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Challenged for space? No problem! We can do a lot to improve our environment even if we only have a little space to do it in. 

SEE BELOW TO GET THE SCOOP ON HOW TO TURN YOUR SPACE INTO A DREAMY OASIS
YOU CAN'
T WAIT TO GO HOME TO AND UNWIND AT THE END OF A DIFFICULT DAY.

On being alone:
"Get inspired, light some incense, and ground yourself in an ambiance of calm." 
On being social:
"Share the cozy vibes with blankets, pillows, plush seating, and natural sunlight for ALL types of friends."

Products: provided by Thrift Giant.
The Look: Boho Chic
Photo credits: Allison Redner
Interior stylings and digital media marketing: Kristin Fraley

Oasis

It's all about the textiles here because texture is the key element in getting the Boho style you want. Soft throws combined with pillows that are silky, beaded, and stitched, all seem to add depth and character to the already vibrant landscape on the couch sitting atop a playful Egyptian rug. Worldly artwork, unique lighting, and plants guide the eye around the room that has the illusion of more space due to the height of the plants which tower over the low seating pull-out couch.

Ambiance

Natural light is great during the day, however mood lighting can effortlessly transform a space into something magical. Some examples here include the turtle lamp, floral lights placed into a transparent jar, and a salt lamp placed into a lamp that I took the bulb out of. Combined with greenery and staged table pieces, this coffee table now shimmers.

Rock Glam

Find naturally beautiful pieces with which to decorate your surface areas both high and low. Rocks, crystals, driftwood, twigs, shells, and glass bottles are common materials that you can purchase in store, or find outdoors on your next incredible adventure. It's all about bringing the outdoors inside for this look. Also, did you notice all the candles? Lucky for us, candles are a cheap means to create an expensive look. Remember less is generally more, but look at all the variety!

Flower Power

I love potpourri that comes in unusual packages. This one is pear shaped and gives a pop of color against a neutral backdrop. It's sitting atop a floral picture frame. As you can see in this shoot, I'm all about repurposing the goods.

Easy  Peasy

Perhaps you're not the greatest at plant upkeep. In this case, succulents are your best friends. They require very little maintenance and are extremely hearty. We don't all have green thumbs. (I set reminders in my phone.) Also, try using magnetic planters for placement versatility. You can also buy tiny platers and just stick magnets on them--whichever floats your boat.

Shots All Around

Shot glasses come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We aren't all fond of the tourist souvenirs that litter the counters and shelves of most thrift shops. Some of us want something with a bit more flavor. Also, don't be afraid to store your glassware out in the open. Not everything belongs behind a closed cabinet door.

Functional or Not

Book ends don't have to hold your books in place. They can also dress up a space in symmetrical fashion. Go on. Add a little shine to the mix.

Stacking

Here is an example of landscaping. I started by stacking a clay pot into a glass pot. I then filled the round transparent container with small stones, some floating candles and a few inches of water. The combination of shapes give the overall look more dimension and a sense of fragile airiness.

Quirks

Use what you've got. Styling small spaces with smaller objects can make the space itself feel larger. The shelf is only 6 inches wide, however it feels larger because the objects I styled it with are all thin or short.

Something Old, Delicate, and Loved

I love aged things. The more rusted or wilted, the better. Those things tell a story. They tell of the hands that have held them, gifted them, and lost them. To me, styling is everything because you're actually recalling many object's stories and stitching them slowly into your own each day. It's poetic in a way.

Primaries

Primaries are not for the weak at heart. I love how they play into the patina on this plate. The curves here guide the eye rather than overwhelm it with otherwise bulky pieces. Instead of being uniform, they are cohesive and sophisticated. Nothing matches, yet everything sings.

Abandoned Art

I cannot emphasize enough how much I love what I call abandoned art--art that moves you to give it a home. I challenge you to find a piece that really sticks to your bones, or just make your own. If you don't like it, donate it. Someone else might think you're the next Picasso!

Notes

It never hurts to leave yourself encouraging notes. It just takes some twine, a stencil and some paint. What do you do if you don't have a large budget for plants or art? Make it. Repurpose, repurpose, repurpose. For example, I used a spoon holder as a shelf, straw plates have been turned into flowers, and a broken clock is now dysfunctional art. If you want something different, use plates. They make special wall hangers just for them!

Study Up

If you live in a tiny space like I do, make use of all of it. You'd never guess an entire office could fit beneath your stairs! If color and clutter is too distracting, I recommend hanging a round mirror. It looks sleek, but also it reflects the space behind you and will make it feel less cramped. Like I said, we're using all the space we can, however we shouldn't have to feel uncomfortable in it. Don't forget that your office chair doesn't have to fit the norm. It just has to fit your desk.

Peekaboos

I call twigs and the like peekaboos because they pop out in a bright and fun way. Twigs are a whimsical medium to style with because each one is so different and offers further potential to shape your vase in a way that's unique to your taste. It's especially great to do in the fall when you can go out and find your own while simultaneously cleaning up the neighborhood. There's so much you can do with them. I love adding scavenged bits like feathers and dried flowers.

Visible Storage

Visible storage is everywhere you look, and acrylic is always chic. I used the top shelf for mixing utensils, the second shelf for glasses, the third shelf for garnish storage, and the final shelf for tea storage in vintage English tin canisters.

Comfy Corner

You can never go wrong with a cozy throw and plush vintage velour pillows to conquer a rainy day. Amber and deep cherry wood tones combined with a burnt orange tufted seat really sets this look aflame. You probably didn't notice the hidden foot spa and the massage chair which was my intention. The idea is to have additional seating that's multi-functional. Everyone can use a little me time after a day of loads of stress. The best part? You can treat your friends to some as well.

Picture This

I've always enjoyed the idea of nature quite literally weaving its way into modernity. Pairing plants with metals and wax is probably my favorite thing. Add to that statement piece ceramics and presto--you have Boho Chic style.

Organic

For planters, you simply can't go wrong. However, if you want something that is just so absolutely right, it's wickers all day, baby. Metals too. Personally, I live off of saturated color, so just go wild. Go raving wild.

Treasures

People often associate a bohemian style with clutter, but you don't have to clutter your space to get the look. Sometimes all you really need is a few large focal points in your space that are complimented instead by a few sentimental items that inspire feelings of warmth and inspiration. You can be minimal and bohemian, just stick to the basics. Natural materials, cozy atmosphere, natural light by day, ambience by night, and finally plants.

Front and Center

Velour jewelry boxes make excellent place holders for special pieces. It's more enjoyable and takes less time to accessorize when you don't have to go hunting to find specific pieces to wear in a tangled mess of jewelry.

Macrome and Lanterns

Macrame is a trending functional form of art that is made with a series of knots out of rope or twine. It's typically used as a means to hang planters, but here it's floating storage. I stacked my coats with some classy clutches. and hung up some of my favorite necklaces. The large ceramic dish from downstairs would fit nicely as well.

Cozy Corners and Secret Storage

An intentionally overstated element in the Bohemian Chic style is pillows and lots of them, however seating is your must have element. If you're going for a truly authentic boho style, round ottomans are the trending look. You can create your own by wrapping a recycled tire horizontally with rope. If you thread the rope to the tire, it will keep it from unraveling. I used storage ottomans because storage is so important in a small space, especially for storing heavy boho blankets. So so cozy!

Pillows Galore

I like to paint my home with a broad brush, especially when it comes to the bedroom because it's the most intimate room in the house, or apartment as it were. Hidden above are twinkling lights that create the perfect ambience at night. By day though, it's still picturesque. Pillows and curtains of various sizes, prints,and textures are what make this corner a total gypsy dream and you can rearrange all your pillows day to day to create a new look. It'll always be stunning.

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