Tile for Every Style: Boho Chic

The term “bohemian,” when referring to an aesthetic rather than the citizens of the Bohemia region in Eastern Europe, was first coined in France in the 19th century. The term refered to the artistic, avant-garde lifestyle of the semi-nomadic free spirits who frequented Parisian cafes and nightclubs, writing poetry and donning eclectic apparel.

Today, boho style embodies the spirit of its carefree beginnings. Bold patterns, global influences and layered textures create spaces that celebrate an artistic and worldly sensibility. Whether you’re drawn to bright colors or neutrals, visually rich or serene spaces, you’ll find something to love in the modern interpretation of boho chic. Read on for eight expressive and inviting tile ideas to incorporate this timeless and worldly style into your space.

1. Celebrate the Antique

Vintage furniture and decor have a natural home in boho design. Incorporate this retro sensibility in tile with an antique-inspired pattern. Here, the Inlay Proper by Kelli Fontana tile, in Eden Ode and Florence Lace, is installed in a checkerboard pattern for an elegant yet whimsical arrangement. The ornate leaf motif is reminiscent of Victorian designs, creating a timeless appeal.

2. Embrace Bold Patterns

Display the artistic sensibilities at the heart of boho chic design with a bold, graphic, patterned tile, like the Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile shown here. The geometric pattern is inspired by artwork that celebrity designer Nikki Chu encountered on her travels. The hand-drawn shapes complement the organic textures of the soft off-white fabrics and wooden shelves, creating a visually rich space that embodies this expressive aesthetic. For more graphic patterns in a range of neutral tones, shop our exclusive Nikki Chu collection.

3. Bring it Down to Earth

Boho doesn’t just exist in eclectic extremes. This versatile tile can be surprisingly down-to-earth. This gorgeous kitchen, designed by I SPY DIY, features an Organic Clay Taupe subway tile backsplash. The rich, earth tones in a handmade-look format add complex visual texture to this stunning space. The organic textures are expressed throughout the room–namely in the plants, woven lampshade, and wooden shelf and countertop.

4. Use Unique Shapes

Besides pattern, a great way to add visual interest to your space is through eye-catching silhouettes. Curved, diamond-shaped and arabesque tiles demand attention with their unorthodox forms, as shown in this boho chic bar backsplash featuring the Gem by Alison Victoria tile. The scalloped edges and expressive green marble add a sense of movement to this space, and the antique appeal is heightened by the faded gold wallpaper and the glass shelves with decorative brass fixtures. Shop our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile to find a silhouette that expresses your individual style.

5. Experiment with Layouts

Lean into the unconventional aspect of boho design by creating your own bold layout. Endlessly versatile, subway tile is perfect for developing a design that’s all your own. This bathroom is a great example, featuring a unique design that alternates horizontal and vertical stacks of the Villa tile in Warm Grey Gloss and White Gloss. The result is a standout wall that maintains the space’s soft neutral color scheme. We love how this wall tile pairs with the Moroccan-inspired Kasbah Cross and Star Terracotta tile floor.

6. Start with a Neutral Base

Though boho chic allows for bold patterns and bright colors, you can still express your bohemian sensibilities in more muted tones. In fact, more and more modern boho spaces are embracing a neutral color palette as a base and adding eclectic elements as accents. That’s what West Bay Homes achieved in this gorgeous beige and pink bathroom. The Legno travertine floor tile grounds this space in soft tones, while the wicker light shades, light-pink cabinet details, and smooth, polished marble countertop give this space the rich visual texture characteristic of boho chic design.

7. Dazzle With Jewel Tones

Another way to achieve a sleek and unique boho interior is to saturate your space with bright jewel tones. This stunning bathroom features brilliant sapphire blue throughout. The Marrakesh Blue handmade-look tile creates a color-drenched tableau that extends to matching paint across the walls and ceiling. The checkerboard shower wall adds a whimsical touch and provides a slight respite from the bold color. If you love this jewel-tone effect, shop our full assortment of blue, green and purple tile.

8. Add Texture

Pattern, material and finish can add visual texture to a space, but for a highly tactile experience, consider adding a fluted or sculptural tile. This shower features the wood-look fluted Violin Decor tile. The raised “flutes” add to the sensory experience of this space, contributing to its relaxed vibe. Much like the wicker, burlap and woven fibers characteristic of boho chic, fluted wood-look tile adds organic texture to your design.

Ready to incorporate boho chic design into your next reno? The Tile Shop is here to help you every step along the way with tiles, tools and expert advice. Stop by your local Tile Shop showroom or schedule a free in-person or virtual design consultation to get started!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I'm Eimile, Marketing copywriter. What I love about working at The Tile Shop is getting to see all the new design trends. I especially love bright, bold colors and retro designs. When I'm not writing copy, I'm usually reading a novel or taking a walk around my Minneapolis neighborhood.

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