The eclectic decorating style isn’t easy to pull off, as it typically involves mixing and matching pieces from various styles and time periods. When done well, however, eclectic interiors are uniquely beautiful and stunning. If your personal style is best described as eclectic and you’d like to bring the look into your own home, here are a few rules to make it work.
photo credit: flickr/wickerparadise
Rule #1 Choose two to three different styles
The best part of decorating in the eclectic style is that you don’t have to follow just one style, or even one time period for that matter. In eclectic homes, contemporary furniture can be paired with antique accessories without looking out of place. When selecting the styles you want to work with, narrow down your options to just two or three. More than three can make your setup appear random and unplanned. Also, keep in mind that you don’t want one particular style to seem more dominant than another. If all of your furniture is traditional and you have only a few contemporary accessories, they might look like they don’t belong.
Rule #2 Prevent colors from overwhelming your space by decorating with neutrals
Eclectic interiors often have very interesting color palettes. However, there is a thin line between a unique color scheme and a chaotic mess. To prevent your room from seeming too bright or mismatched, paint the walls a neutral color. This will also help give your room a more cohesive design.
Rule #3 Find a way to tie the look together
The biggest reason why eclectic rooms often don’t work is a lack of cohesiveness. Although you’ll be mixing styles, colors and textures, it’s important to find a way to tie the look together so that it looks intentional. This can be done by using the same color throughout the room (or the same texture, pattern or forms). The eclectic style might appear random, but if you look closely you’ll notice that the furniture and accessories were put together for a reason.