by Christian Cacibauda
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In her Bohemian Manifesto, author Lauren Stover takes an inside look at five categories of bohemian interior design. For designer hopefuls stifled by mass-produced interior design solutions, the eclectic and irreverent fashions of la vie boheme may offer a breath of fresh air.

Beat Design

“Reckless, ragged, rambling”, Beat Bohemians favor a sparse design. For lighting, candles in wine bottles, naked light bulbs, and paper lanterns suffice. Charcoal or photographic nudes offer simple decoration, while furniture comes from flea-markets or found materials—wire spool tables, for example.

Zen Design

The most meditative bohemian, the Zen designs with an eastern flare. Zen lighting includes kerosene lamps and the odd halogen bulb, while yoga mats and futons replace the more traditional recliner or sofa. Knick-knacks may include incense burners and Buddha or Krishna figurines, and drapery is limited to Indian saris and plain canvas.

Dandy Design

Old-fashioned and aristocratic, the Dandy Bohemian achieves old-world splendor on a shoestring. Taxidermy, African tribal masks, and refinished antiques from flea markets, auctions, and dead relatives are the dandy’s go-to interior design solutions.

Nouveau Design

The wealthiest bohemian subcategory, the Nouveau often embellishes custom furniture with commissioned paintings, sculptures, and murals. In the kitchen, you’ll probably find crystal stemware.

Gypsy Design

Nomadic by nature, Gypsy bohemians pick up interior design ideas while abroad. Gypsy homes include Persian or oriental rugs. For drapery, the Gypsy turns to Indian scarves, saris, and beaded curtains. Furniture includes low cushions in lieu of chairs, and— sometimes—a low brass coffee table, also from India.

Put Bohemian Splendor to Work

If you’re already drawn to careers in interior design, a bachelor’s degree may help you bring Bohemian chic to a mainstream audience. Thanks to the proliferation of Internet distance learning, online bachelor’s degrees in interior design are widely available. Learn the tricks of the trade online, where and when it’s convenient for you. If you’re already living la vie boheme, distance learning through an online bachelor’s degree program may prove the road less-traveled to an imaginative interior design career.

About the Author

Christian Cacibauda is a writer and editor based in Northern Nevada. Concerning his own bohemianism, he falls somewhere between a dandy, a nouveau, and a beat.

Source(s)

Stover, Lauren. Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide to Living on the Edge. New York: Bullfinch Press, 2004.

Posted on June 5, 2007 at 03:22 PM

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