Artfully mix the elements of multiple interior design themes in your home with the eclectic interior design style. If you want to know how to do that, then definitely give this blog post a thorough read!
What Exactly Is The Eclectic Interior Design Style?
An eclectic interior design style seamlessly blends different elements (decor, furniture, colours, textures, flooring, fixtures, etc.) from different periods to bridge the design sensibilities across decades.
Modern Indian homes are increasingly inclining towards eclectic interiors because they provide flexibility in changing the design theme whenever you want. In other words, this interior design style acts as a dynamic canvas for your constantly changing needs, preferences and tastes, so you are open to mix and match cleverly.
Although the eclectic design style incorporates more than one design theme, you need to create a sense of balance, symmetry, flow and unity among the elements to create the ‘perfect’ final product. Hence, the correct placement of the various aspects is of paramount importance here.
What Are The Elements of Eclectic Interior Design?
- Wall And Ceiling Colours: Neutral base colours like shades of white, light beige, cream or greys to create the foundation; focal/contrasting colours (except pitch black) like bright blue and yellow to draw the viewer’s attention.
- Textiles And Textures: Simple textures on the walls/flooring/upholstery, printed drapes/curtains, distressed floor rugs, natural fabrics with ethnic or geometric prints, fancy plaid, bright or solid-coloured cushions, eco-friendly fibres, fringes, tassels and trims.
- Furniture And Flooring: Decorated large tables, old and/or repainted furniture, wingback chairs, pearlised coffee table, art deco mirror, Victorian mantelpiece, wooden flooring and stone countertops.
- Decor: Photo and book collections, stylish wall clocks, one or two statement pieces/objects, antiques, simple wallpapers, souvenirs, gallery wall with different frame styles, plants, light displays, drinks trays and baskets.
What To Keep In Mind To Get The Eclectic Interior Design Style Right? (Dos And Don’ts)
There is no one right way of achieving the eclectic design theme. It requires a lot of experimentation/hits and trials to get the final look right. Hence, it is pretty challenging. However, the following tips (dos and don’ts) will help you make an informed choice and quickly achieve the transformation.
DOs
- Keep the base colour light and play around a bit with two or three bright accents/contrasts, exciting shapes and textures (say, stripes with paisleys or asymmetric coffee tables with rectilinear sofas). In other words, select a core palette and then add pops of bright colour here and there to make a decor piece stand out.
- Experiment with the placement of decor, furniture, etc., until you find an arrangement that fits cohesively and works perfectly. For textures, pair different types (smooth with rough) in small doses throughout the room (say, wood grains against marble surfaces) so that it doesn’t become too overwhelming.
- Exercise caution when you are decorating a small room with this style as it can very easily transform into an overly busy, cluttered and messy space.
- Make sure that you create a harmonious symmetry and organic balance between the different elements in terms of both vision and feeling to enhance the overall experience and vibe of the space.
- Visualize the final composition first, set a direction next, and then create one or two focal points if you are pairing up old and new elements together. Ensure that the final look tells the owner’s story and reflects his/her personality.
- Create interesting groupings using the ‘rule of three’ to instantly build on your eclectic design style. Sort and group decor items by purpose, colour or size to create maximum visual impact.
- Mix quirky textures and also don’t forget to use one texture at least three times to create a uniform pattern in the room. Similarly, embrace some variations in scale so that eclectic rooms never look boring.
- Pay close attention to the room’s layout and utility, and also consider the negative spaces in between to give your eyes some rest.
DON’TS
- Don’t go overboard with this interior design style; instead, be selective and curate the space with the best-picked pieces showing your intention and attracting the viewer’s attention.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment; instead, be daring and learn to take small risks when working around this interior design style. Incorporate global influences as well.
- Don’t be inconsistent when you are designing multiple rooms in your home in an eclectic design style. Ensure the eclecticism is carried out through each room in your house to create a ‘flow’.
- When it comes to the placement of decor, ensure that you don’t display the entire collection and instead use three-four pieces from that collection and keep rotating them seasonally or for variety.
- Don’t give in to the temptation of changing the room’s look right away if you’re not completely happy with the outcome of the eclectic design style you experimented with. Live in it for a while, and then maybe it won’t seem like a big deal anymore because you never know!
What Are The Different Eclectic Design Styles?
- Vintage eclectic interior design
- Bohemian eclectic interior design
- Traditional eclectic interior design
- Modern eclectic interior design
- Coastal eclectic interior design
- Rustic eclectic interior design
- French country eclectic interior design
- Glam eclectic interior design
- Transitional eclectic interior design
- Mid-century modern eclectic interior design
- Minimalist eclectic interior design
- Classic eclectic interior design
- Scandinavian eclectic interior design
- Shabby chic eclectic interior design
- Industrial eclectic interior design
- Contemporary eclectic interior design
Now, it is time to dive into the most trending eclectic interior design ideas that prospective homeowners are going gaga over.
Glam Eclectic Interior Design
This glam eclectic interior design style living room looks over-the-top and luxurious. It makes a bold statement together with the black leather armchairs, a stylish and ornate beige marble-top coffee table at the centre and coloured glass chandeliers. The light patterned wallpaper, the wooden ceiling panel and the large decorative accent mirror on the wall act as stunning statement pieces.
Minimalist Eclectic Interior Design
This minimalist eclectic interior design kitchen has an almost neutral colour palette and airy feel to it. The space is defined by ultra-sleek lines and a sense of functionality. The minimalist eclectic style is also known as the ‘minimalist-maximalist eclectic style’ as it offers both a subdued and bold look in the space with fewer pieces (functional and/or decorative).
Modern Eclectic Interior Design
This modern eclectic interior design kitchen and breakfast nook use contrasting colours like lime green and greyish black in its cabinets and countertops which stand out well against the light grey and white flooring. The small photo collection on the wall creates visual interest and ties the overall look and feel of the kitchen together in a harmonious way. There are not much clutter or accessories involved in this design style, and it uses glass/metal/steel as materials.
Scandinavian Eclectic Interior Design
This Scandanavian eclectic entertainment/family room oozes a very understated yet beautiful and fun vibe. The off-white walls and light wood flooring makes the space look visually larger and airier, while the yellow accents on the TV showcase and sofa bring warmth and cosiness into the space. The gallery wall on the side acts as an interesting focal point and a potential conversation starter.
Shabby Chic Eclectic Interior Design
This open-plan shabby chic eclectic living room has comfortable armchairs and a sofa, blue and brown accent walls, a flower vase and gallery wall, and differently sized tables and lighting fixtures here and there for a specific purpose. Every design element in this room speaks for itself without burdening the space. You can see a lot of interesting textures and shapes playing around in this living room.
All in all, the eclectic interior design style helps you add more personality and vibrancy to your home without you having to restrict yourself to the complex and fast rules of traditional interior design. So, go ahead and smartly experiment and give your home the much-needed transformation. Good luck!
However, if you have your mindset but are unsure of where and how to start, our interior design experts at DesignCafe are here to help you out gladly. We’re just a call or an email away.
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