Recognizing the Boho-Ethnic Look

Tuesday, July 18th, 2017

Universal Furniture Bedroom The Boho Chic Bed Rails 6_0 45077R

During the first few years of the new millennium, more specifically during the 1990s, it was observed that ethnic style took center stage. This style got its influence from fashion designers, the likes of Dries van Noten, Kenzo, Christian Lacroix, Vivienne Tam, to name a few. These designers, in turn, were inspired by a variety of styles namely African, Asian, Arctic, and Native American. They were not afraid to use unique styles from far away lands.

Ethnic fashion also found sources of its own inside the Western hemisphere. Northern and Eastern European nations also gave their own share of the ethnic style.

Ethnic Aesthetics

For a lot of Western designers, Eastern aesthetics have become a rich source of subjects. Their creativity was easily spurred by the colorful cultures that reside within the Eastern hemisphere. Here, breaking conventions is perceived as a way of finally seeing or being freed from something that has kept one shackled.

Simply defined, ethnic fashion is eclectic and eclectic fashion is ethnic. This is also applicable to interior design.

Exoticism is more often associated with the faraway nations and is, therefore, broader than the common eclectic term. Here, you are rerouted from being a Westerner to being appreciative of other cultures.

Ethnic Design – The Beginning

Back in the day, luxury is linked with anything that’s foreign. Since this is so, it becomes difficult to actually trace where and when ethnic design was born in the West. One has to take into consideration the trade routes that passed through the West which include Egypt, Persia, and Central Asia. Later, other nations were added to these including China, India, Japan, Mexico, Colombia and many more.

French and Italian silk productions were soon founded, still catering for much more demand for ethnic look.

By the 1800s, cashmere and silk became quite popular and fully used in many aspects of fashion.

Diverse Style

Ethnic style is crucial in fashion though somewhat ignored. As the world of fashion moves ever forward to adjust to the existence of diverse cultures, naturally, interior design follows suit. With these culturally diverse styles, we can now have a clearer definition of what ethnic interior design is all about.

There are various types of designs for ethnic styles depending on who is using them and what ideas are being utilized. All people have a rough idea on what their ultimate dream house would actually look like. Some homeowners opt for a Western style while others prefer the unique ethnic features that Eastern designs offer.

In essence, Chinese or Japanese interior design can be considered ethnic, as are Indian, Filipino or Thai interiors.

The Ethnic Bedroom

It is always safest to begin with the bedroom when it comes to designing projects. Find out what kind of ethnic bed you would want and what materials will be used – gold metal? How about wicker? Or bamboo perhaps?

The shape, patterns, and colors will also define if you are embracing an ethnic interior design. Japanese style beds would have you sleeping closer to the floor or on the floor. Chinese beds have hints or splashes of gold. The choices are almost limitless.

As to window treatments, there is also a huge difference between the blinds that you could use with Japanese interiors and the heavy drapes that often decorate Chinese bedrooms.

When specifically embracing the Boho style or the Bohemian look or Boho-Chic, think of the hippie or gypsy fashion statements. Who you are pretty much dictates what your home’s design elements would contain.

So, will ethnic style suit you well? Also, consider if your family members are also amenable to this style. Once you have come to a concession, then go ahead and alter the style of your habitat.

Tags: Boho, Boho-Chic, Boho-ethnic, ethnic interior design, ethnic interiors, ethnic style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Recognizing the Boho-Ethnic Look