A Los Angeles living room by Kishani Perera. Photo by Joe Schmelzer
There’s a funny thing happening with the “boho” aesthetic. Skyrocketing in popularity in the past two or three years, what once was all about breaking rules and laissez-faire decorating principles (or lack of principles, really) has taken a bit of a turn. The offbeat look, typically marked by layers of rattan, jute, crochet and abundant plants, is getting cleaned up, leaving in its place interiors with a free-spirited elegance. It’s got all the character and texture of the bohemian vibe we’ve come to love in the mainstream, just with less . . . stuff.
To further dive into the evolution of this trendy style, we spoke with Beverly Hills–based interior designer Kishani Perera, who is known for her eclectic, personality-filled rooms. Here, she delves into why she thinks there’s been a shift, and what the “new” bohemian means to her.
A Hollywood living room by Consort. Photo by Laure Joliet
Everyone has a picture that pops into their head when they hear the word boho, right? What does it look like in your mind?
Well, it’s a combination of eclectic and a little bit hippie. It’s very relaxed and casual — thrown together but in a well-designed way with an earthy vibe.
A Los Angeles cottage by Kishani Perera. Photo by Joe Schmelzer
Your work is both eclectic and refined, which is a bit of a departure from the traditional bohemian look, though definitely more in line with where it’s headed.
Yeah, for sure. Boho is a little bit “crunchy granola” right now, but honestly, it doesn’t have to be that, especially with where that look is going. It can be far more elegant, and I think it’s getting there. It’s like my own designs. I’ve been doing this heavily styled “eclectic” look for over a decade, but I’m paring back. Everything evolves, probably because when you do or see the same thing for a while, you feel like it’s time to create something a little different.”
A beach house in Comporta, Portugal, by Suduca and Mérillou. Photo by Nicolas Matheus
How do you think the bohemian look is changing?
Woven textures are a signature of the bohemian look – jute, rope, rattan, hemp. It’s very natural, but I think we’re moving away from that and you can create that laid-back feel with far more refined elements. It could be a swing chair that would normally be made of rattan, but maybe instead it’s crafted from a different material, like carved wood. It still gives you the element of whimsy and that youthful bohemian vibe, but with more polish. The key is restraint. You don’t have to throw a million things into it to call it eclectic or bohemian. It’s about well-chosen pieces. I think you can be a minimalist and still have elements of a bohemian vibe in there.
A Beverly Hills living room by Hancock Design. Photo by Nick Johnson
Minimalist and bohemian aren’t usually used in the same sentence! How does someone achieve a boho look that feels pared down and not cluttered?
Balance, balance, balance. Don’t worry about making everything in a room interesting, because you don’t want everything to be a focal point. If everything is the focus, then nothing is the focus. It becomes chaotic, and that’s where you verge on it being too much and losing refinement. Stick to one to three special pieces, depending on the size of the room.
A Malibu surf shack by Reath Design. Photo by Teri Lyn Fisher
It’s easy to end up with a beautiful room at the hand of an expert designer, but what do you suggest to someone who is decorating their own home and wants to create this new sophisticated take on the bohemian aesthetic?
Start with a simple base, like a solid linen sofa. I have this argument with my clients all the time. They say neutral upholstery is boring and they could have just bought that themselves without hiring me, but I always tell them, “Just wait — it’ll get more interesting!”
To that clean background, I suggest adding a textural, colorful rug (try one on top of a jute rug), then layering on fabulous pillows made of global textiles, interesting lamps, special trinkets or vintage furnishings (I love pieces from the 1920s and ’40s). Everything doesn’t have to be funky. Let your eyes and mind rest here and there. And of course, once the room comes together, edit, edit, edit, until it feels just right.
