Summer, lounge chair, mojito, and to complete the scene, we all need something boho in our lives. Boho, meaning bohemian but not necessarily rhapsody, is a style that we embrace endlessly in our country, as this relaxed style, characterized by natural materials but also mixing elements from various cultures, suits us perfectly. It was once associated with nomads from a different era, but since then, it has evolved to mean a style that references anything ethnic.

Earthy tones, but also lighter colors… again, beige and ecru are the go-to, but also more intense colors like orange, yellow, and blue, and of course, we are not limited to just those.

It doesn’t particularly go well with minimalism since they’re considered opposites, but in my humble opinion, everything can be combined with good taste and the right balance.

It blends natural materials like wood, rope, straw, bamboo, and others, which we also find in contemporary design, which we’ll analyze in a future article, as well as metal. All of these are complemented by artworks and accessories, like handmade rugs, for example, influenced by various cultures, giving a more ethnic character. To achieve this look, you must not be afraid to mix different materials, fabrics, and colors in decor items, throws, cushions, or rugs, which are some examples. Kilims, macramé-made items, and woven baskets are just a few accessories that can highlight this style even if the rest of the house is minimalist.

It’s a style that doesn’t have strict rules, but imagine that the result creates an atmosphere that suggests the owner has collected items and decor from all over the world.

Now, beyond ethnic decor that one might bring from various parts of the world, where else could someone go to find furniture and decor that serve this style? The following stores are some examples, but of course, we’re not limited to just these. Boho-themed shops can likely be found in many tourist destinations, such as the Greek islands, where you’ll find unique items from local creators.

• Mavriki & Co: Patriarchou Ioakeim 6B, Athens. The right shop for boho and colonial style furniture, mainly imported from Belgium. Very helpful staff at the Kolonaki store. Beautiful colonial-style buffets, starting at 1,400 euros, unless on sale. Wonderful paintings such as Elias and Erik. Art vases like the Rayskin vase and the Datoga teeth vase. And the beautifully hand-carved Blok coffee table made from solid teak wood in black, priced at 3,010 euros (without discount), which is a piece of art in itself.

Elias and Erik paintings in Mavriki & Co, Kolonaki

• La Redoute: Kifisias Avenue 252, Chalandri. Furniture and accessories, with plenty of bamboo and straw, ideal for a vacation home, but one should note that for furniture that requires assembly, you’ll need to do it yourself, as the company in Greece does not offer this service, just delivery via courier. Which means that for larger furniture that doesn’t fit in an elevator, they may leave it on the sidewalk or at the entrance, as happened to us. So, if you get past the customer service, it’s a French company with, besides other styles, colonial-style furniture, like the Madara bed and the Laura series, which includes a nightstand and desk, all with rattan details. Also of interest is the Aftas jute rug, priced from 268.80 euros, and the Hadga bamboo round shelf, only 96 euros.

• Kave Home: Alimos Avenue 14, Alimos. More minimalist but with several pieces that could fit a boho space, such as the Aiguablava table series (dining and living room), available in beige, terracotta, and green cement, starting at 694 to 1,251 euros (without discount), or the very natural Mosi coffee table made from solid mungur wood, from 958 euros (without discount). Also impressive is the Lalita cane room divider, priced from 416 euros (without discount). Decor items like cotton cushions and linen throws will help add a touch of charm to your space.

Aiguablava dining table, Kave home

• Roche Bobois: Kifisias Avenue 248, Chalandri. This is a store I’ll keep coming back to, as it’s legendary. If we want to add color and patterns to this exotic design, we’d look for furniture here, such as the Man Jong ottoman sofas, designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer and since copied by many companies. These sofas are modular and can vary depending on which and how many pieces you choose, and each can have a different fabric from brands like Kenzo Takada, Missoni, and Jean-Paul Gaultier. The same sofas, but in the summer outdoor version, come in a variety of waterproof fabrics with many colors and designs.

Mah Jong Outdoor sofa, Roche Bobois

• Zara Home: In various locations. My favorite destination for ceramic vases, candles, and especially decor items made from wood, stone, glass, and other materials. I really like some of their wooden and rattan benches, which can be used at the bottom of the bed or in the hallway. The headboard made from oak wood and rattan, as well as the folding suitcase stand with linen fabric at the bottom, will beautify your bedroom.

• Interni Store: Kifisias Avenue 188, Chalandri. From vases that could be considered works of art, such as the Crocus M by Jakobsdals stone vase (from 135 euros without discount) to baskets like the Tribe pattern made from palm leaves (255 euros without discount), at this store you’ll find very unique pieces with an ethnic character. I also singled out the The Chimborazo side table by Bazar Bizar, made from suar wood in a natural color, starting at 706 euros (without discount), and the very unique Pescara bar trolley from Eichholtz, with shelves made of natural rattan and vintage brass details, priced at 2,070 euros (without discount). Additionally, the Odette S console by District Eight, in a minimalist line, adds finesse to the boho style.

Pescara trolley bar, Interni store

• Milanode: Marathonos Avenue 91, Gerakas. The store offers various styles, but also an entire category for boho furniture and decor. The Ponte hanging lights, available in different sizes made of rattan, cost 214 euros (without discount), and the Reli painting, a composition made of wood and cement in terracotta color, will give the ethnic style you need with a chic touch, as you totally deserve it. The Benerito nightstand with carved wood starts at 464 euros (without discount), and the Thor wood table made from solid wood, available to order, brings the feeling of raw, natural materials into your home.

Φωτιστικά Pont, Milanode

• Design Plus: Alimos Avenue 34, Alimos. The Romanteaka bed headboard will make you feel like you’re sleeping on a Pacific island, starting at 1,079 euros (without discount), while the Sahel sofa made from solid teak wood is ideal for a vacation home, starting at 951 euros (without discount). Combining the yellow Geer ceramic side table, starting at 273 euros (without discount), with the Ornaments rug in beige, from 1,032 euros (without discount), will create a lovely corner.

Kεφαλάρι κρεβατιού Romanteaka, Design Plus

Regardless of whether this style suits you or not, it’s definitely something that makes your home feel even cozier, and if you enhance it with personal items you’ve collected from various trips, it becomes even more personal, as each item will carry its own story. If you love it, don’t reserve it just for your vacation home; it suits city life beautifully too, and you don’t need to make it look like Uncle Thomas’s cabin… Combine it with contemporary design, and you could achieve an impressive result.

Kisses until next time!!! 

Design geek in Athens

Note: Prices are indicative of the time of my visits and may change. Also, the brands mentioned in many cases are not available exclusively at one store, and you can easily find them at different stores.