When perfection is unattainable, a modern boho style can be the perfect solution for living in your home.
I’m back from a quick weekend trip to California where I spent time with my daughter, had some great food, met with a client who is in the middle of a deep remodel, and soaked up some of that beautiful weather.
My daughter had a change of roommates and we were there to help tote a few items to Goodwill, hang some pictures, and gift my daughter with her birthday present, a new tv.
I couldn’t help but get a little involved in the home styling department, although she’s really got that covered by herself.
I love her apartment, shared with another girl who has similar taste in interiors, both of whom are on a budget. It has lots of natural light with a high ceiling and a tiny balcony. It’s one of those older courtyard style apartments in LA that are everywhere on the west side of town.
Today, I’m sharing a few thoughts on the style she loves and what I saw in the new (old) hotel we stayed in, where this style also prevailed.
Modern Boho Style in an LA Apartment
Small gallery wall in my daughter's apartment with pieces from her and her roommate combined over an IKEA Ektorp sofa and vintage side table. #modernboho #bohemian
That’s my daughter’s apartment above with her Ektorp sofa from IKEA that she had in college, that is still okay, some 5 years later!
She’s added some pillows and she and her roommate combined some art they’ve both collected over the years for a gallery wall above it.
On the right, is an old table I had refinished years ago for a showhouse room that featured some vintage furnishings, that is still standing. :-)
That little chocolate muffin on the sofa is one of my favorite animals on the planet, her former roommate’s little love bug who hung out with us that day.
Here he is on her new rug, which happened to be the same rug I recommended for a more modern-but-slightly-boho style in this living room consultation.
Awww, this cutie is welcome on the all wool rug that has some variation in the light field color, from West Elm. #rug #modernboho
I like the variation of the light neutrals in this rug, it is more forgiving. I think it’s a slightly more modern version of a Moroccan type style.
Don’t you just want to scratch that little nugget behind those pointy ears? :-)
The modern boho style creates a collected vibe in this LA apartment. #modernboho
And here’s a bit more of her apartment, with one of her framed photographs, a shelf with a few collectibles, a record player with her vinyl collection, as well as an old chair she nabbed from a former roommate.
It was a Craig’s List find, but pretty comfy. :-)
On the shelf, pictured below, there are some vintage milk glass vases that came from my mother’s collection, some plants and her roommate’s vintage New Yorker framed cover.
A combination of milk glass vases, plants and a vintage New Yorker cover all work together for shelf styling in a modern boho style. #modernboho #shelfstyling
It all works together and nothing looks really out of place or like it doesn’t belong.
A Vintage Boho Modern Look Hotel
We stayed at the Palihotel in Culver City, which opened just last spring.
The building is a historical site and has this amazing mural all along the side wall.
Vivid floral wall mural on the exterior of the Palihotel, Culver City, a restored Art Deco building with a bohemian modern vibe. #modernboho #wallmural
Vivid turquoise color on the exterior of the Palihotel, Culver City, a restored Art Deco building with a bohemian modern vibe. #artdeco #hotel #modernboho
The completely refurbished interiors feature a wood ceiling in the lobby and restaurant, wood paneling, striped wallpaper, patterned tile floor, a vividly colored atrium and some vintage look accessories.
Check out the vintage furnishings in the lobby.
I really love the unexpected use of a sheer embroidered linen panel hung like a cafe curtain between the lobby and restaurant.
It sort of reminds me of the milk glass daintiness on my daughter’s apartment shelf. Something that creates a little softness in a style like this can keep the look from coming across too heavy and masculine.
Vintage furnishings feature in the Palihotel, Culver City, a restored Art Deco building with a bohemian modern vibe. #modernboho #artdeco #hotellobby
Simonette, the restaurant in the Palihotel, Culver City, incorporates the atrium. The bar was alive with people on Thursday night when we checked in. They have a nice brunch too. #modernboho
Here are more vintage finds behind the reception desk, with some simple modern wall sconces and flat wood panels. The oak finish and hunter green walls were reminiscent of 70’s design.
Vintage furnishings feature in the Palihotel, Culver City, a restored Art Deco building with a bohemian modern vibe. #modernboho
So, if YOU are looking to marry some old with new, keep a lot of what you have that might not be in pristine condition…..if you want that cool, hip boho look in your home, then this style might just be perfect for you.
It allows room for your unique collections, a few vintage finds, some inherited pieces, and even the new and modern. No need to throw everything out and start over in a room when using this style as your guide.
In fact, it might be better to reuse what you have and mix in some finds from a fabulous flea market. ;-)