The hippie aesthetic, with its focus on peace, love, and a connection to nature, has become increasingly popular in interior design. While the original hippie movement celebrated free-spirited individuality, contemporary interpretations of the style are often more refined, incorporating elements of bohemian chic, global influences, and a touch of modern minimalism. If you’re looking to infuse your living room with the warmth and spirit of the hippie era, here are some inspiring wall decor ideas that blend the iconic elements of this timeless trend with modern aesthetics.
Macrame Wall Hangings
Macrame, the art of knotting cords into intricate designs, is a quintessential hippie craft that remains trendy. Contemporary macrame wall hangings offer a diverse range of styles, from minimalist geometric patterns to free-flowing bohemian cascades. They can be created with natural fibers like cotton or jute, adding a touch of rustic charm to your living room. The warm, earthy tones of natural fibers pair beautifully with neutral palettes, vibrant jewel tones, or even bold pops of color, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. In both the US and EU, macrame wall hangings are seen as a versatile and stylish addition to living rooms, often used to create a focal point or to add texture and depth to a blank wall.
Tapestries and Woven Wall Art
Tapestries and woven wall art are another iconic hippie design element that have experienced a resurgence in popularity. These pieces, often featuring vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and nature-inspired motifs, add a touch of bohemian flair to living rooms. Contemporary tapestries embrace a wide range of themes, from traditional folk art to modern abstract designs. You can find tapestries inspired by global cultures, incorporating patterns and colors from Morocco, India, or Peru. Tapestries can be hung as a focal point on a large wall or used to create a gallery wall with other art pieces. In both the US and EU, tapestries are seen as a stylish and expressive way to personalize a living room, adding a touch of warmth and personality.
Vintage Posters and Prints
Vintage posters and prints, often featuring iconic imagery from the 1960s and 70s, evoke the spirit of the hippie era and add a touch of nostalgia to your living room. Search for posters featuring psychedelic art, peace signs, nature scenes, or music icons from the era. You can also find vintage prints of botanical illustrations, maps, or travel posters, adding a touch of bohemian chic to your space. Frame these posters in simple, rustic frames or use vintage-inspired frames with distressed finishes for a more authentic look. Vintage posters and prints can be used to create a gallery wall or hung individually as focal points, adding a unique and personal touch to your living room.
Painted Mandalas
Mandalas, circular geometric patterns with spiritual significance, are often associated with the hippie movement and have become popular wall decor in both the US and EU. You can find ready-made mandala wall art or create your own by painting a mandala on canvas or a wooden board. Use acrylic paints in vibrant colors like turquoise, magenta, and gold, or opt for a more muted palette with earthy tones like ochre, rust, and teal. Mandalas can be hung as single pieces or incorporated into a gallery wall, adding a touch of spirituality and visual interest to your living room.
Dreamcatchers
Dreamcatchers, traditional Native American crafts, are often associated with the hippie movement due to their symbolism of protection and good dreams. These intricate circular webs, typically made with feathers and beads, add a touch of whimsy and spirituality to living rooms. Contemporary dreamcatchers are available in a variety of styles and sizes, from small and delicate to large and elaborate. Choose a dreamcatcher with colors and materials that complement your existing decor, such as natural fibers, beads, and feathers in earthy tones. Hang your dreamcatcher above your bed, in a corner, or on a wall to create a peaceful and inviting ambiance.
Plants and Herbs
Hippies embraced the beauty of nature, and incorporating plants and herbs into your living room decor is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Choose plants that thrive in indoor environments, such as succulents, ferns, snake plants, or peace lilies. Hang plants in macrame plant hangers or display them on shelves or stands. You can also grow herbs in pots or planters, adding a fresh scent and a touch of rustic charm. Plants and herbs are a natural way to purify the air, add color and life to your living room, and create a sense of tranquility. In both the US and EU, indoor plants have gained popularity, with people recognizing the benefits they bring to both the environment and their well-being.
Ethnic Rugs and Textiles
Hippies embraced global cultures, and ethnic rugs and textiles are a beautiful way to incorporate this influence into your living room decor. Choose rugs with vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and unique textures, such as kilim rugs from Turkey, Moroccan Berber rugs, or Indian durries. You can also incorporate ethnic textiles into your living room decor by using them as throw pillows, table runners, or wall hangings. Ethnic rugs and textiles add a touch of bohemian flair and cultural richness to your living room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, as people seek to incorporate elements of global design and cultural influences into their homes.
Natural Materials
Hippies valued natural materials, and incorporating these materials into your living room decor can create a warm, earthy, and inviting atmosphere. Choose furniture made from wood, bamboo, or rattan, and opt for natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal, or wool. Decorate with natural elements like driftwood, stones, or shells, and consider adding a touch of greenery with plants or dried flowers. Using natural materials helps to create a connection with nature and promotes a sense of well-being.
Geometric Wall Art
Geometric wall art is a popular trend in both the US and EU, offering a clean, modern aesthetic. Geometric patterns, such as triangles, circles, and squares, can be incorporated into your hippie-inspired living room decor through posters, prints, tapestries, or even DIY projects. Choose geometric shapes in earthy tones like terracotta, ochre, and olive green, or introduce bolder pops of color with turquoise, magenta, or gold. Geometric wall art can be hung as a focal point or used to create a gallery wall with other hippie-inspired pieces, adding a contemporary twist to the bohemian aesthetic.
Peace Signs and Symbolism
Peace signs are an iconic symbol of the hippie movement and can be incorporated into your living room decor in various ways. You can find peace sign wall art, posters, or prints, or create your own with paint, stencils, or wood. You can also incorporate peace signs into other decorative elements, such as throw pillows, tablecloths, or even jewelry. Peace signs represent peace, love, and harmony, and are a powerful symbol that resonates with the hippie spirit.
Vintage Furniture
Vintage furniture adds a touch of charm and nostalgia to a hippie-inspired living room. Look for pieces with unique designs, interesting textures, and a worn, lived-in look. A vintage armchair, a mid-century modern coffee table, or a bohemian-style sofa can be the focal point of the room. You can also find vintage mirrors, lamps, and storage pieces that add character and personality to your living room. In both the US and EU, vintage furniture has gained popularity as people seek to create unique and personal spaces.
Bohemian-Style Lighting
Bohemian-style lighting adds a touch of warmth and whimsy to a hippie-inspired living room. Choose lamps with natural materials like wood, bamboo, or rattan, and opt for lampshades with intricate patterns or fringe details. String lights, fairy lights, or lanterns can also create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Hang your lights from the ceiling, drape them across a wall, or place them on tables and shelves for a soft and ethereal glow. Bohemian lighting is a popular trend in both the US and EU, adding a touch of romance and eclecticism to living rooms.
Upcycled and DIY Decor
Hippies embraced a spirit of resourcefulness and creativity, and upcycling and DIY decor are a great way to incorporate this philosophy into your living room. Create your own wall art with old records, vintage maps, or fabric scraps. Repurpose old furniture into unique storage solutions, or transform old windows into shelves or mirrors. Upcycling and DIY projects are a fun and sustainable way to personalize your living room and add a touch of individuality to your space.
Nature-Inspired Colors
Hippies embraced the beauty of nature, and incorporating natural colors into your living room decor can create a harmonious and calming atmosphere. Choose colors like earthy browns, greens, blues, and yellows, inspired by the natural world. You can create a neutral backdrop with shades of beige, gray, or cream, and then add pops of color with pillows, throws, or artwork. Nature-inspired colors create a sense of tranquility and connection with the natural world.
Textured Walls
Textured walls add depth and dimension to your living room and create a cozy and inviting ambiance. You can create textured walls with wallpaper, paint techniques, or even natural materials like wood or stone. Choose textures that complement your hippie-inspired decor, such as rustic wood paneling, textured wallpaper with botanical motifs, or stone accents. Textured walls can be a focal point in your living room or used to create a sense of visual interest and warmth.