Boho interiors are all about layering textures, patterns, and colours to create warm, inviting spaces that reflect your personality. This guide covers seven colour palettes to help you design every room in your home with a bohemian flair. From earthy terracotta tones to luxurious jewel hues, these ideas combine natural materials and bold accents to craft spaces that feel personal and stylish.
Key Palettes:
- Earthy Terracotta Living Room: Warm terracotta, rust, and clay tones balanced with neutrals like ivory. Add sage green or mustard for contrast.
- Jewel Tone Bedroom: Deep emerald, sapphire, and oxblood paired with velvet and metallics for a rich, cosy vibe.
- Soft Muted Kitchen: Creams, sand, and sage tones for a calm, welcoming space. Add dusty pink for warmth.
- Bright Eclectic Dining Room: Mustard, teal, and orange mixed with patterns and vibrant accents to energise the space.
- Forest Green Lounge: Forest green and earthy tones for a grounded, nature-inspired look. Add navy or mustard for depth.
- Sunset Bohemian Bathroom: Terracotta, dusty rose, and amber tones with metallics for a warm, sunset-like glow.
- Moody Grey Study: Charcoal grey with rust or olive accents for a sophisticated, focused space.
Pro Tip: Use the 60-30-10 rule for balance - 60% dominant colour, 30% secondary, 10% accents. Layer natural textures like rattan, jute, and wood for a boho feel. Add greenery and soft lighting to complete the look.
These palettes help you transform your home into a space that’s both chic and personal, blending earthy tones with bold accents for a relaxed, eclectic style.
7 Boho Colour Palettes for Every Room - Complete Guide
BOHO DECOR TIPS | BOHEMIAN INTERIOR DESIGN | PAINT COLORS
1. Earthy Terracotta Living Room Palette
This palette revolves around warm, earthy tones like terracotta, burnt sienna, rust, and clay brown. These rich colours create a snug, inviting atmosphere in any living room. To soften these bold shades, pair them with grounding neutrals - think warm beige, ivory, sand, or creamy whites. This balance keeps the space from feeling too intense while maintaining its cosy charm.
To add contrast, incorporate complementary accents. Sage green or olive green work beautifully to bring a natural touch. Emily May, Interior Designer at Emily May Designs, highlights this pairing:
"The complementary colour of Terracotta is sage green, so if you use sage green accents they will really stand out against a background of terracotta".
For added depth, weave in hints of deep mustard yellow, ochre, or burnt orange. If you prefer a more grounded look, shades like charcoal, mocha brown, or navy blue can anchor the space.
Natural textures are key to enhancing this earthy palette. Think chunky knit throws, embroidered cushions, and macramé details layered over linen-covered sofas. Furniture and accessories in reclaimed wood, rattan, wicker, bamboo, or jute bring in natural tan and brown tones that perfectly complement the colour scheme. To amplify the warmth, consider brown leather sofas or Moroccan-style leather pouffes in rich burnt orange hues.
Achieve harmony in the room by following the 60-30-10 rule: dedicate 60% of the space to a neutral tone like sand or ivory, 30% to terracotta or rust, and the final 10% to a bold accent such as mustard yellow or sage green. This combination captures the eclectic bohemian vibe effortlessly. Natalie Ebel, Co-founder and Creative Director at Backdrop, notes:
"Terracotta adds depth and warmth to any space, making it an ideal relaxed atmosphere".
In February 2025, colour experts spotlighted the "Terracotta, Olive Green & Crisp White" trio as a top choice for living rooms with ample natural light. Ebel specifically recommended Backdrop's "Ghost Ranch" terracotta shade, which pairs seamlessly with rattan and woven textiles.
Complete the look with metallic accents in aged brass, copper, or gold for lamps, picture frames, and candle holders. Start with a large jute or sisal rug as a base, then layer smaller, colourful patterned or vintage rugs for added texture and character. Opt for warm, diffused lighting - such as table lamps with fabric shades or string lights - to preserve the soft, tranquil feel of the terracotta tones.
2. Jewel Tone Bedroom Palette
Jewel tones can turn a bedroom into a cosy, luxurious retreat. Imagine emerald green, sapphire blue, oxblood red, and deep plum - these rich colours bring a sense of opulence and warmth. When combined with the right textures and materials, they work wonders in boho-inspired spaces. Let’s dive into how to use these tones and pair them with textures to elevate your boho bedroom.
For a refined yet vibrant look, pair emerald green and sapphire blue with velvet fabrics and metallic accents like gold or brass. Think headboards, cushions, or picture frames for a touch of elegance. To keep the design grounded and relaxed, add rattan furniture, which introduces a more casual vibe. If you’re after a warmer, eclectic feel, try spicy mustard with oxblood red. These shades pair beautifully with global-inspired patterns, such as ikat or tribal prints, on cushions and throws. Anchor the look with natural wood furniture to maintain balance and warmth.
It’s important to keep the space from feeling too heavy with these bold hues. Balance them with cool neutrals like light grey or warm off-whites such as oatmeal or cream. Lauren Flanagan, Interior Decor Writer at The Spruce, offers this insight into achieving the boho aesthetic:
"The key to a boho-designed room is to mix and match varied decorative materials soaked in colour throughout the space".
To add depth, layer smooth textures like silk or velvet with coarser, natural materials such as jute rugs or burlap cushions. Lighting also plays a significant role - swap out harsh white lighting for softer amber tones, salt lamps, or fairy lights to enhance the richness of the jewel tones. Metallic accents in gold, brass, or copper can further elevate the palette, adding a polished finish.
For smaller bedrooms, use jewel tones sparingly. Instead of painting all the walls, incorporate these colours through accent pieces - curtains, a velvet chair, or embroidered cushions. Deep colours can overwhelm compact spaces, so a lighter touch works best.
To round off the boho vibe, layer vintage-style rugs, like Persian or Turkish designs, featuring rust or turquoise tones. Mix cushions in mudcloth, ikat, or tribal prints to create a collected, eclectic feel. Finally, add a touch of nature with large-leaf plants like a Fiddle Leaf Fig. These plants pop beautifully against sapphire or emerald walls, offering a refreshing contrast to the saturated palette.
3. Soft Muted Kitchen Palette
A soft muted palette can turn your kitchen into a tranquil and welcoming space while still keeping its character intact. The key is starting with warm whites, cream, sand, and light beige - often referred to by colour experts as "nurturing neutrals". These shades create a soft, glowing base that interacts beautifully with natural light, steering clear of the starkness associated with pure whites. To elevate this soothing foundation, pair it with gentle accent colours.
Consider adding dusty pinks, blush tones, and silvery sage greens to bring warmth and depth. Hannah Yeo, Senior Manager of Colour Marketing at Benjamin Moore, highlights sage's versatility:
"Like the stem of the flower, a silvery sage seamlessly connects a wide range of colors".
This makes sage an excellent choice for complementing wood cabinetry and metallic fixtures, while dusty pink introduces a subtle warmth when paired with greige or taupe tones.
To avoid muted tones feeling dull, texture is crucial. Layering textures is a simple way to add interest - think rattan or cane bar stools, stoneware accents, linen curtains, and brass or copper hardware that naturally ages into a rich patina. Charlotte, Colour Consultant at Lick, captures the essence of this approach:
"Boho is all about being yourself. Textured layers, vintage pieces and natural finishes against the ideal backdrop of light walls".
To bring this serene kitchen concept to life, start with a soft white paint with pink undertones (£39 for Lick's 2.5L tin). If your kitchen faces north, avoid cooler greys that can feel dreary; instead, stick to warmer neutrals. Interestingly, nearly 48% of design professionals predict earthy greens will dominate interior trends by 2025, making sage a timeless and stylish choice. Complete the look with trailing plants in terracotta pots and vintage lighting fixtures to achieve that charming "collected over time" aesthetic.
4. Bright Eclectic Dining Room Palette
Breathe life into your dining room with a dynamic mix of colours like mustard yellow, ochre, fiery orange, electric blue, saturated purple, and deep teal. These shades not only energise the space but also create a lively atmosphere. Yellow, for instance, is known to spark conversation and even stimulate appetite, while pairing rich teal with warm orange adds a striking sense of contrast and drama. To keep these bold tones from overwhelming the room, balance them with a neutral backdrop - think cream, sand, or warm white.
Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Colour and Creative Services at Behr, explains this approach perfectly:
"A boho color is all about warm, earthy tones mixed with vibrant accents".
This method allows you to layer in bold colours through textiles, artwork, and decorative elements while maintaining a sense of harmony.
Once your colour foundation is set, textures become the next layer of interest. Combine smooth, light woods with a neutral jute rug, then top it off with a vibrant, patterned rug for added depth. Incorporate raw fibres, aged brass fixtures, and plush velvet cushions to create tactile contrasts. You can also introduce macramé wall hangings, woven placemats made from natural materials like seagrass or water hyacinth, and soft linen tablecloths to further enrich the space.
For patterns, mix and match geometric prints with paisley, floral, or globally inspired designs to give the room a "collected over time" vibe. Unique vintage finds, like a Turkish rug or a one-of-a-kind painting, can add character and charm. Don’t forget to include greenery - whether it’s hanging plants or floor-standing ones - to bring a living, organic element into the space. Flea markets and vintage shops are excellent sources for these eclectic treasures.
To maintain a cohesive look, follow the 60-30-10 rule: let 60% of the room feature dominant colours, 30% secondary shades, and 10% bold accents. This formula ensures the room feels vibrant without becoming chaotic.
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5. Forest Green Lounge Palette
Bring the calming essence of the outdoors into your lounge by centring it around forest green. This deep, grounding shade creates a warm and inviting space. Pair it with earthy tones like terracotta, beige, and muted yellows for a serene, natural vibe. Or, if you're after something more vibrant, add jewel-toned accents like mustard yellow, gold, or dusky pink to inject a touch of personality. For a moodier atmosphere, consider layering in rich navy blue or inky black. As Emma Hughes from Barker and Stonehouse explains:
"Dark navy blue and rich forest greens work beautifully together to create a gorgeous, cosy vibe".
To achieve a balanced look, follow the 60-30-10 rule. Let forest green dominate 60% of the space - think walls or a statement rug. Use complementary tones like terracotta or navy for 30% of the room, such as furniture pieces. Then, add bold accents like mustard or copper for the final 10%. For a bold statement, consider colour drenching - painting walls, ceilings, and trims in the same green hue. This creates a cohesive, immersive effect. Natural light brings out the vibrancy of green, while warm artificial lighting adds depth and a cosy ambience.
Layering textures is key to adding depth. Imagine a moss-green velvet armchair paired with wicker, rattan, or bamboo furniture for a natural, contrasting look. Layer textiles by placing a patterned wool kilim atop a rustic jute rug. Metallic touches, like brass sconces, copper lampshades, or antique gold brackets, add warmth and sophistication. Over time, these finishes develop a patina, enhancing their charm.
Finally, embrace a variety of green shades - from sage to emerald - through plants and accessories. Large indoor plants in woven rattan baskets, macramé hangings, reclaimed wood accents, and botanical prints can bring a curated, lived-in feel to your lounge. These elements tie everything together, creating a space that feels both stylish and connected to nature.
6. Sunset Bohemian Bathroom Palette
Bring the warmth of a sunset into your bathroom with a carefully curated colour palette. Start by covering about 60% of the space - like walls or large surfaces - in soft, neutral shades such as cream, warm white, or pale pink. Then, layer in sunset tones like terracotta, burnt sienna, or dusty rose for 30% of the area, perhaps through tiles or a feature wall. Finally, add bold accents - think amber, deep purple, or golden ochre - for the remaining 10% to tie the look together.
As Natalie Ebel from Backdrop puts it:
"Terracotta pairs easily with natural materials like wood, rattan, and woven textiles, and it works well as a feature wall or throughout an entire room."
To enhance the sunset-inspired feel, incorporate reflective metallic finishes. Opt for rose gold, copper, or brass for taps, towel rails, and cabinet handles. These touches not only add a sense of luxury but also echo the warm glow of a sunset. For smaller spaces, boho-patterned floor tiles in sunset shades can create a striking base without overwhelming the walls.
Once the colours are in place, layer in textures to complete the boho aesthetic. Combine rattan storage, wooden shelving, and jute bath mats with Turkish or Moroccan towels in burnt orange and mauve. Add handmade ceramics, woven wall hangings, and dried pampas grass in terracotta vases to bring an artisanal charm. The mix of soft, natural fibres with hard surfaces like porcelain creates a spa-like, cosy atmosphere.
To finish, introduce greenery with aloe vera or ferns in terracotta pots to balance the warm tones. Lighting is key - rattan lanterns or brass candle holders mimic the golden hour, casting soft, warm shadows that complete the sunset-inspired vibe.
7. Moody Grey Bohemian Study Palette
Transform your study into a haven of focus and style with a grey-based palette that exudes sophistication. Start by using charcoal or stone grey as the foundation, covering around 60% of the space through walls or larger furniture pieces. Complement this with warm neutrals like camel, greige, or warm brown, making up about 30% of the room - think desks, shelving, or curtains. Finally, add a pop of colour with rust orange, olive green, or deep forest green, contributing the final 10% through cushions, books, or decorative accents. This combination creates a rich backdrop for natural textures and carefully chosen details.
Balance the coolness of grey with natural materials. A desk crafted from walnut or mahogany adds depth, while rattan storage baskets and a jute rug layered under a patterned wool kilim bring texture and warmth. As RooHome puts it:
"A little black sharpens everything else. Think of it as the punctuation at the end of a vibrant sentence."
Incorporate matte black hardware and aged brass or copper accents on lamps and picture frames to add a cosy glow.
Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood. Swap harsh overhead lights for warm-toned bulbs in woven pendant shades or floor lamps with tasselled details. Salt lamps or amber-lit lanterns can create a soft, inviting glow that enhances the charcoal tones. To bring life to the space, add greenery - pothos or ferns in terracotta pots work beautifully to soften the darker elements and maintain a connection to nature.
For wall décor, opt for botanical prints or textured artwork to create visual interest. Use the 2/3 rule for balance: for example, a 1.8-metre desk pairs well with art spanning 1.2 metres. Finish with macramé wall hangings, velvet cushions in jewel tones like emerald or sapphire, and chunky knit throws to add the tactile layers that define bohemian charm.
Pairing Boho Art Prints with Colour Palettes
Once you've chosen your colour palette, the perfect wall art can bring your space to life. OMG Kitty offers beautifully hand-designed, UK-made boho prints available in sizes ranging from A4 to A1. Printed on 230gsm archival matt paper, these prints reduce glare and work wonderfully with soft, diffused lighting.
To make your space truly yours, pair the prints with your room's palette. For a cosy terracotta-toned living room, celestial designs featuring sun and moon motifs can enhance the warm beige and rust hues. In bedrooms with rich jewel tones, bold star and cloud illustrations stand out beautifully against deep emerald or sapphire walls. For bathrooms with sunset-inspired colours, consider sun-themed prints or warm-toned quotes that echo the soft pinks and fiery oranges.
Texture also plays an important role. In eclectic dining rooms filled with patterned textiles like Moroccan rugs or paisley designs, the archival matt finish of these prints adds balance without competing with the decor. In moody grey studies, celestial or nature-themed quotes can brighten the neutral tones, adding a sense of calm. The square formats (21cm and 29.7cm) also work well for breaking up vertical lines in gallery walls, creating a more dynamic display.
With more than 200 five-star reviews, OMG Kitty's prints are available framed or unframed, making it easy to pair them with natural wood, rattan, or metallic frames. Megan Lambert from Lick puts it perfectly:
"When it comes to artwork - the bolder, the better."
These prints embody the free-spirited and expressive energy that defines bohemian style.
Conclusion
These seven boho colour palettes offer an easy way to bring warmth, character, and style into your home. Whether you prefer the cosy feel of earthy terracotta shades or the bold charm of jewel-toned emeralds and sapphires, each palette helps create a distinct atmosphere. Boho-inspired colours can effortlessly set a calming or inviting mood.
One of the best things about boho style is its versatility. You don’t need to commit to a full-scale makeover right away - start small by layering textiles like rugs and cushions or trying out paint samples to see how they work with your lighting. To keep your design balanced, consider the 60-30-10 rule: dedicate 60% of your space to a neutral base, 30% to a secondary colour, and use the final 10% for vibrant accents through art and accessories.
Natalie Ebel of Backdrop puts it perfectly: "Boho colours should evoke emotion and a sense of place". This approach transforms your house into a home that feels uniquely yours.
Combine patterns, experiment with textures, and embrace a "collected over time" vibe to tell your story through your space. To complete your boho look, explore unique art prints available at OMG Kitty. Thoughtfully chosen colours and curated art can turn your home into a one-of-a-kind boho retreat.
FAQs
How can I pick the perfect boho colour palette for my home?
To find the ideal boho colour palette, think about the atmosphere you want to create in each room and consider how much natural light the space receives. For a peaceful and soothing feel in bedrooms or snug corners, stick to muted shades like soft cream, warm beige, or sage green. If your goal is a bright and airy vibe in living areas, try layering neutral tones with pastel accents like dusty rose or pale terracotta. For spaces like lounges or dining rooms where warmth and cosiness matter, richer colours such as burnt orange, rust, or deep teal paired with earthy browns work beautifully.
When selecting your colour scheme, keep in mind that an analogous palette (colours sitting side by side on the colour wheel) offers a harmonious look, while a complementary palette (colours opposite each other) adds contrast and energy. Traditional boho styles often take cues from nature, incorporating earthy shades like terracotta, mustard yellow, and emerald green. Meanwhile, modern boho leans towards crisp whites with bold pops of colour, such as indigo or coral, and metallic accents like brass or gold to add a touch of elegance.
After narrowing down your colour choices, test them on a small section of your wall and watch how they transform throughout the day as the light shifts. To finish the look, consider adding boho-inspired art prints from OMG Kitty. Their sustainably made, vibrant designs are a perfect match for any boho palette.
What is the 60-30-10 rule in interior design, and how can it help with colour palettes?
The 60-30-10 rule offers a straightforward way to create a well-balanced colour palette for any room. The idea is to use 60% of a dominant colour, 30% of a secondary colour, and 10% of an accent colour. This combination helps achieve a cohesive look while keeping the space visually interesting.
Take a boho-style living room as an example. You could go with a soft beige as the dominant shade, complement it with a warm terracotta as the secondary colour, and then add a splash of teal or mustard for the accents. This technique works seamlessly across different design styles and makes it easier to unify your décor.
How can I add natural textures to a boho-inspired room?
To craft a warm, boho-inspired retreat, focus on layering natural textures. Begin with rattan or wicker furniture - think a lightweight armchair, a woven storage basket, or a rattan-framed lamp. Complement these with organic materials like jute or sisal rugs, soft linen curtains, and cotton-linen cushions for a cosy, tactile vibe.
Introduce wooden accents to add depth and contrast. A reclaimed timber coffee table, a driftwood-framed mirror, or hand-carved wall shelves can bring character to the space. For the walls, try a boho-style art print from OMG Kitty in a reclaimed-wood frame to infuse subtle colour while staying true to the natural theme. Macramé wall hangings or botanical prints can further enhance texture and pattern.
Complete the look with indoor plants such as a fiddle-leaf fig or a trailing Swiss cheese plant to add a touch of greenery and freshness. By combining rattan, wood, natural fabrics, and lush plants, you’ll create a space that feels layered, inviting, and effortlessly boho.