Do you have trouble narrowing down your design focus because you love a wide range of styles? You’re probably an eclectic interior fan. While you may have been made to believe that your eye for fashion is too crazy, we’re here to tell you that it isn’t! With balance and intention, this look can really work.
However, finding this yin-yang-like consonance isn’t for the faint of heart. If you lean too far to one side, your space can feel messy and disorganized. To avoid this, all you need to do is follow a few simple design rules, and voila: you have a home that screams fun while still being functional.
What Is Eclectic Interior Design?
Eclectic interior design is the art of blending different elements from various styles, eras and cultures to create a living space that feels uniquely personal yet harmonious. It’s about celebrating contrasts — mixing vintage with modern elements, rustic with sleek or bold colors with soft neutrals — to craft the perfect interior design style. It’s about telling a story through each piece, showing off your personality through bold colors and contrasting designs and home decor.
Think of eclectic design as a curated gallery where every piece has a purpose and personality, yet they come together to create a cohesive look. This style thrives on creativity, offering endless opportunities to experiment with patterns, textures and materials.
The eclectic style originated at the same time as eclecticism in architecture, which rose to stardom in late 19th-century Europe when architects from France’s Beaux Arts School and Britain’s Victorian masters were pushed to explore their creativity and play with varying design elements. Thus, eclecticism was born, and with it came a whole art movement that encouraged mixing features from various styles, cultures and historical periods to create an entirely new finish.
Bringing the Design Pieces Together
Having an eclectic space requires balance. You don’t want your home to seem too busy or messy, but you also don’t want to get rid of items that you truly love. Use these tips and best practices to strike perfect harmony in your home:
Balance Eras, Movements and Cultural Influences
Take eclectic pieces from a bunch of historical periods that you love, whether it be Art Deco, Gothic or 1990s minimalism, and find ways to put them together in surprising ways. For example, mix mid-century furniture with bohemian rugs or pair industrial lighting with classic Victorian-inspired details. The key is to ensure one element doesn’t overpower the others.
Layer Textures, Patterns and Materials Intentionally
A great room is one with cozy touches, like knitted blankets and patterned area rugs. The trick to nailing this is to use multiple types of materials and patterns. Rather than having just linen elements or only using rattan (even if those are beautiful textiles), create dimension and visual interest by opting for a handful of different textures that are both cohesive and stylish. Try combining a plush velvet couch with a woven jute rug and geometric throw pillows. Let each layer enhance another rather than take away.
Mix different textures and materials for a visually interesting finish.
Incorporate Statement Pieces and Personal Touches
Your room shouldn’t have multiple focal points. Instead, anchor your room with a standout piece, like a bold art print or a vintage cabinet. This builds a solid foundation for other diverse elements to stand on. Then, sprinkle in personal items like travel souvenirs or family heirlooms for a heartfelt finish. By having one place that your eyes are drawn to first, you avoid the claustrophobic feeling of having several pieces fighting for attention. Instead, each piece has its moment to shine by keeping your eyes moving around the room in an orderly fashion.
Maintain Cohesion With Color
Another way to make an eclectic interior design work is to stick to a consistent color palette to tie everything together. Now, this doesn’t mean you can only use one or two colors. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! If you already have a scheme that you’ve picked out, keep that in mind as you rearrange and decorate your living space. If an item doesn’t match within that scheme, it doesn’t make the cut.
If you don’t have a color palette selected, start by looking around your room. What colors appear more often than others? That will be your main hue. Then, pick two or three complementary colors for that shade.
Avoid Clutter
An eclectic style can get messy very quickly if the space is cluttered with too much stuff. To avoid this, always think about functionality as well as style. If something isn’t serving you or the room’s overall finish, don’t include it. Additionally, group similar items to create visual order and avoid overcrowding your home. This can help create negative space, which gives your eyes a rest in a busier room. Break everything up with a few neutral colors or blank spaces to ensure the house doesn’t look overwhelming.
Eclectic interiors work when you use design best practices for a cohesive look.
How Decorating Den Interiors – Clark Team Designs Can Help
No one knows your space like you do. Similarly, no one knows home decor like an interior designer. Decorating Den Interiors – Clark Team Designs knows how to make any space look stunning without costing you more than your budget or taking longer than your timeline. You get exactly what you want without the stress of doing it all by yourself. We work closely with you to create spaces that reflect your style and meet your functional needs. Whether it’s figuring out how to incorporate eclectic home decor with modern furniture or fully redecorating your rooms with vintage pieces and bold patterns, we’re up for the task.
Ready to bring your eclectic vision to life? Contact Decorating Den Interiors – Clark Team Designs and turn your design dreams into reality.
Decorating Den Interiors – Clark Team Designs proudly serve the Hamilton/Madison County areas, including: Noblesville, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, Pendleton, Cicero, Woodbury, Luxhaven, Woodfield, and surrounding areas!
