Eclectic Design: Renew Your Home With a Daring Interior Design
Go bold with your home design.
Eclectic design pulls from a variety of trends to create a polished and intentional aesthetic. Often characterized by a versatile mix of furnishings and decor, it features vibrant colors, textures, and shapes. Learn more about eclectic design and how designers integrate this style below.
What Is Eclectic Design?
Eclectic design mixes and matches color schemes, global influences, and time periods. It originally gained popularity in the early 20th century when architects began combining elements from different architectural movements, such as baroque, neoclassicism, and art deco, to create an eclectic look. Eventually aspects of eclectic style made their way to the design world.
Designer-Inspired Eclectic Design
1. Choose an Accent Color
A key feature of eclectic design is a vibrant color motif. Incorporate a bold accent color, such as crimson or bright yellow, to establish a focal point that anchors the overall palette. Framed wall art, faux florals, and vases are an elegant way to seamlessly integrate bright shades into the interior design. Consider drawing out the warm reds in the space with wood furniture with reddish-brown tones – like mahogany or cedar chairs and tables. From there balance the pops of color by decorating with soft-toned neutrals – think muted blues, creams, and whites.
Another hallmark of eclectic design involves mixing and matching patterns and textures. For maximum visual impact, designers often look for eclectic wall accents, rugs, and decorative objects with bold geometric patterns like chevron or repeated diamond shapes and pair them with saturated colors. Traditional blue-and-white ceramics including decorative vases, plates, and bowls enhance the whimsical design and draw attention to the bright decor.
Combine different furniture designs by experimenting with fabrics and materials. Contrast the plush textures of velvet and silk upholstery with the simple and organic look of rattan, wicker, or linen. Juxtapose the visual softness with metallic accent furniture and decor, such as a coffee table or floor lamp with a metal base. To unify the interior, cap a bold sofa with intricate wood end tables.
For a maximalist yet artful eclectic style, lean into a global aesthetic. Incorporate decor, furniture, and rugs from a variety of international styles to add drama and intrigue to your living room. Bold animal prints, intricate wood pieces, and metallic accents are markers of Moroccan design, while opulent artwork, fleur-de-lis patterns, and crystal chandeliers are staples of European grandeur. To counterbalance the layered design, stick to furniture in simple block colors.
To blend elements of eclectic design with an understated aesthetic, pair a bold wallpaper with neutral furnishings. Floral or botanical wallpaper complement a nature-inspired design, while geometric wallpaper works well with a fresh and modern aesthetic. Dark wood tones and navy, tan, white, or gray furniture add a polished look that streamlines the interior and highlights the brightly printed wallpaper.
Curate the space with one or two eye-catching statement pieces for a minimalist design with an eclectic touch. Vibrant and textured decor – including throw pillows, metallic decorative objects, glass vases, and lighting fixtures – add visual interest without overwhelming the interior design. Practice balance with clean lines and pared-back furniture to uplift the living room.
When it comes to eclectic design, artwork can bring together disparate styles and create a focal point in the room. Go bold with abstract paintings in bright primary colors for a striking modern look, or choose soft-hued watercolors for an open and light atmosphere. To maintain visual cohesion, mix and match complementary colors, such as emerald and red throw pillows or gold and purple decor, for a purposeful finish.
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