7 Key Elements You Need to Pull Off a Successful Eclectic Design

How many times have you scrolled through images of awesome eclectic interiors on Instagram and thought “I couldn’t dare”? 

Eclectic design isn’t easy to pull off. On the one hand, it allows quite a lot of freedom. You can mix and match different styles and elements and create any design you can imagine. On the other hand, the fact that there are no rules can result in a total mess if you’re not careful. 

How do you make sure there is cohesion? Will everything seem overwhelming? How do you find the right décor items? How to keep all the contrasting colors, textures, and styles cohesive?

This article answers these and a few more questions to help you put a successful eclectic design together.

#1 Choose a Neutral Color for the Background

As the design elements in the eclectic style are usually striking, you need to create a neutral-colored background to add some balance. Tan, black, white, and grey are great color options. But don’t limit yourself to wall paints. You can also consider using natural materials like stone, eco-friendly fiber, or wood. The texture of these materials will prevent the neutral background from looking dull. Use them in the décor items, countertops, and flooring.

#2 Add a Statement Item

Pick a statement item that is going to represent the focal point in the room. This piece should be big enough and bold enough in order to make your eclectic space shine. Need some ideas? Go to a vintage rug auction and find a rug that really stands out, or choose a large piece of art. Make sure to choose only one, though, no repetition of the statement item is allowed. Once the statement item is set, adjust the rest of the items in the room so they point to it.

#3 Don’t Buy a Furniture Set

Whatever you do, don’t buy the whole furniture set, unless you want your house to look like a showroom. Sure, buying a set as a unit can make things a lot easier, but the eclectic style is all about coordinating different vibes and styles. For instance, in the dining room, try combining classic chairs with a modern dining table.

If all this is new to you and you’re worried about uniting different furniture pieces together, don’t fret; there are some helpful rules to follow. For instance, different styles of chairs can be united by using similar colors or textures.

#4 Combine Different Design Eras

Choose furniture pieces that originate from different design eras. Feel free to combine an Art Deco table with modern chairs or vintage pieces with rustic ones. This is the special twist that will make your eclectic space shine.

#5 Symmetry and Balance

To create a sense of structure, use symmetry and balance. In eclectic design, there’s plenty of visual stimulation in a single area. Symmetry and balance help our minds to simplify everything that is going on in the space. By repeating certain patterns, the brain is able to process the visual information easier and, as a result, decide that the room is aesthetically pleasing.

To achieve this, add only furniture items that have a specific function and clear purpose. This will relax your eyes and allow you to focus on the aesthetics of the items.

 

#6 Combine Different Textures

When creating an eclectic space, your goal is to create a look of controlled mess. This is easily achieved by combining different textures. By pairing different textures, you’ll add in layers without overwhelming the space. Combine velvet pillows, sleek surfaces, wallpaper, mud cloth, natural hide, but keep the color palette somewhat restrained. If your goal is to create a glamorous space, go for lacquered items and pair them with luxurious materials like velvet. If you’re going for a more masculine look, combine dark metals with exposed brick.

#7 Use Color to Coordinate Everything

Even though the eclectic design is all about freedom, it doesn’t mean there should be no coordination. Behind every successful eclectic design, there’s a deliberate color palette that unites the different genres and styles.

In order to pull off a successful eclectic design, you need to keep a common motif throughout the space. In eclectic design, this common motif is often color. Pick a shade that will be repeated in several areas in the room. Use it in the patterns, wall art, accessories, and textiles. It will be helpful if you find the shade in a variety of patterns and prints because this will make the space look put together.

If there are multiple shades in one room, try to correlate them by choosing the one that will dominate and the others will be secondary accents.

 

Final Thoughts

To many people, eclectic design may seem contradictory. Even though it is a great way to break all the traditional design rules, the style often seems difficult to pull off.

But at the end of the day, the point is to create a space where you’ll feel comfortable and at home. You can mix textures and colors all you like, but what makes a space unique are personal touches that reflect your personality. Placing small accessories and accents, like children’s artwork or souvenirs, throughout the whole house – not just in the bedroom – will allow your personality to shine.

We hope that our tips will help you get enough courage to start planning your next eclectic project.