There are certain pieces of furniture or knickknacks that you simply love no matter how out of place they may look. This leads many people to want to have a more relaxed style statement that reflects individuality and is flexible as to what can pass in that particular style statement or not. Thus, you can merge the modern and traditional with the vintage and unexpected but it is not an easy look to master. For starters, there is a big possibility that though there is the eclectic look in mind, the result may be a cross between a junk shop and garage sale in the living room.
So, one myth that should be busted early on is that the eclectic look in no way merely pertains to a random mix and match of anything under the sun. Comfort and being you is a major part of what this theme tries to put across.
For example, you can get away with old walnut cabinets in your living room even while sporting modern art on the walls and mismatched chairs that alternate between wooden and steel but the crux is that it should to blend in and not stand out in sheer awkwardness. Balance is the word that comes to mind.
A few illustrations
- You can have your ultra thin LCD TV comfortably perched on an old cabinet made of wood but in ebony shades of course and carry off the look further with a blend of black and white designs. Like the sofa can be pure white and the pillows can have black and white stripes.
- Old fashioned arm chairs can stare across a small circular glass topped table at more modern zebra striped chairs. The plain walls can be relieved with one section being wallpapered.
- Mix the rustic with the cottage and add a few contrasts in colour to play on the innovativeness. Old fashioned chairs with fancy woodwork can grace a plain pine deal table on which you have wrought iron candelabra.
What eclecticism offers?
Eclecticism is not about some ordinary look. It is meant to cause a pleasant surprise by its sheer innovative newness. Colors can contrast and eras can clash but the end result should be aesthetically pleasing and not a severe mismatch.
There is subtle complementation at foot. For example, some furniture may complement the wall color by being a shade or two darker, and the ornamentation of one piece may help give relief to the plainness of another while the simplicity and worn out aspect of a rustic piece can bring to light the modern sharpness of another.
More than just a bathroom
The greatest display of eclecticism can be inspired in your bathroom. Low ceilings with miniature chandeliers are much desired for the bathroom suite look. You can have a contemporary styled standalone bath and a radiator tucked beneath a window. If you happen to be lucky enough to have a fire place, you will indeed spark great surprise as a fireplace is an unexpected add on in a bathroom. Wallpaper of course will work better than tiled walls.
Other rooms
In the bedroom: A mix of colors like light pink, white, hot pink, electric blue, beige and the like are ideal. White painted furniture looks rather charming.
Living area: Yellow, gold and black are perfect. You can sport wicker work arm chairs that complement the table cloth across velvet upholstered sofas and a glass topped table.
Nurseries: Hand painted wall paper or the type that has some full length artwork is rare and thus, eye catching. This can be made as a focal point and the other sides can be painted or wallpapered differently. Chequered tiled floors too look good.