If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, you might remember a post about the fair trade quilt I bought for my bedroom. This quilt, which I adore, came from a company called Fair Trade Quilts & Crafts, and as you can see from the photo, you could say it’s a “lot of look.”
My bohemian-style quilt from Fair Trade Quilts and Crafts
It was out of my design comfort zone to get something so patterned and vibrant and handmade-looking, but now that I have it I wouldn’t change it. Fair Trade Quilts seems to have anticipated this kind of hesitation among North American consumers, because their Pinterest is full of inspiration photos of bohemian interiors that would go with the style of their products.
I started following them after I purchased the quilt, and at first I was a little overwhelmed by the colorful interiors showing up in my feed. But now…
I love it.
Obviously these stylized shots take the look to the extreme, but I’m definitely feeling an affinity for the eclectic, multicultural, textile-heavy aesthetic. I would love a hanging lantern, or a dramatic curtain over my living room window, or a carved wooden end table. Just a few accents can give a room a bohemian feel without being overwhelming.
I read an article recently that said that the bohemian style should look like your home is decorated with items you’ve picked up on your world travels. I love the idea of each piece having an authentic or personal story. If you don’t have the time or budget to actually circle the globe, choosing fair trade is an excellent way to accrue a collection of meaningful items from around the world that truly reflect and respect the culture of the people who made them. (For a related train of thought, see my previous blog post about the tribal trend and cultural sensitivity.)
Some of my favorite sources of fair trade home decor items are SERRV, Ten Thousand Villages, Global Gifts (a local fair trade shop in Indianapolis), and of course Fair Trade Quilts & Crafts.
What do you think about the bohemian style? Would you ever incorporate a bohemian element into your home?
I still maintain that it’s a lot of look, but the last picture is cool. I’d rather sprinkle in some eclectic elements with simple pieces than go whole hog.