Chasing the California Boho Dream

Most of my favorite interior designers seem to be based in and around LA, and though I’m no Californian myself, I still can’t help constantly lusting after that West Coast style. Does it matter that I was born and raised a New Englander? That the closest I can get to a day at the beach is feeding ducks at the edge of the Potomac? I think not! A girl can dream anyway.

Speaking of dreams, I’ve been working on designs for our bedroom this week and wanted to share my ultimate DREAM bedroom mood board with you all. Some of the pieces are crazy affordable (IKEA, anyone?), while others are definitely an investment (ahem, light fixtures). I believe it’s important to spend a little more where quality matters and scrimp when it doesn’t. For instance, no one’s going to know that “Good Vibes Only” print cost only £16, but the quality of those Cedar and Moss wall sconces is noticeable right away – just look at that brass interior!

I’m calling this my “California Boho” bedroom. LA-ers (or whatever you’re called – I apologize, I haven’t quite got the lingo down yet), I envision it with white walls, hardwood floors, and maybe a sheepskin, a kilim, or a jute rug thrown down – or all three layers! I love absolutely everything in this design x 10 and wish I could run out and get everything right now, but my plan is to chip away at these things slowly. If I’m lucky, maybe by next year I’ll have cobbled something together worthy of sharing on the blog. But dang, I want that cactus!

The Building Blocks of a Dream Bedroom

When it comes to creating your dream bedroom, the key is to focus on the foundational pieces that will set the tone for the entire space. These are the must-have items that will form the backbone of your design and ensure a cohesive, stylish look. Let’s dive in and explore some of the essential bedroom furniture that will help you achieve that California Boho vibe.

The Bed Frame

The bed is undoubtedly the centerpiece of any bedroom, so it’s crucial to choose a frame that sets the right tone. For a California Boho aesthetic, I’m loving the idea of a sleek, low-profile wooden bed frame with clean, minimalist lines. Sofa Spectacular has some gorgeous options that would be perfect, like their Scandi-inspired “Fjord” or the more rustic “Oakwood” frame.

Whichever you go for, make sure it’s made from high-quality materials that will stand the test of time. You want a bed frame that not only looks stunning but will also provide a solid, supportive foundation for your mattress and bedding. After all, a good night’s sleep is the foundation for a dream bedroom, wouldn’t you agree?

The Mattress

Speaking of mattresses, this is another area where you’ll want to invest for maximum comfort and support. I’m a big fan of memory foam mattresses – they conform to the natural curves of your body, providing pressure relief and promoting better spinal alignment.

Dream Green DIY has some great tips on how to choose an eco-friendly, responsibly-designed mattress that will give you the best night’s sleep. After all, your bedroom should be a sanctuary, and the mattress is the foundation for that.

The Bedding

Once you’ve nailed down the bed frame and mattress, it’s time to turn your attention to the bedding. For a dreamy California Boho vibe, I’d recommend opting for crisp, white cotton sheets and a cozy duvet cover in a soft, natural shade like ivory or beige.

Layer in some textural elements with a chunky knit throw or a vintage-inspired patterned quilt. And don’t forget the pillows! Mixing and matching different shapes, sizes, and materials will add depth and visual interest to your bed.

Accessorizing for Maximum Coziness

Okay, so we’ve got the big-ticket items sorted – now it’s time for the fun part, the accessories! These are the pieces that will truly transform your bedroom into a serene, inviting oasis.

Lighting

Lighting is crucial in setting the mood and ambiance of a space, and the bedroom is no exception. For a California Boho vibe, I’d recommend layering different light sources to create a warm, cozy glow.

Start with a statement overhead light, like a modern brass chandelier or a rustic wooden pendant. Then, flank your bed with a pair of sleek, minimalist wall sconces for task lighting and ambiance. Annabode has some gorgeous options that would be perfect.

Finally, don’t forget the bedside lamps – these are the perfect opportunity to incorporate more texture and personality into your space. I’m loving the idea of a pair of ceramic table lamps or even a vintage-inspired swing-arm sconce.

Rugs and Textiles

Rugs and textiles are where you can really start to layer in that California Boho vibe. Think natural fibers like jute, sisal, or a vintage-inspired kilim rug. These earthy, textural elements will ground the space and add warmth and depth.

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures, either. A fluffy sheepskin rug layered over a jute rug, for example, would look absolutely stunning. And don’t forget about your curtains – opt for airy, billowy linen panels to frame your windows and let in lots of natural light.

Greenery and Decor

Finally, the finishing touches – the greenery and decor that will truly make your dream bedroom feel like a serene oasis. Start with some lush, leafy plants (hello, fiddle-leaf fig!) to bring in that California vibes. Then, accessorize with natural, rustic touches like driftwood, woven baskets, or even a tarnished brass vase.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize your space, either. Maybe you’ll find the perfect piece of vintage wall art or a cozy, handmade throw pillow that speaks to your California Boho aesthetic. The key is to curate a collection of pieces that feel cohesive and reflective of your personal style.

Making it Happen: Budgeting and Phasing Your Dream Bedroom

Okay, so we’ve covered all the must-have pieces for creating your dream California Boho bedroom – but I know what you’re thinking: “How on earth am I going to afford all of this?!” Fear not, my friend, I’ve got a plan.

The key is to approach your dream bedroom project in phases, chipping away at it piece by piece. Start with the big-ticket items – the bed frame, mattress, and bedding – and then slowly build out the rest of the space over time.

Here’s a quick budget breakdown to give you an idea of what you might be looking at:

Of course, these are just rough estimates, and the actual costs will depend on the specific pieces you choose and where you source them from. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable, high-quality options out there if you’re willing to do a bit of digging.

So, don’t be daunted by the price tag – take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have your dream California Boho bedroom. Trust me, it’ll be worth it when you’re sinking into that plush new mattress, surrounded by all the cozy, beautiful pieces you’ve carefully curated.

Bringing it All Together

Alright, let’s recap what we’ve learned about creating your dream bedroom:

The key is to focus on the foundational pieces – the bed frame, mattress, and bedding – and then build out the rest of the space with carefully selected accessories and decor. Think natural, earthy materials, lots of texture, and a mix of affordable and investment pieces.

Remember, it’s all about creating a serene, cozy oasis that reflects your personal style. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! And if you need a little inspiration, just head on over to Sofa Spectacular – they’ve got tons of gorgeous bedroom furniture and accessories to help you bring your California Boho dreams to life.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start chipping away at that dream bedroom of yours. Who knows, maybe by this time next year, you’ll be inviting all your friends over to crash in your new, oh-so-cozy California Boho haven.