How to Achieve the "Eclectic Look" in Your Own Home
Every Spring we receive an influx of customers ready to tackle a decorating project. The most common complaint I hear from our clients is that they love the eclectic look but aren't confident as to how to achieve it. They complain that when they try to mix different styles and patterns, it tends to look more like a hodgepodge mess from Dr. Seuss as opposed to the very chic "I-just-happened-to-collect-all-of-these-awesome-pieces-that-casually-adorn-my-home-throughout-my-lifetime-whilst-traveling-the-world" look. The reality is that it is a little more work to get this look. It's definitely easier to walk into FurnitureLand USA and buy a 13 piece brown living room set but that's just not you, is it?
The new rule is: there are no rules.
Your home should be a reflection of your personality. The only guideline to have in the back of your mind...SCALE.
The truth is, you can mix almost anything if the scale is right. So go ahead and put your Nana's secretary desk brought over from Europe with that lucite coffee table on the cowhide rug next to your flea market MCM chair across from your tufted chesterfield sofa.
It's easy to put different patterns together too as long as they vary in scale. Mixing stripes, plaids, polka dots, damasks is a piece of cake and adds personality to your room.
You can also mix different wood tones, in fact, it's pretty boring if you don't. Take a cue from the pros. It's no coincidence that you'll see that many designers are now showcasing the kitchen island as a different color and even different material than the cabinets. Many times upper cabinets are different color/finish than lowers, and chairs are a different finish from their dining table partner.
The same is true of mixing all types of metal finishes. Gone are the days of brushed nickel on every knob, handle, hinge and fixture. Ladies, remember how freeing it was the first time you wore gold and silver jewelry...at the SAME time?!? (PS It's okay to wear white after Labor Day too). After all, home decor is a lot like fashion. Neutrals don't count as colors either so don't worry about mixing those.
Mixing different textures and layering them also creates visual interest. Fur Pillows, shag rugs and luxurious throws are an easy way to accomplish this polished look without much effort.
So get confident this Spring and enliven your space
to reflect your unique personality.
Take some risks. With no rules, you can be a pro. Make your space your own and surround yourself with the things you love. It's all part of you and your history, and it creates a warm welcome for guests.