Eclectic Style Home: Get the Look With These Pro Tips
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An Element of Surprise
Part of the joy of eclectic interiors is the element of surprise. 'I never expected to see flowers on top of the mirror!' Or 'wow, there are some shiny silver shoes down there!'
Incorporate some unexpected elements in your eclectic design to wow visitors and keeps the eyes interested.
Stick With an Overarching Colour Scheme. And Then Experiment.
In this image, the designer has started with a base of white, black and red. But that hasn't stopped them from including elements of yellow, green and blue as well as various other colours and patterns. The scheme works because it has this solid base, and every element -- the rug, the pictures and the flowers have one of the three base colours.
Keep Patterns and Textures in the Same Palette
Eclectic style is all about having fun with pattern and texture. But it's important to reign yourself in. Try keeping the various patterns and textures in the same palette. Here, a cascade of pattern is harmonized because it's in either teal (or a closely related blue) or pink. Just be sure to casually leave your magazine open to a page in your desired colour palette.
A Delightful Composition
An eclectic design all falls apart if it's not well composed. All those colours, textures and styles will clash if they're not composed well. In this example each niche draws in objects from various styles and influences, but it works because each is carefully arranged into a neat vignette. It's not easy to get the hang of this type of arranging, but keep an eye out in your favourite magazines or websites and look at the way that colour, texture and scale is balanced in their vignettes.
Mixing Styles
Eclecticism allows you to go nuts with different styles and eras of design. Only in an eclectic design could you mix this regency style sofa with the hyper modern stainless steel table. Feel free to mix styles, particularly if they are strongly contrasted like in this example.
Combine Everything You Love
Have diverse tastes in art and style? Then the eclectic look is right for you. You can combine everything you love in a cohesive, stylish way with a little bit of forethought. In this image, the various pictures are arranged in an attractive layout, which helps them to feel united, despite their very different aesthetics.
If All Else Fails, Add a Duck and Some Brightly Coloured Shoes
If you've tried everything and your eclectic home still looks like a hot mess. Just place an ornamental duck and some brightly coloured shoes in your living room. It won't magically make the look work, but it can't hurt, either. Right?
So the Duck and Shoes Trick Didn't Work? Why Not Get a Professional's Help?
Service Central has talented interior designers who specialize in pulling an eclectic look together. And that's not all. We also have qualified local tradespeople who can help anywhere around the house. Get quotes from the pros now!
About the Author
Brodie Norris runs Lunchbox Architect, a website featuring one exceptional, architect-designed family home every weekday.
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