Basically, Eclectic design style is a combination of everything including the kitchen sink!It is one of my favorite styles in interior design. This style allows the designer to work with all things, old and new.
The photo shown here is easy to understand, there are not too many unusual items combined in one place. I categorize this room as “70’s eclectic”.
Here is another example of an eclectic living room. This one is a bit more “traditional eclectic”.
The design elements here are definitely more straight forward. The couch is borderline IKEAish and the furniture could be from grandma’s house…
And here is the “standard eclectic” kitchen. If it were not for the old style refrigerator and table mixer, this kitchen is a relatively modern mix of design elements.
Overall the things to consider when going eclectic are:
* Keep the colors minimal, it is best to use mostly neutrals and one
or two accent colors. The combination of already existing furniture
and accessories will bring it all together with a punch.
* Look at what you have and what needs to be added (or thrown out).
* Decide how you want the room to feel: clean lined, lived in, artsy…
*Use one element to find your inspiration. It can be a pillow, artwork,
rug and anything that you love.
*Be sure to use a balanced mix of color, pattern and texture.
* This is a good style for starter projects, you can’t really get it wrong!
Eclectic is not “a combination of everything”, it is two design styles combined with one that is clearly dominant over the other, and you can, obviously, get it wrong.
Hi Heather,
Technically that may be true, but in reality my clients need a “decorating term” that lets them keep personal items that they want to work into the decor; hence we call that “eclectic”.
I am curious to know which two “design styles” catagorize Eclectic for you?
Patti
Please PLEASE if you want a professional webpage learn to spell
REFRIGERATOR.
There is no D in refrigerator.
Oh dear. Just did spell check, and yes – can’t argue. But all fixed now!
~shira