American culture from the 1950s forward was consistent in one sense: it was all about ingenuity and advancement. The term “the New Frontier” was coined by Democratic Presidential hopeful John F. Kennedy to announce his candidacy in 1960, to challenge the “…young in heart, regardless of age” to see the future with new eyes, which defined the American experience for decades to follow.

Suburban bedroom communities exploded across America to accommodate triumphant GIs returning from victory in World War 2, triggering an instant boom in affordable consumer goods.

With the launch of the Explorer satellite in 1958, America ushered in the Atomic Age. The Space Race contributed motifs from emerging technology and science to American home décor.

Adding the “boho” factor, short for bohemian, to the mix was the Beat Generation. Finding its roots in the coffeehouses of San Francisco’s North Beach and New York’s Greenwich Village. Fueled by endless cups of espresso, be-bop jazz, earnest folk songs, and visionary poetry readings by Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, American college students swapped their bobby socks for black turtlenecks and berets.

Simplified, abstract forms and warm earth tones are ground-zero in much of mid-century art. Rich, deep cocoa and mustard shades play well against the clean white walls popularized by Scandinavian décor.

For that coffeehouse groove, create a space for sprawling on pillows worthy of an Arabic souk. Funky, folkloric weaves and patterns are right at home in this boho mix, like our HAND-WOVEN RED + WHITE DECORATIVE THROW PILLOW inspired by opulent Indian textiles by our brand partner, American Art Décor.

For a stellar look, go atomic with the GOLD METAL STAR FIGURINE, available in several sizes, and pair it with reflective and mirrored accessories.

MOD FLORAL ABSTRACT by DAN HOBDAY is a Matisse-like collage-inspired composition that would make an energetic focal point for a dining area or living room. Try it paired with organic-feeling African art and mud cloth upholstered cotton seating.

MID CENTURY LANDSCAPE by JANELLE PENNER captures the youthful optimism of the 1950s and 60s with a radiant sunrise over stylized foothills. This warm yet calm image would make a perfect artwork for a bedroom, inspiring you to greet the day with hopefulness.

BOHO DESERT RAIN ROSE by DP Gallery takes a neo-Cubist approach to the still-life, rendered in soothing coffee and chocolate tones. Complement this wall art with live spider plants and airy ferns suspended from macramé jute hangers for an earth-friendly touch.

WOMAN ILLUSTRATION 6 by ESSENTIALLY NOMADIC is a fresh, feminine image ideal for a boudoir or powder room. The later Boho movement—specifically, the flower children of the 1960s— led to the rediscovery of vintage décor, so try pairing this with an array of antique perfume bottles, a lacy Parisian parasol, or an embroidered silk piano shawl.

MIDNIGHT FUN by EJAAZ HANIFF is a playful mix of child-like abstract shapes and the letters for the word “fun.” Neutrals are brightened with energetic elements of teal, jade, cobalt, and sugar candy-pink, so choose one (or more!) of these vibrant tones for walls and furnishings to complement this art.

SUN WAVES OCHRE BLACK by PAULINE STANLEY brings an early pop-art approach to an ocean sunset. The repeating motif of stylized waves is soothing, making this a restful piece for a bedroom.

PATTERN MUGS WATERCOLOR by PAULINE STANLEY lines up six mugs in muted woodblock relief style, suggesting relaxed times over a cuppa joe or steaming tea. Perfect for the kitchen, we love this little reminder to take a break and bond with friends.

MID CENTURY LINES by STUDIO ARTS suggest upward motion in a spectrum of neutral colors. A subdued and subtle choice for an office, we picture it against a deeply colored wall.

IN THE DESERT by SISI & SEB features a streamlined flamingo-pink cruiser with shark fins. This pastel-colored photograph evokes the light-hearted kitsch for which the era is fondly remembered. We’d love to see it paired with pale turquoise walls, a giant potted cactus, and Southwestern Saltillo-striped fabrics.

FEEL GOOD II by DAN HOBDAY offers eye-opening inspiration in a vigorous composition of strong graphic elements reminiscent of period illustration master, Saul Bass. Try this energizing piece for a workspace, paired with high-contrast black and white furnishings.

 Discover more Boho Mid-Century prints in our dedicated collection and discover more mid-century inspired art to shake up your space's vibe.