Alternative Bohemian Style Goes Mainstream

For more than a century, the term Bohemian has been more descriptive of a countercultural style rather than the country once known as Bohemia.

Like the artful, sometimes nomadic people who have claimed the heritage through the years, modern Bohemian décor and fashion continue to be free-spirited, defying conventional rules while creating seemingly random yet harmonious style. However, the eclectic layers of multicultural patterns and colors, as well as the worn, second-hand qualities typical of the Boho chic trend, are no longer countercultural. Instead, the formerly alternative aesthetic has now achieved almost mainstream status.

As a result, a Boho influence can be seen in everything from fabrics to floral designs, and it’s not just for the budget conscious. Today’s Bohemian elements are available in a range of price points and from a variety of sources, ranging from mass market to high-end boutique. The style is pervasive—at least that’s the way New York artist Brad Holland sees it: “Fifty years ago, it was the dream of every Bohemian artist to be seen getting out of a limousine wearing blue jeans and sneakers. Today, it’s the dream of probably half the people in the country.”