Are you considering a room redo? Maybe you are struggling with the direction you want to go as far as the style and feel of the room? One way to overcome this design style block, is to call in a design professional. A good designer knows what questions to ask to help you uncover your design style and aesthetic, and of course take care of all the planning and implementation of your new space. But if you’d rather take the DIY approach, the next best thing is to browse design blogs and websites, and shelter magazines for style ideas. It may be quite possible that you already own some of the pieces you need to create a brand new room makeover, and it may be a great adventure shopping flea markets, estate sales, and auctions.
By going with an eclectic look you have the ability to mix and match pieces from different design periods and design styles and still achieve a very well thought out, cohesive and beautiful result. Imagination goes a long way when creating an eclectic space that seemed to have evolved over time. It does require a steady hand and some editing and restraint. Eclectic can easily head in the direction of “cluttered” if not carefully done. The key to achieving that cohesive, pulled-together look is by observing certain principles of design
- Scale – Basically, this refers to size, or grandness of the main pieces in the room. They should all have similar scale.
- Balance – Refers to how these pieces relate to each other. Balance should be a prime consideration when combining disparate items
- Color – Don’t go for pieces that are all red or all blue or all yellow, but instead, look for similar color schemes, a common color that runs through each style, or simply a common “temperature” — for instance, red and orange are warm, while blue and purple are cool.
The room shown below is an eclectic space with some ethnic or global influences, that is very relaxing. Take a look at the 6 tips that you can take away to inspire your own eclectic room makeover.
Photo: Dwell Studio Face Book Page
Eclectic rooms are really never finished rooms. There’s always room for your next favorite piece.
Here are a couple other eclectic spaces for your viewing pleasure
Photo: Dwell Studio
Photo: decorandyouhr.com
So if you want a space that speaks to your personality, and a perfect showcase of all your collections and favorite things, eclectic just might be the style for you. Could you see yourself in any of the spaces above? What is your favorite design style if eclectic doesn’t do it for you? Please leave me a comment below and let me know.
Contact me if you need help uncovering your design style.
Be Inspired!
As always your blog posts are extremely good.
Thank you Mark!
I like this look… looks very open and airy!
What do you do with rooms that were designed poorly. We have a rectangular room that doesn’t give much flexibility or freedom for creativity. In the middle of the long stretch of the room is the small fireplace, and next to it is the media nitch near the hallway. We’ve played with a lot of ideas and most just don’t seem to work.
I love the pic with the long bookshelf. That can really change a room!
When a room has a poor layout or awkward architectural features, sometimes you have to take the approach of “if you can’t beat them, join them”. You can use color, texture or a different layout to make the negatives look like they were intended to be that way. In long narrow rooms, creating multiple seating areas to accommodate different functions, or multiple vignettes can help solve the “bowling alley” feel.
love LOVE L*O*V*E the inspiration! Thanks so much!
Thanks Loretta!
Again, another great post. A great primer for folks like me who lack any real sense of colour or design coordination. You have actually motivated me to try my hand at a little decorating around here!
It has taken me years and years to get over the notion that everything must match (or at least be related). But you are showing me beautiful examples of how that’s not necessarily true, and I sure do enjoy the photos and the knowledge you are sharing. p.s. Anything else new in your world today?
Thanks Tina, I’m glad you learned something new from my post today. It’s been a crazy week so far, but I am blessed
Love this look! Thanks again for some great tips!
Great Post! I would be helpful for all.
All these rooms look so inviting…
I really like all the shelves built on the wall. I just showed my husband that picture and told him I wanted that done! Hopefully one day I will have that!
Jennifer, if your husband is handy, it could be a great weekend project!
I love the area rugs on top of the wood floors.
You have good taste Veronica .
Your design tips are so helpful Veronica. I am pretty minimal in my design style. My husband likes big dark furniture. Since he cares more about our home style than I do, most of our pieces have been picked out by him. I can use what you suggest to add some of my own personality to our home now.
That’s great Deborah! Eclectic does allow for a mix of two different design styles. Perfect win-win!
So ecclectic is really a style.. I just thought I made it up for my style. ( but your pictures are so much nicer than I ever can get in a room ! )
Lol. It is Terry. Decorate with what you love!
“Scaling” a room is where the art comes in. If one is not good at this it would be best to hire a professional in my opinion.
Best,
Yvonne Brown
Terrific information Veronica. I’m learning so much!!