Designer Series: 5 Ways to Style Boho + Modern featuring Within Reach Style
The bohemian look is a laid-back style full of textures, patterns and colors. Someone leaning into this design may execute this look by, perhaps, adding a macrame wall hanging in the corner of the room and be done with it but if you’re Danielle Koelbl of @withinreachstyle, you go all in but make it eclectic and modern. Here are five ways to create a chic, boho modern design that’s all within reach.
Read through for her creative styles and design tips.
The Plan
Danielle combines the boho esthetic with modern pieces in neutral tones.
The Prep
Pair our Mor Furniture accents in modern and boho styles with studio props and pieces from Danielle's personal collection.
Challenge One: Carlota Sofa in Gray
1. Build around a mid-century piece as your modern furniture
Mid-century furniture has been around for a long time but is still popular today due to its versatility. It places an importance on function and minimalism to create an understated look that can also be bold. Danielle designed her first look with a low-profile piece featuring the Carlota Sofa which features a clean camel back, exposed wooded legs and solid fabric material. The Carlota collection includes a loveseat, a chair and comes in gray and blue.
2. Mix patterns, neutrals and colors
With sleek lines and geometric forms of a mid-century piece comes the fun part: pattern and color play. Danielle created contrast by adding distinct patterns, squiggly lines on accents, or colored fabric highlighting subtle neutrals found in modern design. A hint of gold or bronze paired with greens, browns, beiges, varying hues of white and grays create a cohesive pattern scheme that’s easy on the eyes.
3. Stack up textiles and materials
Danielle’s second look was focused on building around a modern yet timeless dining set featuring the Bay Creek Extendable Dining Table, Upholstered Storage Bench, High Back Bench, and Side Chairs in graphite – the Bay Creek collection is customizable and available in three other colors. Incorporating a dash of boho chic means utilizing textiles to bring in more color and pattern. Danielle layered together the upholstered bench seating, woven throw blanket, faux grass feathers, rattan-inspired placemats, and wooden bowls. Some favorite pieces used for her design were the Sonoma Tangerine Blue Ivory Rug for a major boho moment, and the Astral 3 Door Cabinet with reclaimed wood and metal combo for an eccentric up-do.
4. A little bit of good clutter is okay
The boho look is all about creating a space full of heirlooms and collected treasures. Danielle resorted to using a mix of her own modern accents and some versatile decorative pieces from our showroom floor. Bring home cherished treasures from your travels such as vibrant trinkets, antique furniture, vintage clock, pendant lights or be on the hunt for a modern piece that just works. The idea is to create a modern collected look while cultivating the quirky, bohemian design.
5. Add organic elements and greenery
For finishing touches, keep your space extra comfortable with organic materials that reflect nature-loving bohemian design. Reclaimed wood furniture, rattan accents, tables made from tree roots or stumps, wicker baskets and stands all check the box. A plethora of real or faux plants of varying sizes and heights is a key element of both modern and bohemian designs. Boho-focused homes usually have plants clustered on the floor, sitting in a window ledge, or hanging from the ceiling. These subtle touches will give your space an unfinished, rustic touch that will provide contrast to the clean and minimalist look of your mid-century modern furniture.
Give Danielle a follow at @withinreachstyle for a taste of San Diego living and for more home interior designs & inspiration. #DesignerSeries