Defining your interior design style can be confusing, especially if you like more than one style. Eclectic interior design style is when you mix more than one style together. There’s no requirement set on how many styles you mix together, or which ones. That’s completely up to you.
In this post, we’ll talk about what eclectic interior design style is. Pinterest photos will be our aid in dissecting what exactly this eclectic style looks like. By the end, you’ll be able to define eclectic interior design style in your own words and decide whether or not you like it for yourself.
The truth is, you can create your own take on eclectic interior design. Since there are not any requirements on which styles you mix together, any time you opt to mix styles you are creating a more eclectic look.
My goal with this post is to help you better understand what eclectic interior design can look like, so that you can get a sense of what you like and what you don’t like. It’s that process of digging into what you like and don’t like that makes a difference in better understanding your own personal style.
This post is all about eclectic interior design style. Let’s get into it.
1. Mix colors together that draw the eye in
As you can see, this is a really fun example of mixing colors because there is a pink wall and green tile! Now, some of you may be in love with this (like I am) and some of you may be thinking “yeah I would never do that.” And that is totally ok. This pin really helps to illustrate how an eclectic look often can come from mixing colors in a bold and unique way. This next pin is similar, but more monochrome.
Part of what makes this design so eclectic is how the color choices pair with the other design choices. The hardware has a very antique and vintage look, yet the colors are modern and bold. Mixing these styles together with the different choices you make during the design process is one of the most effective ways to achieve an eclectic look.
Note: Choosing bold and unique color combinations can often help make your design look more eclectic. Don’t neglect opportunities with color as part of the design process.
2. Combining styles together in a unique way
This defining aspect of an eclectic interior design style is kind of obvious, but it’s worth noting over and over. Combining styles in a unique way is one of the pillars of eclectic interior design.
I love this pin because it’s a great example of combining different interior design styles in a subtle way that looks great together. From the huge mirror, to the light fixture, the chairs, the table, and the gallery wall โ they all work together to create a unique flavor and style.
Note: Combine styles together in a way that feels true to you! This will make your design more eclectic, unique, and authentic.
3. Creating a collected look (this takes time!)
Since there’s so much mixing going on in this pin, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and like this would be really hard to achieve right away. Well, in some ways it is and in some ways it’s not.
If you have time to be really intentional about what pieces you put together in a room in your home right away, that’s awesome. It’s a good approach because it produces less waste. It also requires more lead time, which can be a rare thing to come by. If that’s not realistic for you, don’t count yourself out just yet! You can create a collected look over time.
In order to create a collected look over time, you will have to periodically purge your space of things you no longer like, and purchase new things that you do like. Whether they are new new things or more sustainably sourced items is totally up to you.
Note: Creating a collected look in your home can take time and requires that you are intentional with what you let in your home and keep in your home.
4. Mixing patterns in a playful and curious way
Pattern mixing!!! It can be one of the more intimidating aspects of design but also one of the most fun and visually playful. If seeing this patterned headboard makes you feel like you could never do that, don’t worry. Start small! And you can start small and stay small if you want to โ you don’t have to have patterned headboards if that is overwhelming to you.
Note: If you’re intimidated by pattern mixing, start small. Use two different patterned throw pillows. Or a patterned pillow with a different patterned blanket. Branch out to larger pattern choices at your own pace.
5. Mixing textures and materials to create contrast
If pattern mixing is a little too overwhelming for you, texture mixing is another really effective way to create visual layers in a space. I love the cane headboard in this space, plus the textured wallpaper, the bedding, all of it! It’s beautiful.
Mixing textures can be as simple as having a leather chair and a linen comforter โ the textures come from the materials that you use. When you mix textures, it’s smart to pair opposites together. For example, placing something made out of rough stone next to soft velvet. It creates beautiful visual contrast.
Note: If you love neutrals, you can still be playful with patterns and textures that create patterns without including lots of bright colors.
6. Create a focal point that embodies your personal style
Having a focal point helps to center a room and express your style all at once. It can be intimidating to create a focal point like the one in the pin above, because that’s an expensive and relatively permanent decision.
You can start much smaller than that. Try creating a focal point with art, a rug, or even with an eclectic home decor peice that you love. It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as this to have a beautiful effect.
Note: creating a defining focal point is a great way to add that immediate wow factor to a room.
7. Mixing art styles and mediums together on the same wall
I love this pin because it beautifully illustrates how mixing different types of art on the same wall can create a beautiful, eclectic effect. Wall art has such an underrated impact on a space. It’s an opportunity to let loose and be creative.
Note: Have fun with your wall art. Hanging up a painting, a postcard, and a print together is so simple but so unique to you.
8. Hanging up different sizes of art on the same wall
Creating a gallery wall is a classic way to bring an eclectic feel into your home. It doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor, either. You can buy inexpensive frames on Amazon โ I have a blog post with the best frames on Amazon if you are interested in that. And your wall art can be prints from Etsy. You could even include a postcard from a museum you like, you can be creative with it.
Note: Mix and match gallery walls have an eclectic feel to them, and there are so many ways to make them your own.
9. Creating interesting visual lines for the eye to follow around the room
The lamp on this nightstand creates a bold black line against the white wall, and it’s really appealing. You can use furniture, art, a rug, or other eclectic home decor to creates visual lines for the eye to follow around your space.
Note: Creating funky lines that draw your eye into the room is a simple way to give your space an eclectic feel.
10. Create an interesting formation with your frames on the wall
Be artful and creative with hanging up your frames. I love the look of the frames on this bathroom wall. Also, don’t forget to put art on your walls! I think it’s a really common mistake for people to leave many walls blank, when that is a key area to add visual interest.
Note: Scattering your picture frames into a shape that you like isn’t against the rules โ it’s a great way to make a space feel more eclectic and unique.
11. Create harmony between old and new
Combining old and new makes for such a beautiful, harmonious look. And it’s more than a look, because it really is something that you can feel when you’re in a space. These chairs and this table are such a beautiful combination. This room is another example of how you can stick to a neutral color palette and still get an eclectic look.
Note: Mixing modern and traditional styles with your interior design choices is endlessly refreshing and there are countless ways to take your own spin on it.
How would you define eclectic interior design style after reading this post? Asking yourself which pins you liked, which you didn’t like so much, and what resonated most with you will help you better understand your own personal style. And that’s always the goal.
I hope that this helped you understand eclectic interior design style better, and more importantly, that it helped you understand your own design style better!
For more art and design inspiration, follow Garland Collections on Pinterest and Instagram.
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need more inspiration to create a bedroom that you love?
Check out this blog post about wall art bedroom decor.
Curious about more design tips for home?
Check out this blog post about 5 Simple Design Tips for Home.
Want the best frames on Amazon?
Check out this blog post with 15 of the best picture frames from Amazon.
Thanks so much for reading along!
