A Complete Guide to Eclectic Interior Design
Constantly torn between design styles?
Perhaps you love the rustic farmhouse look, but are also drawn to a mid-century modern piece?
Eclectic interior design could be the perfect solution for you. With its focus on carefully curated interiors that express your unique style, eclectic decor allows you to mix elements from different aesthetics without feeling too matchy-matchy.
If you want the best of all worlds, read our designers tips to discover how to nail eclectic interior design in your home.
What is Eclectic Decor Style?
First things first, let’s dissect what eclectic interior design actually is.
While maximalism is all about "more is more," eclectic decor takes a more measured approach.
It focuses on the deliberate use of statement colours, textures, and unique pieces—without overcrowding the space. Eclectic design is characterised by its careful curation and unpredictability, bleding the old with the new and often incorporating pieces from a range of periods and styles.
The result?
A home that is entirely your own, a place where you can mix and match and tell your story through art, furnishings, and collections from your travels. Perfect for anyone who finds themself unable to settle on just one interior design style.
Here are some trusty tips to help get you started…
1. Playful Color Palette
Eclectic decor thrives on a playful and vibrant color palette.
One of the simplest ways to create cohesion in an eclectic space is by choosing a single colour to anchor the room, then layering in accents of bolder hues on top. For example, you might combine neutral walls with bold furnishings, or choose a statement wallpaper to set the tone for the room’s colour scheme. The key is to keep things fun yet balanced.
If you’re unsure where to start, create a mood board to explore different colour combinations and ideas.
2. Mix Old and New
Another defining characteristic of eclectic decor is its mix of old and new.
Pairing vintage, antique, and modern pieces together creates depth and personality in a space. For instance, you might style a rustic antique dining table with sleek, contemporary chairs - or pair an art-deco inspired headboard with modern lighting.
The key to nailing this look is to be selective and ensure you don’t overcrowd the room. Less is often more when it comes to showcasing unique pieces. Allow your statement pieces to do the talking!
3. Patterns and Textures
Just as you can mix different eras and styles to nail this look, you can also have fun blending contrasting patterns and textures together.
Whether it’s combining velvet cushions with a soft bouclé sofa or pairing a mid-century leather chair with a vintage Moroccan rug, the goal is to create a tactile, visually interesting room.
Mixing patterns, like florals with geometrics or stripes with abstract prints, adds a layer of playful sophistication to the design and will help you instantly nail the eclectic interior look.
4. Unexpected Design Elements
One of the most exciting aspects of eclectic decor is its embrace of the unexpected.
Think a salvaged trunk as a coffee table, a vintage movie set floor lamp in the corner of your living room, or a statement wallpaper on the ceiling.
Smaller touches like unique door knockers or whimsical candlesticks can add character too. The idea is to surprise and delight—eclectic decor is all about creating moments that feel unexpected yet fit the space perfectly.
5. Gallery Walls
Gallery walls are a striking feature in many eclectic homes.
They allow you to showcase your favorite artwork, personal photos, and curios in one cohesive display. With an eclectic gallery wall, you can combine different artistic movements, frame styles, and even unconventional pieces like vintage posters or neon signs.
There are no rules—your gallery wall can be as eclectic as the rest of your home, reflecting your personality and evolving taste.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Get in touch with our interior design team today to see how we can help you achieve the space of your dreams!