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Charlie and Juliet’s boho-style Palm Springs makeover

Mid-century glamour meets eclectic bohemian style.
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What do you get when you combine the mid-century glamour of Palms Spring design with relaxed and eclectic bohemian styling? You get a stunning outdoor entertaining area you’ll want to use all summer long, that’s what! Juliet and Charlie have teamed up to turn a forgotten outdoor area into a summer retreat. They’ve called the finished look ‘Boho Springs’ and, just like Juliet and Charlie themselves, it’s a match made in heaven. With loads of great DIY ideas, this is the perfect place to spend your summer staycation.

WATCH: Juliet and Charlie’s ‘Boho Springs’ backyard makeover

When deciding on a look for your outdoor area this summer, try blending completely different styles to create a zone that’s truly unique. This drab outdoor area was ripe for a revamp and the mid-century Palm Springs effect is so hot right now! Then, for contrast and texture, it was styled boho and rustic – it may not sound right but it just works!

Before the makeover
The drab ‘before’
Palm Springs backyard makeover
The ‘Boho Springs’ makeover

What do you get when you cross desert style with boho glamour? This!

Palm Springs backyard makeover
Choose woven chairs, tables and accessories for relaxed living

Natural textures and colours are in order for your boho-desert alfresco haven. Structural plants, a breeze block wall and outdoor oven create a laidback and contemporary haven. 

Palm Springs style backyard makeover
It’s an alfresco affair

DIY entertainer’s coffee table

DIY coffee table
Afternoon bevvie, anyone?

Create a unique coffee table you can be proud to serve off, using a large basket planter. The top has handles so you can use it as a tray, too.

DIY breeze block wall

Breeze block wall
A breeze block wall is a midcentury classic

Get your step-by-step instructions to build a breeze block wall here

This breeze block wall gives you the best of all worlds – privacy, light, and airflow, plus visual interest through pattern. Laying blocks may seem like a job best left to pros, but you can get the hang of it by going slow and continually checking your work as you turn existing brickwork into a feature wall. 

Plant guide

Choose shapely, structural plants that fit in with the desert-Palm Springs look and contrast with the soft boho styling.

Kalanchoes
Put these kalanchoes, commonly called pies from heaven (K.rhombopilosa) on a table so you can caress the woolly leaves.
Giant cardon
Don’t be cowed by the Mexican giant cardon (Pachycereus pringlei) – it’s very slow growing so won’t take over your courtyard anytime soon.
Sedge
Soften sharp features with ornamental grasses such as sedge.
Snake plants
Go tall with a snake plant (Sanseveieria sp).
Aloe
This little aloe (A.haworthioides) is cute in a cup, but will grow too big for it, so plan to pot up in a couple of years.
Resin surge
Looking for a statement plant? Try the resin spurge (Euphorbia resinifera).

You might also like:

7 plants perfect for a Palm Springs-style garden

Before and after: a stunning Palm Springs-style makeover

Profile picture of Charlie Albone
Charlie Albone Better Homes and Gardens Presenter

Charlie has worked internationally and in Australia for the past 17 years, designing and building gardens that are timeless, inspiring and enjoyable to spend time in. In 2015 and 2016, he was awarded two Silver gilt medals for his own gardens at the world’s most prestigious flower show The Chelsea Flower Show.

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