Bohemian-inspired kitchen decor is becoming more popular as we slowly but surely move away from sleek, minimalist kitchens towards spaces that are more distinctive and reflect our personalities.
Among all the kitchen ideas, bohemian style kitchen decor gives you the opportunity to express your individuality: “Think of the kitchen as ever-changing: paintable materials can be updated on a whim, lighting from plug-in lamps can be moved around, and curtain-front open storage can incorporate ever-changing textiles,” says Victoria Sass, principal designer at Prospect Refuge Studio.
“You might design a kitchen with a collection of repurposed furniture that can be moved around the room. Don't be afraid to do it, and the space will look luxurious and very unique.”
10 ways to create a bohemian kitchen
A key element of kitchen design is the kitchen cabinetry. However, traditional built-in designs look out of place in a bohemian style. Instead, embrace the laid-back, ever-changing nature of bohemian design by incorporating separate kitchen ideas into your space. This can be a single pantry cabinet or a complete kitchen.
Mix and match colors and styles to create a unique space, and decorate with items that are meaningful to you: childhood treasures, holiday mementos, heirlooms, and vintage pieces all have a place as part of bohemian kitchen décor.
“Bohemian kitchen decor reflects memories of travels around the world and your neighborhood, your passion for cooking, how you entertain, and how you share your space with family and friends,” says Ana Maria Torres, interior designer and founder of At Architects. “When designing your bohemian kitchen, we encourage you to take some time to explore your own color palette. Try mixing materials and shapes, combining vintage and modern furniture, and layering eclectic patterns.”
1. Add vintage lighting to brighten up your scheme
Kitchen lighting ideas are one of the cornerstones of kitchen design. Done well, they can completely transform a room. In any space, pendants should be the focal point of the scheme and make a statement. When deciding on the right lighting components for your bohemian kitchen décor, consider vintage-style wall lamps that offer both color and brightness.
Choosing vintage-style lighting rather than true vintage fixtures allows you to achieve a unique aesthetic without the hassle of making sure your electrical installations and fixtures meet current safety regulations.
2. Choose a bright and warm color scheme
One of the best things about bohemian kitchen decor is how much freedom you have, especially when it comes to wall colors. Earthy browns, greens, and grays can create a calming feel for your bohemian kitchen decor, but you can also try out more vibrant paint ideas.
“A bohemian-style kitchen is a fantastic space to incorporate bold, warm and fun colours. Filled with vintage furniture, open shelving, patterned textiles and tableware, an eclectic kitchen is perfect for vibrant colours. The bold 'marigold' shade pairs beautifully with natural wood finishes and travel-inspired accessories,” says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Green.
3. Incorporate bohemian kitchen style into neutrals
Of course, bohemian kitchen decor doesn't have to be bold and bright – instead, you can go for vintage kitchen ideas like ruffled lampshades, lace tablecloths and faded kilims that can create an equally bohemian feel.
“Opt for freestanding furniture rather than built-in kitchen pieces, so it's much easier to mix and match functional, beautiful kitchen cabinetry with unique accents,” says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL. “Create a space that inspires eclecticism and layers of interest, but don't make it so carefully curated that it feels like a hotel or museum. It takes time and patience, and the results won't be instant, but it's definitely worth the time.”
4. Set the backdrop with checkerboard floors and wooden cabinets
Although not associated with a specific style or look, plaid kitchen flooring ideas are a great choice for bohemian kitchen decor. Choose a monochromatic scheme for a classic look that complements the other elements of your bohemian kitchen decor.
If you choose a bold pattern on your floor, keep the pattern on your cabinets and walls minimal. In this Bohemian kitchen, the patterned floor is complemented by the warm grain of the wooden cabinets and the subtle veining of the stone worktop and backsplash.
Hints of additional pattern are brought in through the kitchen's wallpaper, but the color palette and scale are kept muted and minimal so as not to compete with the bolder palette and scale of the flooring.
5. Add plants and vintage glassware to open shelves
Celebrating the natural world is a key principle of bohemian style, so bring the outdoors inside by incorporating live plants into your plan. Display plants hanging from the ceiling and fill shelves with pots full of fragrant herbs to bring bohemian style to life.
Join the latest trend of creating brighter, more characterful spaces by replacing fixed wall cabinets with open shelves. In a bohemian-style design, these open shelves provide the perfect stage for showcasing your favorite decorative pieces, alongside practical items like colorful glassware and vintage cups.
“Bohemian style is eclectic, collectible, global and well-traveled, so plan ahead with some open wall space and shelves to display art and antiques,” explains Victoria Sass, principal designer at Prospect Refuge Studio.
6. Don't overlook the interior decor
When designing a kitchen, the focus tends to be on the cabinets and flooring, but home decor items shouldn't be overlooked. Rugs bring warmth, color and texture to your design. After all, they're the finishing touch that really makes a space. But when it comes to kitchen rug ideas, it's important that they're not only durable and machine washable, but also beautiful to look at.
“To create the perfect bohemian-style kitchen, I pair eclectic textiles, such as flat-weave rugs, with rustic-style furniture to create a worn-in feel,” explains Petty Lau, trend expert at Kaiyo, an online marketplace for second-hand furniture. “I avoid using materials or furniture that are too new or shiny, but rather materials that have a worn beauty. Use a pop of color in your light fixtures, and vintage, antique, or patterned tiles help create a bohemian look.”
7. Create a rustic feel in your bohemian kitchen
Bohemian style is defined by color, texture and whimsy. But capturing this laid-back vibe in the engine room of your home can be tricky. Start with the backdrop of your space: your walls and floors. Getting these just right will set the stage for your bohemian kitchen decor.
Warm colours work best for walls. Whether you go bold with a vibrant orange paint job or opt for a more neutral hue like a soft cream, colours with undertones of red, yellow or pink will create a cosy atmosphere. Consider exposed plaster finishes, a popular choice for rustic kitchen ideas, to add extra texture to the space.
Opt for natural flooring, such as wooden floors or different stone floors, to complement your walls.
8. Emphasize warmth and texture
When designing a bohemian kitchen, prioritise materials that create a warm, inviting environment. Avoid using a lot of metal or glass, which can give the space a modern or hospital-like feel, and instead incorporate large areas of exposed wood.
Layering wood of different colors and textures can create a warm, inviting backdrop for your kitchen décor. For example, reclaimed wood cabinets with a deep patina and visible grain will blend perfectly with the lighter hues of your hexagonal flooring.
“No matter what type of wood you choose for your kitchen, the key to avoiding a heavy wood 'wall' is to balance it with the room's other finishes, such as light-painted walls, simple handles and an antique mirror backsplash,” says Deborah Bass, director of Bass Interiors.
9. Choose bright colors for bright spaces to add personality
Bohemian kitchen decor comes to life with color and natural light, and one of the best ways to add color to your design is to incorporate colorful kitchen island ideas, like this contrasting red island that stands out against white cabinetry.
“When designing a kitchen, I like to mix colors and memories that bring joy and happiness,” she says. Alison Kandler Interior Design. “Because this kitchen is my own, I wanted to incorporate all the things I love: painted floors, bright colors, gingerbread details, European lighting, quirky hardware, and my favorite flea market collections.”
“The French blue Lacanche series and pillow fabrics from Raoul Textiles inspired the colour palette. What makes this kitchen really special is the voluminous ceiling with a skylight. Natural light is the best way to highlight the bright colours.”
10. Consider bohemian decor for open-plan spaces
With its laid-back lifestyle aesthetic, bohemian style interiors are a great choice for open plan kitchens. Offering a softer feel than more industrial or traditional kitchen ideas, bohemian style kitchen interiors welcome soft fabrics and decorative accents that help integrate the open plan kitchen with the living and dining areas.
In this kitchen, the breakfast bar physically separates the kitchen from the living area. However, when combined with two bar stools in soft white bouclé fabric, it lends a soft, lifestyle edge to this bohemian kitchen décor. This vibe is continued by antique candles lined up on an open shelf and countless potted plants that would work equally well as part of a living room idea.
FAQ
What is Bohemian Style?
A bohemian-style kitchen has a laid-back feel and brings interest and character to the space. Painting the walls and cabinets in warm colors will give the room character, then accent it with soft furnishings, kilim rugs, plants and sentimental decorative pieces.
“Bohemian-inspired kitchen decor is the perfect antidote to the crazy world outside the home. Because the kitchen brings together all five senses, there's a fantastic opportunity to create a bohemian vibe,” says designer Susan Serra of Susan Serra Associates.
Can you mix bohemian and farmhouse?
Yes, you can combine bohemian and farmhouse styles to create a unique kitchen. In fact, it's surprisingly easy to combine the warm, personal elements of bohemian style with the rustic charm of a more functional farmhouse kitchen. Both styles focus on natural materials, especially wood and stone, and promote a similar ethos of cozy, laid-back living.
The main difference between the two styles is the color palette. Bohemian kitchen decor tends to lean toward brighter, bolder hues, while farmhouse kitchens feature more neutral creams and whites. To balance the two styles, opt for colorful accents like rugs, lighting fixtures, or individual furniture pieces within a more neutral scheme.
A bohemian kitchen is all about personality. The décor softens this very practical room and gives it a living room feel. Organized clutter is a big part of the style, and adding decorative pieces on shelves and countertops makes it even prettier. If you're just dabbling in the style, soft furnishings like rugs and curtains can easily bring in a bohemian feel.