Why Boho CoMo is the look you'll love this Christmas

Styling – Jonathan Fleming. Photography – Natalie Hunfalvay.

T&W head of styling Jessica Bellef introduces you to the living room look we’re loving this summer – boho with a generous splash of coastal style and a hint of Mid-century modern. Here’s how to work it at your place.

We’re all a little bit obsessed with Boho CoMo here at T&W right now. No, it’s not the name of a hip New York neighbourhood or a new underground bar. What started as a half-joking shorthand for our Christmas House shoot – that’s bohemian/coastal/Mid-century modern, in case you were wondering – has become the look we all want for the festive season ahead.

“Boho CoMo is just the right amount of boho and beachy, smartened up with furniture selections that feature clean lines and neutral upholstery,” says Jess. “The look is layered and inviting, with a loose texture and colour palette that hints at a coastal holiday house and mementoes from world travel.”

Styling – Jonathan Fleming. Photography – Natalie Hunfalvay.

BRING THE BOHO
Whether you call it boho, modern wanderer or eclectic, this trend is still going strong. “It’s all about tribal prints and patterns, layered rugs and texture,” says Jess, “with decor that tells a story.”

Layered rugs make a rich foundation for your space – we’ve combined a traditional fringed Persian rug with an on-trend distressed style in faded indigo, one of the accent colours we’ve chosen for this room. And jute brings it back to the coast while adding even more texture.

Styling – Jonathan Fleming. Photography – Natalie Hunfalvay.

Cushions in Indian block prints break up the neutrals of the sofa, while the dot patterns and nude tones of the artwork play on the tribal theme.

We’ve even brought a boho element to the Christmas decor in this space – the key is to keep the finishes rustic rather than the more commercial festive bling. “Group décor elements in mini stories,” suggests Jess, “such as the nativity scene mixed with candles on the tray – different heights work well.”

Styling – Jonathan Fleming. Photography – Natalie Hunfalvay.

SPLASH SOME COASTAL
“We wanted to capture that relaxed, coastal holiday feel that’s such a big part of Christmas and summer holidays for many Australian families,” says Jess. In our Christmas house, that means natural linens and neutrals on the sofa and armchair, paired with pale timber in the sideboard and coffee table.

Rattan is having a revival, adds Jess. “Bring it in with pendants, or a fresh take on retro beach house furniture with a modern tub chair shape (made comfy with an indoor/outdoor cushion). Washed indigo and blue come in again through ceramic vessels, which echo the forms of coral.

Styling – Jonathan Fleming. Photography – Natalie Hunfalvay.

Native foliage and flowers give the traditional red and green an Aussie accent too. “We’ve used these as a festive motif throughout the Christmas house, from the entryway to the dinner table,” Jess explains, even swapping out the star at the top of the tree for a protea.

Styling – Jonathan Fleming. Photography – Natalie Hunfalvay.

MAKE IT MODERN
“We all want to live in a comfortable home that’s also stylish and considered,” says Jess. So while there’s plenty going on in this space, the Mid-century lines of the sofa and armchair offer a clean, streamlined base to build the rest of the Boho CoMo look. The tub chair also echoes a classic Mid-century shape, as do the ceramics on the sleek, Scandi-style shelving.

And that’s how you do Boho CoMo – to create your own space filled with comfort and joy, explore the whole T&W Christmas House here.