How often do you see beautiful boho gardens on Pinterest and Instagram and wish that you could recreate that relaxed outdoor sanctuary in your own garden? It’s not surprising that boho-inspired garden spaces are so popular because these tranquil havens have a warm and welcoming vibe that reflects the carefree, nomadic lifestyle of the 19th century Parisian bohemians and their artistic spirit.

But how do we create a space with an authentic bohemian vibe in our own gardens? Let’s look at the six simple steps we can take to harness those chilled boho vibes in our outdoor spaces.

1. Embrace Natural Elements

Boho style’s laid-back look revolves heavily around natural and authentic materials. So, make sure you incorporate materials like wood, stone and terracotta as well as woven materials such as jute, wicker, rattan, burlap and linen.

Natural materials are a celebration the outdoors and as humans we are naturally drawn to natural, organic and tactile materials because they provide a multi-sensory experience. We love to run our fingers across uneven, textured materials especially if they have differing temperatures.

So, think of incorporating a stone patio, wooden furniture or a wooden pergola, and terracotta plant pots for example. And preferably choose pieces that have character or flaws because boho style celebrates the beauty of imperfection.   

2. Choose Vibrant and Earthy Colours

Boho style has traditionally incorporated lots of loud and vibrant colours but modern boho-style tends more towards a neutral colour palette. Choose which approach will work for you based on your own personal style preferences and your relationship with colour and also bear in mind how your outdoor space will relate to the rest of your home, particularly if the two spaces are closely connected.

Colours that tend to work well for the boho aesthetic are the colours of nature. So, think of autumnal oranges, sunset shades, earthy browns and greens, airy shades of blue, vibrant yellows and soft pinks. The intensity and saturation of the colours will allow you to create a very different feeling in the space.

You can add colour through pretty patterned tiles, textiles such as cushions, rugs, hammocks or parasols, or through plants and flowers. An easy win is to paint your plant pots to add more colour. Any way that you can think of to express your creativity and bring in artful combinations.

3. Layer Textures and Patterns

The next step is to add depth to your boho-style garden. You can do this by layering up textures and patterns in your outdoor space. You want the space to look casual and feel comfortable so don’t worry about making everything look perfect, it’s more important to feel cosy.

You can add outdoor rugs to make it feel cost underfoot and don’t be afraid to layer them up and place one on top of the other to create different looks and bring in varied textures. Consider placing a circular rug on a rectangular rug for example for added visual interest.

Floor cushions and pouffes are a great way to add boho flair to your garden while adding additional cosy floor seating for guests.

Throw blankets make a nice addition and enhance the chilled-out boho vibes. Drape them over the garden furniture to add colour, pattern and texture. They will come in very handy come the cooler evenings when temperatures drop, and you don’t want your guests to feel the chill.

Cushions are a super simple way of layering in textures and patterns. Choose cushions in different sizes and shapes. For a more eclectic and free-spirited vibe try to avoid having all your cushions being overly curated and matching. Instead mix up the patterns and colours and allow yourself to celebrate your individuality. Don’t be afraid of using surprising pairings and combinations and aim for a more global look. Tassels and fringing are always a good move to add a boho-style to your cushions. 

4. Create Cosy Seating Areas

Feeling cosy and comfy is the epitome of bohemian style so it’s imperative that you create cosy seating areas. And what could be cosier than Instagram and Pinterest’s favourite egg chairs. Every year homeowners and renters alike scrabble to get their hands on these popular garden staples and they are just perfect for adding a touch of boho chic to your outdoor space.

The encompassing egg shape makes for a super cosy experience as the chair literally embraces you. The open woven construction lets the cool summer breeze effortless pass through to cool you down and the cosy cushions create a very comfy seating experience. 

Whether you opt for a hanging egg chair like our luxurious Leza or a stationary egg chair like our elegant Eliona you are sure to be cosy. Both these chairs are made from rattan so you tick off the natural materials criteria now which is an added bonus!

5. Add Soft Lighting and Plants

For step five we want to make sure we add in some soft ambient lighting to create that cosy atmosphere once the sun sets. String up fairy lights if you have a pergola, the more the better! Tis will create a very delicate and magical effect. If you want to make a bolder statement opt for festoon lights strung up above the seating area.

Alternatively, go bigger by hanging Chinese lanterns from trees or from a pergola. The more you hang the bigger the impact. They will look great not only illuminated at night but also during the day. Choose coloured ones for maximum impact or opt for white for a more understated feel.

Hurricane lanterns are another option and look great dotted around the floor throughout the seating area.

Plants and dried grasses and flowers are another great way to add a stylish touch of boho chic. Pampas grass in tall vases creates quite a statement as it billows in the breeze. Alternatively bring your house plants out to join the party.

6. Embrace Eclectic Decor and Personal Touches

Step six sees you embracing your individual style by incorporating personal touches and eclectic decor into your boho garden décor vibe. These are your curated finishing touches that make the space reflect your own personality and style. This could be anything from wooden bowls and metal trays to macrame wall-hangings and statues of buddha.

This is your chance to really make an individual statement by creating a space that really says something about who you are. If you yourself are artistic or a spiritual nomad traveller, bring in some of your own masterpieces or holiday souvenirs.

The boho aesthetic is comfortable, casual and care-free but with carefully curated finishing touches that allow you to express your inner artist and nomad traveller. Follow our six easy steps to get the look and embrace bohemian chic in your garden this summer.

If you have used any of our egg chairs in your garden, we’d love to see a photo. Please share on Instagram and tag us with @honeypotfurniture and use our hashtag #BuzzingWithStyle so we can see.