Eclectic Interior Design: 7 Hot Tips For Your Next Project

What exactly is eclectic style? To the untrained eye, it looks like it is merely a bunch of items that were randomly thrown together and magically worked. But if you have ever tried your hand at creating an eclectic interior, you may have noticed that it is not quite as simple as it looks. Keep reading to see our expert interior designer’s top 7 tips for your eclectic home! 

What is eclectic interior design?

According to the dictionary, eclectic means selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems. And the same holds true for eclectic interior design. It is a mix and match of different styles and elements for a uniquely pieced-together look. As a result, this design style is a fan favorite since it can be curated to fit one’s personality and preferences.

However, getting this curated face to appear like it was done with ease, is one of the most challenging things to do in interior design. Here are our top 7 tips for getting eclectic interior design right.

Not sure if eclectic interior design is right for you? Take our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to help discover your perfect style today!

1. Eclectic Interior Design Basics: Choose a Color

Instead of going wild on the color front, consider your core color palette beforehand. This is what will guide you in creating a harmonious space as opposed to a wild and erratic one. Therefore, choose a neutral palette and an accent color to get you started. As you build your interior inventory, you can add to that core palette.

When it comes to the walls, keep them simple, as they will act as the backdrop from where to showcase your curated interior. Dark colors deepen interior intrigue, whereas lighter tones create a calm canvass, and unpainted brick or plaster add to the textural element. When looking for living room ideas consider the amount of natural light there is in the space to begin with.

Pro Tip: Have a look at other eclectic interiors to find the right color inspiration.

2. Eclectic Interiors Always Play with Pattern

Use patterned rugs and scatter cushions to subtly introduce different design eras into a room. Geometric shapes, fleur-de-lis, and even polka dots, for instance, can create aesthetic intrigue when used with other patterns. As a result, the vibrant visual of seemingly opposing patterns adds fun and surprise to a space; keeping a light-hearted atmosphere.

Pro Tip: When mixing patterns, stick to a consistent color palette to create harmony amid the variety. Use one dominant pattern as the anchor and layer in smaller, less busy prints to balance the look without overwhelming the space.

3. Eclectic Style Gallery Wall

If you’ve always wanted a gallery wall, now is the time! A gallery wall adds character and personality to any room, and you can really let your imagination and personality run wild here. This is also where that lovely simplistic wall comes into play. Showcase your weird and wonderful art pieces to add quirk and character to the room.

Pro Tip: Mix frame styles and sizes for a truly eclectic gallery wall, but keep the spacing between frames uniform to maintain a sense of cohesion. For an extra layer of personality, incorporate objects like mirrors or sculptural pieces alongside the artwork.

4. Eclectic Interior Design Loves Texture

A key element to an eclectic style is contrast, and using different textures in your interior can prove a quick fix. Marble, smooth leather, wood or steel against fluffy throws, woven rugs or coarse stone and brick add the much-loved aesthetic narrative of an eclectic home. This contrast is what lies at the heart of these innovative interiors.

Pro Tip: When layering textures, aim for contrast not just in feel but also in visual weight. Pair heavier, rough textures like stone or wood with softer elements like velvet or linen to create a dynamic yet balanced space.

5. Mix Up Furniture In Your Eclectic Style Home

Eclectic styles are perfect for showcasing fantastic furniture finds and unique artisanal pieces. Follow your intuition and you’re sure to create a creatively curated space. Keep in mind that your eclectic home will take time to build. These kinds of pieces tend to have a story of a trip somewhere or a small little shop that you found almost by accident. Be patient and keep your eyes and mind open for the right items.

Pro Tip: Focus on one standout piece per room to serve as an anchor for your eclectic style, then build around it with complementary items. This is one of the tricks to achieve space that feels cohesive and curated rather than haphazardly collected.

 6. Eclectic Home Decor: Statement Objects

Every piece of furniture and decoration can have a story, but statement objects are what will add that perfect finishing touch to your room. Think sculptures, vases, chandeliers, table lamps, and floor lamps. To pull off the perfect eclectic decor scheme, shoose one item and really give it a special place in the room, where it can stand on its own and steal the show. Or create a collection of favorite items and proudly put them on display where you can admire them every day.

Pro Tip: Highlight the statement objects with thoughtful lighting. Use spotlights, accent lighting, or even natural light to draw attention to your showpiece, ensuring it stands out as the focal point.

 7. Ban the Clutter

Eclectic doesn’t mean messy and filled to the brim with stuff. Less is still more, even when it comes to the fine art of eclecticism! Rather have fewer key pieces that you really love, than shelves full of ornaments and a floor flooded with sentiment. Keep things neat and tidy and showcase your most treasured possessions. Just because you own it, doesn’t mean you have to show it!

Pro Tip: An eclectic interior is likely the most personal design style: there are no strict rules that apply, and no specific furniture style or era that you have to comply with. Mix with confidence and know that as long as you use our tips as a guideline, it will work!

Eclectic Interior Design FAQ

Q: What makes eclectic interior design unique?
A: Eclectic style stands out for its blend of diverse influences. It allows for mixing vintage, modern, and cultural elements in unexpected ways, creating a one-of-a-kind space as a result.

Q: How do I keep an eclectic space from feeling chaotic?
A: Stick to a consistent color palette and balance bold elements with neutral or understated pieces. Limit the number of focal points and ensure there’s a visual flow between different styles and objects.

Q: What are the key elements of eclectic interior design?
A: Eclectic design thrives on contrast, so focus on combining textures, patterns, and furniture from different styles.

Get Your Eclectic Interior Design Started Today

Excited to get started with your eclectic interior, but unsure where to start? Book a Free Interior Design Consultation with one of Decorilla’s expert interior designers today to help you create your inspiring interior!