Eclectic Design: 5 Practical Stand Out Tips

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Creating a stylish and unique home isn't about strictly adhering to a single trend or style. It's about creating a space that resonates with your personality and tells your story. That's where eclectic designs come into play. Eclectic design is a celebration of contrasts that brings together old and new, East and West, luxury and humble, vibrant colors and muted tones. It's about creating harmony and unity among diverse elements. To help you achieve this, we've put together five practical stand out tips for eclectic designs. Let's dive right in!

1. Embrace Open Space Concept

The first step in creating eclectic designs is to embrace the open space concept. An open space concept allows you to combine different styles and elements in a harmonious and cohesive way. This approach does not only make your home feel more spacious but also allows you to showcase your personality through design.

Make Use of Mirrors

Mirrors do more than just reflect your beautiful face in the morning. They can create an illusion of more space and amplify natural light, making your home feel larger and brighter. When used strategically, mirrors can also be a great way to show off your eclectic style. A vintage mirror can add character to a modern room, or a sleek, contemporary mirror can provide a nice contrast in a room filled with vintage pieces.

Choose Light Colors

Light colors work wonders for an open space concept. They give your room a fresh, airy feel and create a perfect backdrop for your eclectic designs. Light colors also allow your bold, eclectic pieces to stand out and tell their stories. Don't restrict yourself to white or cream, explore other light shades like beige, light gray, or pale pastels.

Utilize Transparent Furniture

Another trick to create an open, airy feel is to utilize transparent furniture. A glass coffee table or clear acrylic chairs can keep your room feeling open and spacious, while also adding a touch of modern style to your eclectic designs. They can be a subtle yet effective way to combine different styles in your room, making your eclectic designs stand out even more.

2. Play with Textures

Playing with textures is another great way to create eclectic designs that stand out. It's all about mixing and matching to create depth and interest in your space. Different textures can evoke different feelings and can add character and dimension to your room. So, don't be afraid to experiment!

Mix and Match Fabrics

One of the easiest and most effective ways to play with textures is through fabrics. Think velvet cushions, linen curtains, leather sofas, or a shaggy rug. The possibilities are endless. You could have a sleek leather sofa paired with a soft, plush throw, or a smooth wooden table topped with a linen tablecloth. Mixing and matching fabrics not only creates an interesting visual appeal but also makes your space feel cozy and inviting. Remember, it's your home and your rules, so mix and match to your heart's content!

Incorporate Plants

Plants are a fantastic way to bring in texture to any room. From the glossy leaves of a monstera to the soft fronds of a fern, the unique textures of plants can add a lively touch to your eclectic designs. Plus, they have the added benefit of improving air quality and bringing a bit of nature indoors. So go ahead, add a pop of green to your space!

Add Rugs for Comfort

Adding a rug is another way to introduce texture to your space. A plush rug underfoot not only contributes to the comfort level but also adds warmth and coziness to your room. You can choose a rug with a bold pattern to make a statement or a rug in a neutral color to subtly tie together different elements in the room. Either way, a rug can be a great addition to your eclectic designs.

3. Experiment with Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in any design scheme, but in an eclectic design, it can really make a difference. It's not just about illuminating a room—lighting can create mood, highlight your favorite pieces, and even serve as a work of art in its own right. So, let's shed some light on this topic!

Use Different Types of Lights

When it comes to lighting, variety is key. Using different types of lights can create depth and interest in your space. Overhead lights, table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and even candles can all add different layers of light to your room. For example, you might use a modern chandelier for your overhead light while pairing it with traditional table lamps. This not only illuminates your room but also adds to your eclectic designs.

Install Dimmers

Dimmers can be a game-changer. They allow you to control the intensity of your lighting, which can completely transform the mood of your room. Want to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere? Lower the lights. Need more light for reading or working? Crank it up. With dimmers, you have full control over your lighting, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance for any situation.

Leverage Natural Light

Natural light is a wonderful and often overlooked element in interior design. It can brighten up a room, make it appear larger, and even improve your mood. If you're lucky enough to have a room with plenty of windows, let the sunshine in! Use light, airy curtains that allow natural light to filter in. If your room lacks natural light, mirrors can be used to reflect light and make the room appear brighter. Remember, in eclectic designs, there are no hard and fast rules, so feel free to experiment with different lighting options.

4. Mix Old and New Elements

One of the joys of eclectic designs is the freedom to blend the old with the new. This approach brings a unique character to your space, telling a story that's uniquely yours. Mixing old and new elements can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit challenging. Don't worry, though, here are a few tips to help you navigate this exciting design journey.

Combine Vintage and Modern Pieces

Imagine a room with a sleek, modern sofa paired with a vintage coffee table from the '60s. The contrast is not only visually striking, but it also creates a conversation point. Mixing periods and styles is a hallmark of eclectic designs. This approach can help you create a balanced, interesting space that reflects your unique personality and taste.

Use Art to Express Personality

Your choice of art can say a lot about you. Whether it's a modern abstract painting, a classic landscape, or a quirky pop art print, the artwork you choose can add a dash of personality to your space. Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles, periods, and mediums. Remember, the key to successful eclectic designs is to create harmony among the different elements.

Incorporate Family Heirlooms

Family heirlooms can bring a touch of nostalgia and sentimentality to your space. That antique clock that's been in your family for generations, your grandmother's porcelain collection, or your father's old books can all find a place in your eclectic interior. These pieces not only add a vintage charm but also make your space uniquely yours. After all, what could be more special than a home that tells your story?

5. Create a Focus Point

Every room needs a star, a focal point that catches the eye and sets the tone for the rest of the space. In the world of eclectic designs, creating a focus point can be as simple as choosing a statement piece of furniture, opting for a bold color, or hanging some eye-catching art. Let's dive into how you can do this effectively.

Choose Statement Furniture

Choosing a piece of furniture to take center stage can be a game-changer in your room. It could be an oversized, plush velvet sofa in the living room or a colorful, hand-carved dining table in the dining area. Whichever piece you choose, make sure it's something that reflects your personality and stands out in the space. It's a great way to add a personal touch to your eclectic designs.

Use Bold Colors

Color is a powerful tool in any design arsenal, and it's particularly useful when creating a focal point. Bold, vibrant colors can instantly draw attention and set the mood. You might paint a feature wall in a bright, daring shade, or choose a large rug in a bold pattern. Remember, the idea is not to overwhelm but to create a point of interest that ties everything together.

Hang Eye-Catching Art

Artwork can be a fantastic focus point in a room. The great thing about art is that it's so subjective - what one person loves, another might not, and that's okay. It's all about expressing your personal style. You might choose a large, abstract painting for minimalist spaces, or a gallery wall of smaller pieces for rooms with more going on. The key is to choose something that speaks to you and complements the rest of your eclectic designs.

If you're eager to dive deeper into eclectic design and enhance your interdisciplinary creativity, don't miss Jarrett Lampley's workshop, 'Conceptualising Your Interdisciplinary Creativity.' This workshop offers practical advice and guidance on how to develop your unique design style while integrating multiple creative disciplines. Expand your creative horizons and make your projects truly stand out!