Bohemian in Texas: Scandinavian Minimalism Meets Organic
For some people, bohemian living means getting rid of everything they own and wandering around with nothing more than the clothes on their back. This can seem like an interesting lifestyle but more often than not, when people are in a new city or area where they don’t know anyone and don’t have any money, this situation will soon turn dire. In order to make it work, bohemian living also requires some serious financial resources. For those who want to try out the bohemian lifestyle without having to deal with all that, organic minimalism might be the way to go.
Edith Lutyens
I’m a big fan of the less is more philosophy, and I think it’s especially important when it comes to decorating your home. That’s why I was drawn to Scandinavian minimalism when I saw it for the first time. But I also wanted to add my own personal touch to my home, so I incorporated organic elements into my decor. The result is a warm and inviting space that feels like a true reflection of me.
When you combine natural materials with clean lines, you get the best of both worlds! I used pieces made from wood, metal, or natural fibers to create a layered effect throughout my living room – some of which are utilitarian while others are purely decorative. It’s an easy way to incorporate beauty without overdoing it.
A Danish teak coffee table stands out in front of the couch because it offers additional storage as well as serving as a display surface for plants and art objects. A nook created by an antique Swedish armoire displays handmade fabric poufs filled with rice hulls from our garden to bring an extra element of nature indoors.
My rustic side table holds family photos next to glassware from Central America. We’re always exchanging items from our travels, but we try to keep things local too. As far as furnishings go, we’ve tried to keep most of them simple, sleek, and white to make sure they work in any space we place them in.
Some additions have been handmade by friends who know how much I love experimenting with different techniques. In addition to natural textiles woven on a loom or crochet hook, I have pillows made out of reclaimed material that look chic rather than shabby chic (no offense!). There’s something about the juxtaposition between modern minimalist furnishings and folk-inspired accents that makes me feel at peace in my own skin…literally.
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F. A. Voysey
Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857-1941) was an English architect and furniture and textile designer. He is probably best known for his Cotswold style of architecture. He also designed wallpaper, fabrics, and carpets, many of which are still in production today. His work was greatly influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement and he is considered one of its leading exponents. Charles was educated at Oxford University before going on to study at the Royal Academy Schools in London.
He started designing fabrics while working as a student assistant to William Morris, who encouraged him to set up his own studio where he would design textiles and wallpapers.
Charles first visited America in 1889 as part of a delegation sent to buy American art works for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee; however it wasn’t until 1892 that he opened an office there permanently – this was mainly due to their earlier reluctance towards English artists.
House Beautiful
You don’t have to travel to Sweden or Denmark to get the look. Simply bring the outdoors in with houseplants, like this beautiful bohemian living room featured in House Beautiful. To achieve the scandinavian minimalism aesthetic, stick to a neutral color palette and focus on clean lines. Then add organic elements, like fur throws and wood accents, to bring some warmth into the space. It’s all about the right balance of modern and natural – perfect for homeowners who want an inviting retreat that reflects their lifestyle.
30% Off Sale Event
This weekend only, get 30% off your purchase of organic bohemian-style clothing and accessories at Bohemian in Texas! Shop dresses, tops, pants, and more from brands like Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropology. Plus, everything in the store is ethically made and environmentally friendly. So come on by and shop for a cause! You’ll be giving back to a company that respects their employees and cares about the environment while getting a deal that’s too good to pass up.
Autumn Decor
The colors of autumn are inspiring this year’s bohemian home decor trends. Pops of orange, red, and yellow against a backdrop of neutrals create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Think cozy layers, organic materials, and natural light. This is a style that celebrates nature and the changing seasons. You can still incorporate rich textures from all around the world, but you’ll find yourself looking for textiles with a more homespun look.
You’ll want to make sure your home feels like it has history by adding lots of vintage pieces and handmade goods as well as scented candles or incense to complete the scene. One idea is to turn your living room into a space where you can relax and unwind after work or on weekends. Try out some armchairs, floor pillows, and tea sets to create a laid-back vibe that will encourage visitors to stay awhile.
You might also consider installing an overhead chandelier if your room doesn’t have any windows facing outside; just be careful not to overload the space with too many decorations so everything looks balanced.
December 2018
I recently had the pleasure of spending time in Texas, and I was surprised by how much I loved it! The people are so friendly and the food is amazing. I was also struck by the state’s unique style, which combines elements of both Scandinavian minimalism and organic bohemianism. Here are some of my favorite examples from my trip.
1) Houston has a thriving urban arts scene – one of the best for outdoor murals that I’ve seen anywhere.
2) You can find beautiful historic homes tucked away in neighborhood blocks that are sometimes hard to find with all the development happening around them.
3) If you want to get off the beaten path and see nature at its finest, take a drive out west through Big Bend National Park (my second-favorite national park!).
4) There are tons of locally owned stores to explore with unique items you won’t find anywhere else – including some of my favorite handmade ceramics by Maria Sama.
