Styled Spaces Co
Eclectic interior design
Design Style

Eclectic Interior Design

Curated variety with intentional mixing

What is Eclectic Design?

Eclectic design is the intentional mixing of styles, eras, patterns, and textures to create a collected, personal space. Unlike maximalism's "more is more," eclectic design is "best of everything"—carefully selecting pieces from various styles that share a common thread to create cohesive individuality.

Core Characteristics

The defining features of this style

Intentional Mixing: Combines 3-4 different design styles deliberately

Curated Not Cluttered: Edited collection of diverse pieces

Unifying Element: Colour, texture, or theme ties disparate pieces together

Vintage + Modern: Freely mixes eras and provenances

Personal Story: Reflects travels, interests, and collected memories

Controlled Chaos: Appears effortless but requires careful curation

Personally selected

My Eclectic Picks

Four pieces chosen to capture this look. Prices may change at the retailer.

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Colour Palette

The colours that define this aesthetic

Primary Colours

  • Neutral bases: white, cream, soft grey
  • Mixed but unified through repeated colours
  • Jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, amethyst, topaz
  • Bohemian: ochre, turquoise, burnt orange, deep red

Accent Colours

  • Bold pops in textiles and art
  • Modern eclectic: black, white, one bold colour
  • Global influences: rich reds, blues, yellows

Colour Application

walls:White, cream, or soft grey for neutral foundation
furniture:Mixed but mostly neutral with bold accent pieces
textiles:Layered global patterns with repeated colour thread
accents:Bold colours in art, cushions, and decorative objects

Materials & Textures

The building blocks of this style

Primary Materials

  • Mixed woods: mid-century walnut + rustic pine + painted white
  • Global textiles: kilim rugs, suzani fabrics, ikat patterns
  • Leather vintage chairs or sofas
  • Rattan and wicker for bohemian touch
  • Brass and mixed metals
  • Velvet for modern glam element

Texture Strategy

  • Vary textures boldly: rough jute + smooth velvet + woven rattan
  • Mix rustic with refined: reclaimed wood table + elegant velvet chairs
  • Layer textiles: patterned rug + embroidered cushions + woven throw
  • 4-6 different textures per room

Flooring Options

  • Hardwood (any finish)
  • Vintage or global rugs (Turkish, Moroccan, Persian)
  • Layered rugs acceptable
  • Patterned tiles in kitchens/bathrooms

Furniture Selection

Choosing the right pieces for this style

Key Furniture Pieces

seating

Mix modern sofa with vintage armchair; combine styles deliberately

tables

Mid-century coffee table + traditional side table = eclectic

storage

Mix open shelving with closed vintage cabinets

statement

One bold item per room (colourful chair, ornate mirror)

Furniture Characteristics

  • No matching sets: each piece from different era/style
  • Mix furniture styles: mid-century + traditional, industrial + bohemian
  • Unified by colour, scale, or repeated element
  • Balance heavy with light (ornate armoire + simple modern sofa)

Iconic Pieces to Consider

Mid-century sideboard + contemporary art + traditional mirrorModern sofa + vintage coffee table + global textilesIndustrial bookshelf + antique desk + modern lampScandinavian chair + bohemian rug + art deco side table

Recommended Brands & Retailers

Vintage/antique shops (primary source)Flea markets and estate salesAnthropologieWest ElmLocal artisansTravel finds and global shops

Lighting Design

Illuminate your space the right way

Lighting Approach

  • Mix lighting styles (modern pendant + vintage table lamp)
  • Variety in shapes and finishes
  • One statement light per room
  • Layer ambient, task, and accent from different eras

Recommended Fixtures

chandeliers

Vintage crystal or modern sculptural

pendants

Industrial, mid-century, or artisan

floor

Arc lamps, tripods, vintage finds

table

Ceramic, brass, colourful bases with varied shades

Room by Room Application

How to apply this style throughout your home

Living Room

  • Modern sofa with global textile cushions (kilim, ikat)
  • Vintage or mid-century coffee table
  • Mismatched but complementary side chairs
  • Gallery wall with mixed frame styles
  • Persian or Moroccan rug
  • Plants in varied pots (ceramic, brass, woven)
  • Mix of modern and vintage lamps

Bedroom

  • Vintage or upholstered headboard
  • Modern or mismatched vintage nightstands
  • Global textile bedding or throw
  • Mix of art styles on walls
  • Rug in complementary pattern
  • Varied lighting (modern sconce + vintage lamp)

Dining Room

  • Dining table in one style (e.g., mid-century)
  • Mix-and-match dining chairs (unified by colour or finish)
  • Statement chandelier (any style)
  • Vintage or modern sideboard
  • Eclectic art on walls
  • Patterned or global runner on table

How to Implement

A step-by-step guide to achieving this look

1

Choose Your Unifying Element

  • Option A: Dominant colour that repeats throughout
  • Option B: Era mix (e.g., "Mid-century + traditional")
  • Option C: Global theme (e.g., "Moroccan + Scandinavian")
  • Option D: Texture (e.g., "Natural fibres + metals")
2

Start with Neutral Foundation

  • Paint walls in neutral colour (white, grey, cream)
  • Choose neutral flooring or simple rug
  • This allows varied furniture/decor to stand out
3

Mix 3 Styles Deliberately

  • Choose 3 styles you love
  • Select 2-3 pieces from each style per room
  • Ensure unifying element connects them
4

Add Patterns Carefully

  • Start with 1 bold patterned piece (rug or sofa)
  • Add 2nd pattern in smaller scale (cushions)
  • Ensure colours complement first pattern
  • Add 3rd pattern only if first two work
5

Layer Textures

  • Combine smooth and rough (velvet sofa + jute rug)
  • Add woven elements (baskets, wall hangings)
  • Include metal accents (brass, copper)
  • Layer textiles (cushions, throws)
6

Create Curated Displays

  • Gallery walls with mixed frame styles
  • Shelf styling with books, objects, and plants
  • Avoid matching sets; group varied items by colour or theme

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pitfalls that can derail your design

Random Rather Than Curated: Every piece should be intentional

Too Many Styles: Stick to 3-4 styles; more becomes chaotic

No Unifying Element: Without colour/theme repetition, space feels disjointed

All Vintage or All New: Balance old and new for authentic eclectic

Ignoring Scale: Vary furniture heights and sizes for visual interest

Budget Considerations

Achieve this look at any price point

High-End Approach

  • Invest in statement antiques
  • Designer upholstery on unique vintage frames
  • Original art from various eras
  • High-quality global textiles (handmade rugs, suzani)

Mid-Range Approach

  • Mix affordable new (West Elm, CB2) with vintage finds
  • Reupholster vintage furniture with new fabric
  • Art prints in vintage frames
  • Mid-range global textiles (Etsy, HomeGoods)

Budget-Friendly

  • Charity shops and flea markets (primary shopping)
  • DIY painted furniture in unifying colour
  • Free/cheap vintage finds rehabbed
  • Layer affordable textiles (thrifted, clearance)
  • Build collection slowly; eclectic improves with time

Lifestyle & Maintenance

Is this style right for you?

Daily Habits

  • Dust varied surfaces and objects
  • Rotate displayed items seasonally
  • Maintain organisation despite visual variety
  • Edit ruthlessly; remove pieces that no longer fit

Potential Challenges

  • Requires strong curatorial eye to avoid chaos
  • Can become dated if not edited regularly
  • Harder to achieve cohesion than single-style rooms
  • Time-intensive to collect authentic pieces

Best For

  • Those who love hunting for unique pieces
  • Travellers who collect items from trips
  • People who don't want cookie-cutter rooms
  • Individuals with diverse aesthetic tastes
  • Anyone who loves flea markets and vintage shops

Styles That Pair Well with Eclectic

Bohemian

Heavy on global textiles, rattan, plants

Modern Glam

Add metallics, velvet, and luxe fabrics

Contemporary

Modern base with vintage/global accents

Traditional

Traditional furniture mixed with modern art

Discover Your Perfect Style

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