Eclectic Living Room: 11 Design Tips to Pull off an Eclectic Look
Are you considering changing the style in your home? Well, maybe an eclectic living room look is the right move for you. This interior design style is about maximalism and mixing different elements to create a fun, cozy, and beautiful space.
In interior design, eclectic style involves the mixing of different periods, decorations, colors, textures, and patterns in a way that’s not chaotic but very pleasant. It focuses on finding harmony in contrast to create a space that has a purpose.
Through eclectic style, one can show off their style and character and have plenty of room to exercise their creativity and uniqueness. If you love a boho, maximalism, and quirky design, this article will help you create an eclectic living room.
1. Consider the layout
The eclectic style involves different colors, textures, and patterns, but don’t let these elements steal your attention. The placement of features is still your main focus because you want to have a living room that’s comfortable and functional.
Your layout is the most important thing, and it will decide whether people want to spend time in the room or not.
Before you start investing in decoration, create a good layout of furniture. And if you don’t have space for something (no matter if it’s a super cool antique lamp or something from Ikea).
To attain a good living room layout, a homeowner must take due diligence in deciding on the best floor plan for their newly constructed house. Most architects use 3D floor plans to communicate and realize their clients’ vision. Using state-of-the-art tools, they can quickly create photorealistic living room floor plan 3D renderings to help homeowners decide on the best layout of appliances and furniture pieces.
2. Start with a base color
Eclecticism does mix and match colors, but instead of going wild with your wall paint, consider something more relaxed. Let your core color palette be relaxing so you can create a harmonious space after you add decoration.
Eclectic style encompasses different styles and periods that you can bring together using colors, shapes, textures, and finishes. While the design elements vary, choosing neutrals can help combine them.
All you need is a neutral color with one accent color for a splash of fun. Your color palette will expand organically as you add different elements to your living room. If you don’t have any ideas for base colors, seek inspiration from other eclectic living rooms.
Keeping this neutral also enables you to change things reasonably easily if you change your mind or if you ever decide to sell up (as most buyers will be looking for a 'blank canvas').
The idea is to keep the walls simple and let them act as the backdrop for your other interior elements. And you don’t have to go plain white.
Dark neutrals can boost drama and intrigue in your living room, while some lighter colors can create a more calming effect. And when choosing your color palette, consider the natural light you’re getting because you want to have a pleasant and airy space.
Keep in mind that eclectic design elements come together using earth tones. You can incorporate natural wooden furniture pieces, patterned curtains, and textured pillows for an inviting, eclectic living room design. Moreover, you can add an organic touch by adding natural materials such as jute, a type of grass handwoven into rugs.
3. Add a focal point
When playing with your layout and colors, consider that eclectic style loves a bold combination of styles and periods, but it still needs to have a focal point. You can create a focal point (or put more attention to your existing accent items) by remodeling your fireplace, adding an accent wall, creating a gallery for your collections, etc.
All your elements can have a fun backstory, but focal points will allow the eye to rest on something and raise the interest of all visitors. Choose one item to have the special attention in your space (art, lighting fixture, big plant, architectural element, furniture piece) and let it steal the show. If you can’t make up your mind, you can cluster together a few of your favorite items and allow everyone to admire them daily.
4. Mix and match furniture
While other interior design styles don’t like mixing and matching furniture, eclecticism exists for it. If you choose this style for your home, don’t hesitate to mix furniture from different periods and design styles. For instance, you can freely put furniture next to something soft and curvy with modern lines. One great idea to follow is to mix a modern coffee table and a traditional sofa and boho style rug.
You can also consider a contemporary rattan armchair to add comfort, texture, and style to your living room. These rattan chairs can be used in any space from your bedroom to your home office, but they work like a charm in the living room and give it a dynamic and unique vibe. With their symmetrical design, these armchairs will help you create balance, but they won’t make the space look matchy and ruin your eclectic look.
5. Mix textures
To add interest to your living room, especially if you want to create an eclectic space that leans towards minimalism, you can boost textures. Mixing rough and smooth textures like shaggy rugs, weave pillows, wooden furniture, rattan seating, iron sculptures, glass tables, etc., will look interesting without ruining your aesthetics.
And when combining textures, make sure to keep one thing in mind: try to use one texture at least three times in a home to maintain a harmonious look.
Adding plants is another way to add interesting textures to achieve an eclectic living room look.
6. Play with patterns
Eclectic design is famous for combining different patterns in one space. You can use patterned rugs, attractive cushions, geometric shapes, and tribal designs to add intrigue to achieve that effect. Bold and seemingly opposing patterns will add whimsy and surprise to the space while keeping the vibe light and airy.
Norwegian or Scandinavian rugs can add a touch of elegance and artistry to your living room. If you desire something cool and carefree, you can pick Bohemian or Asian-inspired rugs or carpets. They look beautiful, inviting, and unique, perfect for eclectic living rooms. Visit an online or physical carpet store to check pattern and material options.
7. Layer for the win
Another beloved design element in an eclectic space is layering items in different textures and shapes.
For instance, the easier way to try out this trend is to layer two or three rugs and boost interest and warmth in your living room. Choose rugs of different dimensions, textures, and patterns but let the tones match.
To create a perfect layered look without it looking overly chaotic, the right mix of colors is the key. If your layered rugs are bold in color, let your furniture be more neutral and minimalist, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere, ultimately resulting in a comfortable living space.
8. Display your collections
One of the biggest appeals of the eclectic design is that it highlights the uniqueness of the “designer.” And what better way to show off your individuality than to display your collections—it will instantly fill the space with character.
However, to allow your elements to shine, edit your group to the favorite few pieces at a time instead of displaying your entire collection. You can even rotate your décor and always have a new element like a standing mirror.
9. Add a gallery wall
A gallery wall is a coveted design element of many homeowners, and with eclectic design, you can easily have it in your living room.
Thanks to the simplistic walls we’ve talked about at the beginning of the article, you can showcase all the interesting art pieces to add a ton of character and personality to your room: mix frame sizes, styles, and art techniques for that perfectly eclectic look.
10. Don’t forget negative space
In every eclectic interior design style, your eye needs some rest, which is best provided with empty spaces.
You can keep some space on your shelves and tables open or create an attractive shape with your negative space between artwork. Many times, the best design comes out of things you leave out.
11. Be consistent
The eclectic style is varied in nature, boosts comfort in your home, and each room should still look like it belongs to the same house. Therefore, try to sneak at least one element of eclecticism throughout your home for a nice flow that puts people at ease. You can even use the curtains as the piece that ties the room together.
Going for eclecticism is a commitment that requires balance. Consider adding similar lines throughout the house, even if different rooms have different styles, textures, and colors. It’s not the goal to throw all functionality and consistency out the window to achieve maximum eclecticism.
Final Thoughts
The amount of freedom you’re getting when designing an eclectic living room might scare you, but you can create the design of your dreams if you follow these tips and ideas.
Keep these tips in mind when you start building your eclectic living room but don’t hesitate to add your signature to the entire thing. Your interior will look interesting, attractive, functional, and have your personality written all over it.
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