Dining rooms can be tricky spaces to decorate. If your dining area is an extension of the living room, you might be going for a look that seamlessly blends with the rest of the house. Even dining spaces with their own four walls present a challenge, as people are often compelled to seek an elegant or adventurous vibe in this room, both of which can seem intimidating when it comes to getting started. Our solution: go eclectic! Today’s modern Boho style is the perfect element to add to your dining room. Who doesn’t love this laid-back look and the fun accents that come with it (plants, mixed patterns and plenty of texture)?! Ready for a closer look?…
Get Eclectic
Eclectic spaces have the advantage of versatility. A variety of elements can be combined, making it possible to create a room that mirrors other spaces in the house, yet has its own distinct style. Don’t be afraid to mix and match chairs in your eclectic dining room, as shown below. [image from Tracey Ayton Photography via A Good Chick to Know]
Eclectic dining rooms often have a relaxed feel. Nothing is too formal or stuffy, and accents such as cushions create the ultimate in comfort. [Emerson Reclaimed Wood Dining Table below from West Elm]
Mixing furnishings from different time periods also works well in Boho eclectic spaces. Midcentury pieces can be combined with antiques for a diverse feel. [photo from SF Girl by Bay]
Texture and Pattern
Whether it’s eclectic, Boho or anything and everything in between, your dining room can gain warmth and depth through the use of texture and pattern. Consider colorful textiles, such as napkins, or a table covering like the Sonora Tablecloth from Anthropologie:
No table is too small for adornment. Is your dining room a breakfast nook rather than a grand space? Try layering elements such as a tablecloth and hanging planters to create a modern Boho look. [Yates Bistro Chair below from Urban Outfitters]
Layering rugs is another fun idea for the eclectic dining space. Below we see the dining room of Design Love Fest blogger Bri Emery, which was designed by Emily Henderson, The rugs come from Lake in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles:
Sheepskin and faux fur throws are one of today’s hottest trends. The affordable chair coverings below are mini-throws from IKEA. Note how they warm up this space and create visual and textural interest without overpowering the other textiles in the room. In fact, this layered look is design gold! [photo by Ilene Goodman for Katherine Stern Design]
For a fun DIY chair cover tutorial, check out these faux fur chair covers from A Beautiful Mess, created by Skunkboy blogger Katie Shelton:
Eclectic spaces are often laid-back, but don’t hesitate to create opulent table settings that beautifully offset the fabrics and plants in the room. This festival-inspired outdoor party is from Jasmine Orchard Styling:
How’s It Hanging?
Boho eclectic dining rooms are often enhanced by hanging elements, be they hanging planters or wall hangings. Note the abundance of macrame plant hangers in the bright Boho dining room below: [designed by Bronwyn Poole and photographed by Matt Craig for Touch Interiors]
Sometimes a small yarn accent is all it takes to add Boho flair to your dining area. The diamond-shaped God’s eye weaving below is the perfect colorful touch. [Plum & Bow Scroll Bistro Table from Urban Outfitters]
Macrame wall hangings are fun, retro-style focal points for the modern Boho dining space. Below we see a flower-infused wall hanging as the backdrop to a bridal shower featured at Scout:
Today’s wall hangings are anything but outdated. They boast a cutting-edge feel created by a large scale, vivid colors and wonderfully over-the-top textures. If you’re looking for a striking retro-modern statement, consider hanging fiber art, as shown in this image from The Brick House. [via Better by Design]
Better with Plants
There’s no denying that houseplants have made a major comeback, and they are the perfect affordable exclamation point to the eclectic dining room. Succulents, air plants and tropical selections are a few favorites. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider the value of tropical leaves, which often last weeks in a vase of fresh water. [Boerum Dining Table below from West Elm]
There are plenty of options for indoor plants, such as the tall Fiddle Leaf Fig shown in the image below. Pay attention to the lighting situation in your dining room as you choose the best plants for your indoor environment. Side note: check out the West Elm rug in this space (kilim rugs are a popular choice for Boho interiors). [photo by Nanette Wong via Houzz]
Enjoy displaying greenery in receptacles that complement the style of your dining room. With eclectic spaces, you can mix and match vases, or you can go with one main style for your vases and containers, as shown in the retro-modern dining room designed by Taylor & Taylor (see more about this colorful retro-modern bungalow here.)
Don’t hesitate to incorporate glassy elements into your eclectic dining space. Airy pieces such as glass terrariums and glass pendant lights are lovely complements to greenery selections like tropical leaves and succulents. [Jensen Dining Table from West Elm]
When it comes to plants, even small statements can be powerful ones. Don’t underestimate the value of a single potted plant in the middle of the table or one air plant in a retro or antique bowl. [Yates Bistro Dining Table from Urban Outfitters]
Did today’s post inspire you with its gallery of eclectic dining rooms? Will you be incorporating modern Boho elements into your dining space? Happy decorating!
