Do you like to have a wide variety of styles in your home? Maybe you can’t decide whether your favorite decor is rustic or mid-century modern. Or you can’t stand things that are too “matchy-matchy”. Do you like to think outside the box when it comes to interior design… maybe even imagine new uses for traditional objects? Perhaps you like to incorporate trinkets from your travels into your home to remind you of your favorite escapades. If so, you’ve got real taste: in interior design, it’s called eclectic style.
History of the eclectic style
Although the word “eclectic” has been around for a long time, it has only recently become a decorating style. Eclectic style decorating began with fine art and architecture, when pioneers boasted that they didn’t adhere to any particular style, then set about doing their own thing. However, their work was so successful that their plan seems to have backfired, and these pioneers actually gave birth to what became the eclectic style of decorating.
What is eclectic style?
The term eclectic refers to the blending of periods and a fusion of styles from different origins. It’s the perfect decorating style if you don’t want to limit yourself to a single look or period. For example, a Baroque chandelier can stand side by side with an African mask or an Art Deco table, as our inspiration takes us.
On the other hand, eclecticism doesn’t mean an amalgam of furniture or multicolored decor. The challenge of successful eclectic decorating is to create a harmonious setting despite a disparity of styles. Above all, we don’t want the room to look like a jumble of bric-a-brac.
To maintain a certain coherence and avoid excess, you need to establish a few guidelines. These include color themes, furniture lines and different materials and textures.
The furniture
It’s best to avoid putting too much furniture in one room, so as not to overload it. Select only a few specific items.
If we’re mixing decorating styles, we choose similar shades or lines by adding one or two contrasting pieces of furniture. For example, if all our furniture has straight, clean lines, we can add one with rounded shapes or embellishments to break up the uniformity.
We also try to keep similar proportions throughout the furniture to harmonize the look. Then again, you can break things up with a more imposing piece.
The colors
In an eclectic decor, any color is permissible, and these can vary enormously from one decor to another.
However, we recommend keeping walls pale, in shades of white or beige, to highlight furniture and objects. Pale walls also help to give rooms a more modern feel.
We also avoid mixing too many colors to avoid creating a mismatched or chaotic style.
Accessories
Accessories are one of the essential elements of an eclectic décor. Once again, to avoid overloading the rooms, it’s best to limit yourself to a few favorite pieces.
As comfort is an essential component of eclectic style rooms, we also rely on the addition of cushions, blankets and rugs. Accessories can also be a central element of a room, as in the case of a work of art or a very colorful object.
You can also find walls of mismatched frames or objects from different countries (Africa, Asia, etc.), which blend very well with Western decorative elements.
Accessories can be unifying elements, with similar colors and textures. That said, you can dare to mix fabrics and materials such as wool, linen, cotton or fur.
The eclectic style is a funky blend of
A person who loves an eclectic style doesn’t adhere to one decorating style, but rather chooses what she considers to be the “best” of a few particular decorating styles. They then incorporate these elements into their home. Many people who love eclectic design may be eclectic themselves, not fitting into any stereotype or group. These people like what they like, as far as decorating is concerned, and they’re not afraid to go all out, even if it goes against more popular decorating styles, such as contemporary or rustic.
Because of this premise, many confuse eclectic style as a way of decorating everything that can be, but true eclectic style is a very focused and well thought-out way of decorating. Think of eclectic style as borrowing from a variety of styles while creating a cohesive look through color, texture and/or form. A good definition of eclectic-style decorating is “a careful gathering of interesting elements that all work together”. Really, it’s not just about placing things together, although the style can feature things that may not go together. The eclectic decorator knows exactly how to smooth out the bumps with strange textures and furniture, so it looks great!
Common eclectic design style features
- Peaceful blend of periods and styles
- Neutral background colors
- Unexpected use of materials and/or objects
- Uniqueness in art and furnishings
- Gathering through pattern, form, texture, finish or color
- Everything has its place, but it can look cluttered
- Old is easily mixed with new
- Handmade items or items with sentimental value
- A celebration of contrasts
How to use eclectic style in your home
Eclectic style is all about harmony, bringing together disparate styles, juxtaposed textures and contrasting colors to create a cohesive, beautifully crafted piece that wouldn’t look out of place in an interior design magazine. And since eclectic interior design is all about experimentation and play, have fun with the freedom it allows. But if the idea of putting together a brilliant mix of eclectic-style furniture seems daunting, here are a few tips to help you create your own eclectic-style decor with confidence:
1. Select a main palette
Choosing a core set of colors to complement your eclectic design is a great starting point and will serve as a guide to help you edit and create a cohesive look. It will also help to bring eclectic design elements together for a better balance. Choose a neutral hue and accent color to start. Using a soothing neutral will layer a smart base color and keep the room from looking a little too dominant.
This neutral will work wonders with the chosen accent color, especially when applied to different aspects of a room to create a harmonious space instead of a mismatched, erratic one. As you go along, add to and expand your palette of basic eclectic styles, starting with two classic tones for a studied but nuanced interpretation of eclectic decor.
2. Simple wall coverings for an eclectic interior design
When trying to perfect an eclectic-style decor, it’s best to keep your walls simple and straightforward: elaborate wallpapers can make it difficult to introduce other patterned elements without appearing too heavy. Simple painted walls will create a solid base to bring eclectic decor and add interest elsewhere. Adding vibrant accessories to a plain background is much easier than adding simple accessories to a decorated background; you’ll have many more alternatives.
What’s more, painted walls require less work than applying vibrant wall coverings. However, this doesn’t mean you only have one option (white), dark and light colors work just as well. Darker colors add warmth and depth, while lighter colors will work to make any space larger and brighter to better enhance an eclectic bohemian decor.
3. Have fun with pattern play
This is where personality starts to shine through and you get bolder when creating an eclectic interior design vibe, as you can play with expressive patterns and mix and match styles to see what goes together and what doesn’t.
Continue to use similar tones and colors in your eclectic decor while keeping your two basic tones in mind. However, disrupt the space with unexpected combinations of patterns that don’t necessarily go together. Combine elements that clash with each other and be bold with them; don’t be afraid to confront patterns and colors, as they will help you create a unique feel.
4. Play with textures in eclectic style
The same goes for texture: have fun with texture games and bring in different textures to make your eclectic decor sing. Contrast textures against each other for a memorably eclectic feel in your home. You need to make sure there are enough visual things in your space to keep the eye interested. A smart way to do this is to introduce different textures throughout the room in small doses.
Place smooth textures next to rough, rough textures (think marble surfaces against wood grains) and soft textures with hard ones (luxurious sofas and cushions next to an industrial steel coffee table).
5. Eclectic art wall gallery
There’s no space more perfectly designed to include a wall gallery than in an eclectically styled living room. The combination of frames of different sizes and shapes suits the spirit perfectly, and you’ll have lots of fun creating an eclectic art wall gallery while playing with color, dimension and style to create the perfect custom eclectic-style living room. A gallery also looks great on plain walls, as this is where you can introduce lots of personality and interest.
A wall gallery also lets you create distinctive focal points. Having something to focus on in a room boasting a tumultuous mix keeps the eye moving, which is ideal for the heavy feeling an eclectically styled room can evoke. Choose different frame styles to complement the artwork you put in. And for the budget-conscious, sourcing frames from second-hand stores and customizing them in similar tones is a great idea for creating a cohesive eclectic decor on a budget.
6. Different furniture styles
Mixing and matching different styles of furniture design is another fun and clever way to master beautifully crafted eclectic living room decor, eclectic bedroom decor and eclectic home decor in general, because there’s no room that a cheerful assortment of products doesn’t accentuate. In essence, that’s what eclectic decor is all about: mixing the old, the new, the modern and the classic.
Think shepherd’s chairs next to an ultra-modern coffee table, or an Art Deco mirror above a Victorian fireplace. Take advantage of the features you already have in your home and compare them with new pieces to make the most of what you already have.
7. Don’t let clutter overwhelm the room
Be careful, because it can be easy to let an eclectic design turn your room into a mess, becoming cluttered and too busy. Everything should have a place in the room, and every element should have its place. Allow objects and accessories to speak for themselves without weighing down your space and surfaces, and make sure that important items don’t get lost in the surrounding décor.
If you’re not sure whether there’s too much in a room, step back and look at it from another angle, or take a photo to examine it in detail.
8. There are no hard and fast rules in eclectic style: just have fun!
Eclectic interior design is all about showcasing your personality in a room. Don’t put too many limits on your eclectic decorating; free yourself from the usual rules associated with traditional interior design. Let your imagination run wild and have fun experimenting.
FAQ:
Q: What is eclectic style in home decor?
A: Eclectic style in home decor is a design approach that involves blending a diverse range of styles, periods, textures, and colors to create a harmonious yet distinct living space. It’s about breaking away from strict design conventions and embracing a mix of elements that reflect personal taste and creativity.
Q: How did eclectic style originate?
A: The origins of eclectic style can be traced back to fine art and architecture, where pioneers intentionally blended different styles and periods, resulting in a unique and cohesive aesthetic. Over time, this approach evolved into a recognizable decorating style that celebrates diversity and individuality.
Q: What defines eclectic style?
A: Eclectic style is characterized by the harmonious coexistence of various design elements, including furniture, colors, patterns, and textures, regardless of their origins or eras. It encourages mixing unexpected combinations while maintaining an overall sense of unity.
Q: How do I maintain harmony in an eclectic decor?
A: To achieve harmony in eclectic decor, establish some guidelines. These can include color themes, furniture lines, and different materials and textures. While diversity is encouraged, a balanced and coherent composition prevents the room from feeling cluttered or chaotic.
Q: How should I select furniture for an eclectic space?
A: Choose a few specific furniture pieces that represent different styles, and aim for a cohesive look by incorporating similar colors or lines among them. Maintain proportional consistency to create visual balance, and consider adding one or two contrasting pieces to break up uniformity.
Q: What role do colors play in eclectic design?
A: In eclectic decor, any color is permissible. To highlight furniture and objects, it’s advisable to keep walls in neutral shades like white or beige. While mixing colors is allowed, it’s wise to avoid overdoing it to prevent a mismatched or overwhelming appearance.
Q: How do accessories contribute to eclectic style?
A: Accessories are essential in eclectic decor, but it’s best to limit yourself to a few favorite pieces to avoid overcrowding. These items can include cushions, blankets, rugs, and unique objects collected from travels or sentimental value. Accessories should complement the overall color and texture palette.
Q: Can I mix different types of art and furnishings in eclectic style?
A: Absolutely! Eclectic style celebrates the combination of contrasting elements, making it suitable for incorporating diverse art and furnishings. The key is to find common threads such as color, texture, or form to tie them together cohesively.
Q: How can I create an eclectic-style gallery wall?
A: An eclectic art gallery wall is a perfect fit for this design style. Mix frames of different sizes and shapes, using complementary colors and art pieces. This gallery not only adds personality but also serves as a focal point in your space.
Q: How do I prevent an eclectic decor from looking cluttered?
A:While eclectic style embraces a mix of items, it’s important to avoid overwhelming the room. Ensure that each element has its place, and step back occasionally to assess the overall composition. Remember that maintaining visual interest doesn’t mean sacrificing clarity.
Q: Are there any strict rules for eclectic style?
A: One of the beauties of eclectic style is its freedom from strict rules. It encourages personal expression and experimentation. While maintaining balance and coherence is important, don’t hesitate to let your imagination run wild and have fun creating a unique and vibrant living space.
