A brief history of Bohemia - the country

Bohemia is a historic region in central Europe, located in what is now the western part of the Czech Republic. Its name comes from the Boii, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the area around the 4th century BCE. By the 6th century CE, Slavic peoples had settled the region, forming the basis of the modern Czech nation.

In the 9th century, Bohemia became part of Great Moravia, but soon after, it emerged as an independent duchy under the Přemyslid dynasty, which was later elevated to a kingdom in 1198. The Kingdom of Bohemia played a major role in medieval European politics and was one of the most powerful states in the Holy Roman Empire. Its rulers, like Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia in the 14th century, made Prague a major cultural and political centre.

The 15th century saw the Hussite Wars, a series of religious conflicts sparked by the teachings of reformer Jan Hus, who was burned at the stake in 1415. These wars weakened Bohemia, and in 1526, the kingdom came under Habsburg rule, integrating it into the Austrian Empire.

Bohemia remained part of the Habsburg lands for centuries, experiencing industrial growth in the 19th century but also increasing Czech nationalism. After World War I and the fall of Austria-Hungary in 1918, Bohemia became a core part of the newly formed Czechoslovakia.

Guide to Bohemian Interior Design

What Is Bohemian Interior Design?

Bohemian design, often called boho style, is a relaxed, eclectic approach to interior and fashion aesthetics that celebrates creativity, individuality, and cultural expression. Rooted in the free-spirited lifestyles of 19th-century artists, writers, and travellers—particularly in France and later influenced by Romani culture—the style embraces a lived-in, collected-over-time look.

In interiors, bohemian design is characterised by rich textures, layered textiles, and global influences. You'll often see vibrant colours like deep purples, burnt oranges, and earthy greens, mixed with natural materials such as rattan, jute, and wood. Pattern is key—Moroccan rugs, Indian block prints, and embroidered cushions are often combined in unexpected ways.

Though originally quite maximalist, modern bohemian design can also be toned down—known as boho-chic or Scandi-boho—by blending it with minimalist or rustic elements.

Ultimately, bohemian design is less about rules and more about freedom, comfort, and self-expression, making it a favourite for creative, unconventional spirits.

Where did Boho fashion originate from

The Humble Beginnings

Bohemian fashion originated in the early 19th century as a rejection of mainstream bourgeois style. Inspired by the free-spirited lifestyles of artists, writers, and intellectuals—many of whom were impoverished and nomadic—it drew heavily from Romani dress, peasant clothing, and Eastern influences. Flowing fabrics, layered garments, embroidery, and exotic prints became central features. The movement gained momentum during the Pre-Raphaelite and Art Nouveau periods, embracing natural beauty and artistic rebellion. By the 1960s and ’70s, bohemian fashion was revived by the counterculture and hippie movements, which embraced its anti-establishment roots, love of nature, and world-travel aesthetic. Today, boho fashion continues to celebrate individuality, comfort, and creativity, often blending vintage, ethnic, and handcrafted styles.

Why were they labelled as 'Bohemian'?

The term “bohemian” was first used in 19th-century France to describe artists, writers, and intellectuals who lived unconventional, often impoverished lives. These free spirits rejected bourgeois norms and embraced creativity, travel, and nonconformity. The label came from the mistaken belief that Romani people—who were stereotypically seen as wandering outsiders—came from Bohemia, a region in Central Europe. Over time, the term evolved to symbolise a broader lifestyle marked by artistic freedom, rebellion against social conventions, and a preference for beauty, experience, and self-expression over material wealth. “Bohemian” became both a cultural identity and a romanticised ideal of the creative outsider.

How are Bohemian/Boho Interiors experienced

Bohemian interiors are eclectic, expressive, and layered with texture. Key features include rich textiles like macramé, kilims, and embroidered cushions, often mixed across bold patterns and vibrant colours such as ochre, teal, deep purples, and earthy tones. Natural materials like rattan, jute, wood, and leather ground the space, while plants—often abundant—add life and a sense of connection to nature. Furniture tends to be vintage or globally inspired, with a relaxed, collected-over-time feel. Handcrafted items, cultural artefacts, and travel souvenirs are common, telling a personal story. Layered rugs, low seating, candles, and ambient lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates comfort, creativity, and individuality.