Myth: Open Shelving Is a Must for Boho Interiors

Another day, another “boho” kitchen on Instagram—plants everywhere, mugs lined up, no cabinet doors. Who has time for all that dusting? Open shelving isn’t some boho commandment. I’ve seen award-winning homes with not a single open shelf.

My friend swears, “You can’t do boho without showing off your stuff!” But honestly, open shelves are optional. Hide everything in cabinets if you want, just slap on some textured doors or weird knobs. I’ve seen designers with decades of experience say straight up: “Storage should fit your life, not Instagram.”

Random side note: my cat knocked three planters off my open kitchen shelves—why does nobody mention pets in these debates? Also, keeping those shelves spotless is a nightmare. Here’s a breakdown of open shelving pros and cons if you want more proof.

Here, have a table because apparently people demand “facts” about open shelving:

So yeah, have open shelves if you love them—or keep your stuff hidden and still call it boho. Try display boxes or baskets if you want the look without the hassle. Oh, and watch out for cats. Nobody decorates for that but me, apparently.

Plant Life: Beyond the Jungle Look

Look, I get it—plants are fun, but do we really need to live like we’re auditioning for a rainforest documentary? I tried that once. Ended up with ferns on the TV stand, pothos hanging from the curtain rod, and I’m pretty sure I lost a sock in the monstera at some point. It’s wild how fast “chill boho” turns into “why is there soil on my couch?” Just because you can fit a palm in every corner doesn’t mean you should. Honestly, sometimes I think the hardware store garden section is plotting against us.

Integrating Houseplants Thoughtfully

Scrolling through Instagram, I swear every third photo is a jungle masquerading as a living room. Why? No clue. Back when I staged homes for a living (worst job for allergies, by the way), I realized it’s not about quantity. You want impact? Try three plants clustered together—done. You don’t need a vine crawling across your bookshelf to prove you’re “boho.”

Saw someone hang ten macrame planters in a studio once. Ten. The place looked like it needed a machete and a search party. Nah, just mix up textures—snake plant by your favorite pouf, monstera next to that weird pottery you thrifted. Instant vibe, zero jungle. And don’t let anyone guilt you into daily misting routines. NASA’s air study? Yeah, it never said to turn your apartment into a greenhouse. If you want a cheat sheet, Houseplant Alley has a list of boho-friendly plants. Ignore any plant that throws a tantrum if you skip one watering.

Oh, and matching pots? Boring. Let one totally clash. It’s more interesting anyway.

Balancing Greenery with Decor

Every time my cousin comes over, she’s like, “Wow, you didn’t go full rainforest.” Is that a compliment? Who knows. The “boho” thing seems to be code for “fill every inch with leaves.” No thanks. Too many plants and suddenly you’re living in visual static. I learned that after a regifted fiddle leaf fig blocked my entire shelf (it died, nobody missed it).

Plants need breathing room. So do your rugs, throws, and that random basket you bought at 2 a.m. If you’ve got wild patterns, maybe don’t add a tree. It’s like, you wouldn’t wear chandelier earrings with a sequin dress, right? (Or maybe you would. I don’t know your life.) I try to stick to one plant per surface—unless I’m hiding something gross, then maybe two. Not a rule, just survival.

If the only thing thriving is your coffee table by the east window, just leave it there. Don’t force it. Design balance matters way more than whatever’s trending. That’s what makes a planty boho room look intentional, not like you tripped in a nursery. Also, I don’t own a watering can that’s a “statement piece.” Never regretted that.