Discover the Beauty of Eclectic Interior Design
Are you looking to breathe life into your home, to break away from the mundane, to express your individualism and creativity? Eclectic interior design could be the perfect solution. Working with a combination of colours, shapes, textures and patterns, eclectic style lets you layer individual elements that work together to create a unique and inviting environment.
Not sure where to start? Don’t be put off by the thought of this bold style. With clever co-ordination, you can easily create an interesting and harmonious eclectically-styled home. Here are some tips to help you on your journey to discover the beauty of eclectic interior design.
Start by combining furniture and accessories from different eras, countries and cultures. Let antique oriental rugs lay a backdrop for a contemporary armchair, or an old rustic dresser show off a vintage embroidered tablecloth. Embrace the beauty of contrasts – bright, dark, smooth, rough, modern-day and simply timeless. Don’t forget to pick up pieces that speak to your heart, tell stories and give a glimpse of your personality.
Next, focus on the details. Pick a combination of tactile elements – mix textiles, such as velvets, silks and wools with mirrors, metals and cement. Add tons of character with statement artwork, flashy photography and abstract sculptures. Choose unique cushions that share a hint of colour, atmosphere, or local culture. Finally, make sure you create the perfect lighting to highlight your furniture, artwork and colours.
Mix and Match Colours
Be brave with your colours – no two elements in eclectic style should share the same hue. Pick alternating shades, tones and textures that complement each other. Create the perfect palette by mixing cool and warm hues, dusty mattes, bright and muted shades. Introduce a combination of earthy neutrals, candy pastels and bold jewel tones, depending on your underlying theme. Don’t be afraid of overlaying tones and shades to make sure each element stands out.
Harmonize with Patterns
To unite disparate elements, find patterns that relate multiple pieces of furniture, accessories and artifacts regardless of their origin. Match vintage florals with cheerful polka dots, modern geometrics with animal prints, and natural lines with abstract shapes. Tie different colours and textures together by adding similar undertones or recurrent shapes throughout, such as round frames or diamond-shaped ornaments.
Go Big on Art
Make sure your artwork is the most visible part of your eclectic living style. Be it modern, grimy graffiti, a hand-carved handmade statue, or a botanical watercolour. It should always be a focal point, the one thing that connects all the separate elements. Art can bring an atmosphere of familiarity, welcoming emotion, and a healthy dose of personality.
Create an ad-hoc Centrepiece
Elevate your style with a truly unique centrepiece. Secure multiple different pieces together with cohesive details and create a stunning eye-catching arrangement. Combine delicate vases, hand-thrown ceramics, rough-hewn tables, and handwritten artwork. Look for details that harmonize the separate elements and keep the look from appearing too overwhelming or mismatched.
Accentuate with Details
Accessories and decor may be small, but in eclectic design, they are an important part of making your look stand out. Add a rainbow of condiments, herbs and spices throughout your kitchen, a diverse range of books to your study or a collection of vintage lacquered boxes to a living room sideboard. Do not forget to add texture and depth with hand-painted glassware, rustic baskets, and natural greenery.