Eclectically-styled interiors comprise a combination of multiple styles, colours and accessories, which have been amalgamated to create a stylish look that hints of all the best of past, present and future décor styles.
The eclectic style is all about contrasting items that work well together - perhaps tons of brightly coloured and textured scatters with different patterns set on an otherwise plain sofa with modern contours.If achieved successfully, it is a look that boasts tons of character, with a warm and interesting appeal.
Sue Scott, from Grafton Everestshares tips on how to successfully execute this style in your own living room.
“The eclectic Bohemian look has been gaining popularity for decades. Originally introduced in the very early 1900s as a backlash to the conservatism of the Victorian era, Bohemian décor has remained en-vogue because of its interesting means of expressing personal style.
“It communicates so much - from global design trends, styles from various eras, as well as embracing anything that is visually appealing or interesting to the eye, from design lines, to colour palettes, textures, cultural influences, and so on.
“It is rich, inviting, ever stimulating and thought provoking - holding your attention, and speaking volumes about the individual character of the person whose home it is, as well as the world we live in.”
By choosing a focal feature, and then ensuring minimal décor around it, you not only add emphasis to your favourite piece, but also end up with a room that is stylishly uncluttered and more streamlined.Sue says it can be tricky getting this look right: “Combining different styles into one space can be a complex undertaking, there is a fine line between successfully achieving an attractive eclectic décor composition, and turning your living room into an impression of a second-hand junk shop. However, by considering a few design tricks and being prudent about what to include in the space - anyone can achieve a stylish living room with an eclectic charm that reflects their personality.”
Size matters
When choosing pieces for an eclectic living room, it’s important to consider the size and proportions of the various pieces of furniture that you would like to include in the space.
“As you will be combining lots of different pieces, it’s easy to end up with a cluttered space - especially if you don’t carefully consider the proportions of the various pieces in relation to each other and the room in which they will be featured,” she says.
The best way to achieve a well-proportioned composition is to plan the space beforehand, working from the biggest items, like the seating and coffee table, and working your way down the size scale to the smaller items, such as the ornaments and soft furnishings. This way you’ll get a better idea of your space and be able to use it properly and elegantly.
Crisp contrast
Including a unifying aspect throughout your living room is a perfect way to make your space look like it has been professionally put together, and colour is a great way to do this.The eclectic style is all about contrasting items that work well together - a textured Oriental throw over a sleek leather sofa for example, or perhaps tons of brightly coloured and textured scatters with different patterns set on an otherwise plain sofa with modern contours.
Finding a good contrast pivots on not being scared to experiment and make mistakes. “Experimenting with contrasting styles is the only way to find a good match, sometimes you need to see things together to know if they work or not,” says Sue.
However, although contrast is crucial, there also needs to be a sense of continuity.
“Continuity and harmony can be achieved by ensuring that there is a common thread running throughout the composition. Including a unifying aspect throughout your living room is a perfect way to make your space look like it has been professionally put together, and colour is a great way to do this. For example, why not include various scatters in all shapes and sizes, with various textures and patterns, but all in a unifying colour palette. This way, you can keep all the basics neutral, and combine all the various décor accents by choosing a colour thread that runs throughout for a seamless end result.”
Find your balance
As in life, creating a sense of balance is important to successfully achieve a winning décor composition, and the eclectic style is no different, says Sue.
“Balancing styles is crucial when incorporating the eclectic style - if you include too much of one style, you will just end up with a space that looks mismatched, and in a bad way. Be sure to include the right amount of each style - traditional, modern, ethnic, and so on. Consider balancing patterns and plain fabrics, as well as colours and neutrals, to achieve a living room that looks complete and well finished.”
Busy versus basic
Eclectically-styled interiors comprise a combination of multiple styles, colours and accessories, which have been amalgamated to create a stylish look that hints of all the best of past, present and future décor styles.Although people seem to immediately think of a busy, full space when the eclectic style is mentioned - busy isn’t always necessarily better.
Often, having a more clean space can help accentuate the interesting pieces you have decided to display in your living area, especially if you have a focal point in your composition, for example a stylish sofa. By choosing a focal feature, and then ensuring minimal décor around it, you not only add emphasis to your favourite piece, but also end up with a room that is stylishly uncluttered and more streamlined.
She says on the other hand, the eclectic style can be used to great effect to help warm up an otherwise stark space, and to make it your own.
“Adding personal trinkets from your travels, or just items that you find unique and interesting, can really help make the space seem more inviting by adding character and interest. Choosing between a busy or basic eclectic space is dependent on your own personal preference, the size or your living area, as well as the style featured throughout the rest of your home.”
Rules are made to be broken
The most important thing to remember when incorporating the eclectic trend into your living area is to break out of your comfort zone and experiment with different styles, says Sue.
“Eclectic style is perfect for creating a space that is a true reflection of who you are as a person, as you can incorporate all your favourite pieces under one roof - so don’t be scared to be bold and express yourself. Break or at the very least, bend the rules to suit your personal style preferences, have fun and remember that you need to be bold to be beautiful.”
