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The First “Bohémiens” of Paris
This “outsider” label was soon adopted—or, more accurately, thrust upon—another group living on the fringes of Paris: the city’s artists, writers, poets, and musicians. In the post-French Revolution era of the 1830s and 40s, a new creative class emerged in the city’s poorer neighborhoods, like the Latin Quarter. These individuals rejected the stuffy, materialistic values of the bourgeoisie. They lived in voluntary poverty, dedicating their lives to their art above all else. They were poor, often living in drafty attics (garrets), but their lives were rich in ideas, passion, and creativity. Because their unconventional, nomadic, and impoverished lifestyle was so different from the societal norm, the French public began calling them “Bohémiens.” It was a comparison to the Romani people, and it wasn’t always a compliment. But this group embraced it. They wore second-hand clothes, filled their bare-bones apartments with found objects, and prioritized experience over possessions. This is the true genesis of the Bohemian ethos.From Lifestyle to Living Space
Their decor—if you could call it that—was born from this philosophy. It was the antithesis of the rigid, matching furniture sets found in wealthy homes. A true Bohemian space was:- Collected: Furniture was cheap, second-hand, or gifted. Nothing matched, and that was the point. An old wooden crate might be a table, a stack of books a stool.
- Layered: To cover cheap or damaged furniture and to stay warm in cold attics, textiles were key. They would use shawls, throws, carpets, and tapestries—anything with color and warmth—draped over surfaces and hung on walls.
- Personal: The space was a reflection of the person. It was filled with their own art, sketches, books, instruments, and mementos from their travels or experiences. It was a living diary, not a showroom.
- Unconventional: They rejected formal living areas. Their studios and living spaces were one and the same, designed for creation, conversation, and community. Formal dining tables and stiff-backed chairs were replaced with floor cushions and low sofas to encourage relaxed, intimate gatherings.
Verified historical sources confirm the term ‘Bohemian’ was first used in 19th-century Paris to describe artists and creatives who lived unconventional lives, often in poverty. They were so named because their lifestyle was compared to that of the Romani people, who were erroneously believed to have originated in Bohemia. This artistic and cultural rebellion, not a specific design trend, is the true seed of the style.
The Counterculture Wave of the 60s and 70s
For a century, this Bohemian spirit bubbled under the surface, influencing artistic circles. But it exploded back into the mainstream in the 1960s and 70s with the hippie movement. This new generation of counterculture rebels shared the exact same values as the 19th-century Parisian artists: a rejection of bourgeois materialism, a focus on communal living, a love for nature, and a quest for freedom and self-expression. The hippies translated this ethos into a new visual language. They looked to nature and to the East for inspiration, fueled by travels along the “Hippie Trail” to places like Morocco, India, and Afghanistan. This is where many of the elements we now consider “classic Boho” truly entered the Western home.The “Hippie” Layer
This era added a distinct set of materials and motifs to the Bohemian look. While the Parisian artists used heavy velvets and dark, moody colors, the hippies lightened things up with a more natural, global vibe. This new layer included:- Natural Materials: Rattan, wicker, bamboo, and unfinished wood became staples. These materials were affordable, sustainable, and felt connected to the earth.
- Macramé and Crochet: The ultimate DIY craft, macramé wall hangings, plant hangers, and crocheted afghans became symbols of a handmade, anti-industrial mindset.
- Global Textiles: Travelers returned with Moroccan poufs, Indian paisley prints, vibrant tapestries (often used as bedspreads or wall art), and shaggy Beni Ourain rugs.
- An Indoor Jungle: A love for nature and a desire to “bring the outside in” meant house plants were no longer just a single pot on a windowsill. They became a major design element, with trailing ivy, large ferns, and spider plants filling every available space.
- Low-Level Living: Taking a cue from Middle Eastern and Asian cultures, the hippies popularized floor-level seating. Floor cushions, low sofas, and futons created a relaxed, informal, and communal atmosphere perfect for sharing music and conversation.
