Did you ever read The Tig? It was a lifestyle blog by Megan Markle before she got herself all engaged to a royal. I wrote this feature for her on a stunning boho style living room makeover by Studio McGee (and if you haven’t heard of them just get out of here now). I still love this space and the design is still relevant, but The Tig is now shut down, for shame.

This colorful boho style family room by Studio McGee makes me want to kick back with friends, flip on a record and dig into some take-out. Husband and wife team Syd and Shea McGee turned to a mixture of natural woods, metals, textiles and patterns to bring this modern room with a fun bohemian undercurrent to life. If you’re swooning over this space as much as I am, read on for some tips on how you can accomplish this look in your own living room.

1: Layer Area Rugs

Layering rugs is a chic and clever way to add depth and texture to a room without breaking the bank. If you haven’t heard of this design trick that will keep your pocket book happy then let me let you in on the secret. Because extra-large area rugs can come with a hefty price tag, layering a smaller expensive rug over a larger budget-friendly rug will help fill a space without blowing your budget. Here a natural fiber rug (like jute or sisal) creates a neutral backdrop against the more interesting cow hide.

2: Add Shapely Table Accents

Geometric shapes are continuing to influence design trends, as we keep up our love affair with mid-century modern inspired style. A large prism on the coffee table and a fun geometric patterned bowl are great examples. Don’t overpower a table top with too many busy objects though; a few carefully chosen items will keep your space clean and simple.

3: Use Black and White (always duh)

Use black and white to give a modern punch to a colorful space. If you are aiming to create a room with rich texture and a bohemian-inspired color palette like this one, the neutral tones of black and white will establish balance. Here the designers amped up a plaid occasional chair by using a stark contrasting buffalo check pattern, and balanced the warm tones of the wood and gold tabletops with a black and white lamp, an oversized black jack, and a white prism.

4: Pick Your Pillows

Selecting the right accent pillows can transform more than just your couch. In this space Studio McGee played off the gold and black in the décor accents, and then added a contemporary splash of pink to sweeten the deal. When shopping for throw pillows I like to bring items I’ve already purchased with me to the store, to ensure the colors and patterns work together. It’s okay to look a little silly.

5: Grow a Plant

Greenery is an essential component in a living space and a relatively inexpensive piece of décor. There are so many practical reasons to grow house plants — like oxygen — but adding a potted plant also makes a room feel lived in and more casual. Make sure to pick a house plant that is easy to care for and needs light appropriate to the room. Remember: perfecting your boho style is more about plants than anything else. Boho style spaces are plant happy homes.

Photography by Becky Kimball