional plant holder, there are tons of ways to incorporate this cool, textural accent piece in your boho living room or bedroom. I got super lucky and found a pretty coral-colored one at Home Goods that adds a pop of color into the kitchen!

2. Try Some Beaded Decor

Beads are almost synonymous with boho decor. They're cool, they're unique, and they can be used in a ton of different ways. Here are two options to try out:

Beaded furnishings: This beaded ceiling light with a hidden fan is a great boho-style piece that will instantly elevate your space. I was sold the moment I saw this piece because it added much-needed functionality without sacrificing the boho style.
Strands of beads: There are tons of ways to use this option—in vases, baskets, draped over books, etc.

3. Embrace Wall Art

Boho style is all about embracing your unique individuality and getting creative. A great way to do this is through wall prints. They're an easy way to add a pop of color, creative art, or images of texture if you can't add it another way.

The Poster Store offers a wide variety of wall art and lets you order in a variety of sizes or mix and match. Their framing options are fantastic, as they have a plexiglass option for lightweight hanging.

I selected mine based on the color palette that I wanted to incorporate into myaccessory decor. The three from The Poster Store that I used in my Airbnb are "Droplets on Leafs," "Golden Palm Leaves," and "Palm Palace."

4. Get Some Pillows

Pillows aren't just comfy, they're the perfect addition to your boho bedroom. Honestly, they might be the simplest place to start on how to create a boho look!

Options like this throw pillow add both texture and color to your space. You can easily coordinate with neutral-colored staple furniture pieces when you want to switch things up and try something different. Purchasing pillow covers is also a good way to get longer use out of them as it helps prevent natural wear and tear.

5. Greenify Your Space

Houseplants and greenery are some of the best ways to create a boho look. They create a warm and inviting space, evoking a sense of calm and peace. Greenery is attractive to look at and may have additional benefits like purifying your air!

Popular, low-maintenance options include golden pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, or philodendrum. And, if you don't have much natural light in your space, there are plenty of realistic-looking plastic options to choose from, too.

This is exactly what I did for my Airbnb since we're not really there to water the plants. Plus, who am I kidding, I don't have the best green thumb. Ikea has some great options. I personally purchased two of these draping plants to put into a wider hanging planter. Since it's hung from the ceiling, you can't really see if it's fully covered up top or not. Don't overthink it. Boho is meant to feel effortless and simple.

Creating a boho look for your home or Airbnb rental is not only for professional designers. Anyone can incorporate these five simple strategies to achieve an attractive and comfortable boho look in your space. Have some fun with it and get creative!

And if you're looking for a little extra help with the process of how to create a boho look, check out Style to Design. Our comprehensive e-design services allow you to visualize your space and choose the right items without spending thousands on a designer. We're here to help you achieve the boho look of your dreams.

To making your boho dreams come true,

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About Me

I'm Jamie Milam, a determined AF woman who's embraced life after divorce by finding peace through self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and thrilling new travel adventures.

As a Realtor® in Charlotte, NC (and your connection to top agents nationwide), I’m passionate about guiding you through your homeownership and design goals—while also helping you create space for the things you love. My mission is to empower you to create a life of alignment too - at home, abroad, and within.

Whether it’s through real estate tips, home design inspiration, or solo travel experiences for divorced, independent women, I hope this space encourages you to discover deeper self-awareness and build a life that aligns with your passions and needs.

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Jamie Milam is a Realtor® in the Charlotte, NC area, licensed in both NC & SC, and has the ability to refer you to a number of agent partners across the nation, regardless of where you may live. She is an enthusiast for the power of awareness and believes it can be used in all facets of life to support aligned living.

**Disclosure** This post may contain affiliate links and they are at no additional cost to you, though I may earn a small commission. Don't worry, I only recommend products or services that I have tried or believe would be of great value to you! All opinions expressed are those of my own!