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By: Mary Merda
Website: http://www.lamps-n-lighting.com
There's a hint of Bohemia in most of us, a yearning
for freedom that creeps into us during those mundane
Monday mornings.
Unfortunately though 'real life' tends to get
in the way of our inner gipsy and we stay shackled
to the restraints of conventionality...
Oooh, that sounds slightly despondent doesn't
it?!
Well, thanks to this summer's interior must have,
we can shake off those shackles and give in to
our wanderlust because the fair is back in town.
The Bohemian look has been making an impact on
the catwalk for the past few years, with girls
preferring floaty frocks to power suits and boys
donning cloth caps and stripy scarves.
As always the catwalk look has transcended into
our homes, and not just our wardrobes - all over
our homes, be they caravans, semis or penthouse
apartments.
Feathers, fringes, florals and lace all go into
making this Romany dream.
Think caravan chic, but more gipsy than grandma
with a penchant for diamonds rather than doilies.
Tomato reds, emerald greens and smoky greys all
make a perfect backdrop for this look.
Bold colours are necessary to set this slightly
sultry scene and there really should be no mixing
them with whites - this is a seriously moody style.
Once resigned to dodgy walls and bad 70s sitcoms,
it's enjoyed a recent revival and we can't get
enough of the stuff.
It makes a nice change from wallpaper or paint
and it's also fairly easy to install.
You don't necessarily have to stick to the original
wallboard type (which is very bendy), you can
simply use wooden flooring to create a sturdier
look.
And another 70s throwback, beaded curtains are
a must.
Think Madame Zora stepping into a room to read
your fortune - she wouldn't make her grand entrance
via a pine door now would she?
You want that mysterious element that bead curtains
give.
To introduce that necessary seductive element
into your Romany inspired room, lighting is the
key.
Lamps, big and small, should be placed around
your rooms at varying levels to create the all
important ambience.
Go for lamps that have coloured shades to accentuate
the darkness of this look.
Trawl around antique shops and car boot sales
to find vintage 60s and 70s glass designs in block
colours.
Team up with a linen lampshade, and if you're
feeling brave enough, stick in a red light bulb
- it may look a little suspicious for some though!
Lace, especially black has a very gipsy inspired
look about it but try mixing it with other colours
too - red, turquoise and so on.
And you can be as outrageous as you like with
printed fabric - mix tropical floral patterns
with exotic bird prints.
Also have a look at www.puppy-bedstock.co.uk for
a really nice range of photographic cushions featuring
extremely cute puppies and kittens - very chocolate
box.
Finding furniture to fit into this look should
be no problem and my advice would be to mix true
vintage finds with up-to-the-minute pieces.
A nice teak table just like your gran's, sits
effortlessly alongside a laquerware sideboard.
As far as accessorising this look... anything
goes really.
Pampas grasses, fondue sets, glass bubbles spheres,
coloured glass, chandeliers, wall friezes and
anything with tassels or fringing.
Oh, and just in case someone should come a-knocking
wanting their fortune told a nice crystal ball
should come in handy!
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