People often find themselves in a decorating dilemma when they have acquired different types of home décor over the years. Sometimes it’s a matter of your interests changing, moving from one home to the next, or perhaps inheriting a collection of items from another family member. People who like to travel may also acquire a hodgepodge of different collectibles based on where they have visited. In any case, you end up with a mixed assortment of décor and treasures. So how do you display a mixture of styles and themed décor without turning your home into a flea market?
Unity is the key to successful eclectic decorating.
The mixing of different decorating styles and themes is known as eclectic decorating. This type of decorating can be creative, unique and interesting. However, being eclectic doesn’t necessarily mean you can throw anything together at random. A savvy eclectic decorator brings a successful design scheme together through unity.
In order to have a unified eclectic decorating scheme, it helps to understand the basic principles of design. These five design principles will help you achieve a cohesive look in an eclectic style home.
Follow the basic principles of design.
Balance- You can create an aesthetically pleasing room through the equalization of elements such as shape, color, pattern and texture. For a formal look, use symmetrical balance which consists of equal amounts and duplicate patterns. Use asymmetrical balance, in which you would group odd numbers together, without duplicating patterns, for an informal effect. Your third option is radial balance, where a focal point is created with elements radiating from it or around it. Rhythm- Use shape, color or texture to create patterns of repetition. Harmony- Create a sense of unity and peacefulness with similar shapes or colors. Emphasis- Add interest through the creation of focal points, by placing emphasis on key architectural features or other standalone elements. Proportion and Scale- Proportion is the size ratio of the parts in relation to each other and scale involves the size of the individual parts related to each other and to the entire design space itself.
Creating unity in an eclectic design scheme.
Here are a few simple examples of how to use the basic principles of design to create unity in your eclectic design scheme.
Hang a print, photo or painting on the wall with two identical walls sconces or shelves on either side. This will create a formal, symmetrical display. (Example: modern artwork in between two rustic, wrought iron sconces) Repeat a color that you love, using a mixture of traditional and contemporary decor or decor from different themes, throughout your home. See examples of color repetition with these design photos: turquoise living room accents and turquoise lamps and vases .
Create a focal point with an oversized display piece, such as a large tapestry on the wall, combined with an odd number (three) of smaller figurines on a shelf below it for an informal, asymmetrical display. (Example: Navajo rug with different sized and shaped hand blown art glass vases) Use hanging pendant lights or a large chandelier in a room with a high or vaulted ceiling as a general lighting source. (Here you’re using proportion and scale.) Add a floor lamp or some table lamps for task or accent lighting. Candle lanterns or candle wall sconces can also be used for accent lighting. These lights can all be different styles with a unifying shape or color.
You don’t need to have a defined theme to create a great design scheme in your home. Just use some of these techniques and let your passion be your guide.