Eclectic Style: Brave Color Mixes
Sometimes a Wild Blend of Color and Pattern Can Feel Just Right
To be honest, I mainly stick to a simple three- or four-color palette when decorating. Picking out hues from patterned rugs or fabrics ensures the space will come together with ease, and I'm all about simplicity. But I have the utmost respect for anyone who can draw colors from across the spectrum and still make it work. When done right, these rooms make the eclectic look that so many of us crave seem effortless. See what I mean below.
Let's ease our way into this. The bedroom shown here sticks to three main colors (pink, yellow and blue) yet doesn't stick to one shade of any of them. Look longer and you'll also see plenty of green and even red making a cameo. Yet thanks to the florals and soft hues, it feels totally pulled together.
The handmade pillows and rugs are a cozy contrast to the mid-century modern furniture.
(And did you notice that demijohn?)
(And did you notice that demijohn?)
Green walls and wood tones dominate this room and create a calming atmosphere, but the accent pieces provide a little eclectic fun. I see orange and yellow, pink in the next room and of course that showstopping turquoise bottle chandelier above.
This room feeds my Anthropologie obsession, but likely clocks in under budget of most of their wares thanks to its mix of vintage and repurposed finds.
Here's another look at the home. Warm pinks and browns dominate this vignette, but a mix of textures and enough hits of other colors maintain the eclectic style.
Another mishmash of patterns that, though disparate, feel at home together.
Adventures, indeed! This designer took a daring approach by combining suzani print pillows with an oriental rug, leather sofa and rustic wood. It works, but you might not necessarily think that it would.
The message here? Go big or go home. Jewel tones dazzle against a bright white background, and work together surprisingly well.
While the balance of colors and patterns in a room can be seriously tricky, the real moral from what I've seen is to stick with what you love. Even if your hide rug, mid-century chair and tufted sofa seem wildly divergent, they in fact all make up the same style: yours.
Next: More eclectic rooms
Next: More eclectic rooms