Playful and individual, bright and modest, a style that erases all boundaries and unites that which cannot be connected. All this is eclecticism. Designers call this style a dialogue of several cultures. We will tell you about certain rules that allow you to create an eclectic style in the interior, give practical advice and, of course, photos of the most successful ideas are waiting for you!
Story
In general, the term "eclecticism" appeared in the 1st century BC! It was introduced by Potamon of Alexandria, the founder of the school of eclecticism. As an architectural style, eclecticism appeared in 1830, while it remained popular until the beginning of the 20th century, because it fully met all the requirements of the era.
Designers connect the appearance of eclecticism as a style in the interior with fatigue from the rigid framework of the classics. Although, it is worth noting that initially this style was associated with a manifestation of bad taste. But, despite this, eclecticism was actively used in the interior during the time of romanticism, where freedom of expression of feelings and thoughts was opposed to strict rules.
What determines the popularity of this style? In attempts to create something new, designers were constantly faced with the fact that in former times all this was already reflected in different cultures. There was only one way out of this situation - the borrowing of characteristic features from existing trends.
The idea was very interesting. The main difference between eclecticism in interior design is freedom from stamps: it combines eastern and western, art deco and high-tech.
It is impossible not to say that in different regions there were various stylistic preferences. So, the inhabitants of California chose Spanish motives for themselves, in New England the colonial style was very popular.
Style description
Eclecticism involves a mixture of styles that are significantly different from each other. It is important to understand that it is possible to combine in one interior no more than two or three directions!
What is characteristic of eclecticism? For example, strict vertical lines, rounded corners. Designers advise to pay attention to furniture, the decorative elements of which are made in the form of any geometric shapes. Do not forget that eclecticism in the interior is a combination of comfort and convenience with decorative elements.
Ceiling
Creating an interior in this style, special attention should be paid to the design of the ceiling. In general, in eclecticism he is neutral. The ceiling can be single-level or multi-level, however there is a main rule - it must certainly be different from the whole interior, but inserts should be included in it that emphasize the general theme of the room. The highlight of eclecticism in the interior of the apartment will be a massive chandelier made of wood with gilding or glass.
Walls
The walls in the room decorated in this non-standard style create a general atmosphere. Experienced designers advise you to make these surfaces in discreet colors - this way you can get a very favorable background for furniture and decor items. As a coating, you can use tiles, parquet, silk wallpaper, mosaic. As for the patterns, here the space for creativity is not limited: floral patterns, oriental ornaments. One of the best ways to decorate walls is through art painting.
Floor
Creating eclecticism in the interior, it is very important to work with the floor. It is best to opt for typesetting parquet or tile. As for walls, oriental motifs should be chosen for the floor. Complement any chosen floor covering with a retro carpet.
In general, there are not so many gender requirements. It should fit the room. So, the eclecticism in the bedroom interior includes such floor coverings as laminate or carpet, ceramic tiles and natural stone are suitable for the bathroom. The living room floor can be made of porcelain stoneware, wood and linoleum.
Windows and doors
Windows and doors deserve special attention. They are also subject to the rule of mixing different styles. For example, a wooden door can have a classic look, but at the same time be complemented by elements of other styles - baroque, provence, hi-tech. Glass and metal inserts blend perfectly with wood. Windows should be draped with heavy fabrics. Dark fabrics with lush folds will do. You can decorate them with bugles, tassels, fringe, pickups.
Color
Eclecticism is the predominance of pure natural flowers. Gamma, of course, depends on the imagination and preferences of the owner of the room, but must certainly combine all the details. Designers do not recommend using too catchy paints in residential premises. For example, to create eclecticism in the interior of a living room, creamy, blurred yellow is suitable.
Furniture
What should be the furniture for an eclectic style? First of all, as convenient as possible! It can be made from absolutely any materials. The only condition is that its elements should overlap with the general theme of the interior.
Sofas and armchairs should choose large, soft. The ideal option is a combination of quilted upholstery and curly legs. Upholstered furniture will complement decorative pillows (the more the better) and bright Indian bedspreads.
It is not only possible, but also necessary to use furniture items of the most diverse stylistic directions in the interior. Moreover, the stronger the contrast, the more interesting the room will look! For example, an antique table adjacent to a modern design chair will gain new life in such an interior.
Please note: eclecticism is not a dump of completely random things! If you take pieces of furniture of several styles, add accessories made in completely different design directions and mix them in one room, you will not get eclecticism, but a mess or kitsch style - lurid and excessive. To avoid this, be extremely careful: do not cross the line between contrast and chaos.
Vintage items
It is difficult to imagine the eclectic style in the interior without vintage things. A carved wardrobe with curly legs, in which your grandmother kept her outfits, will find her place in such an interior. A massive chandelier with a large number of crystal pendants will add charm. Such an apartment will not do without elegant retro armchairs. In the event that you do not have rare pieces of furniture, feel free to go to the flea market, auction or to an antique shop!
Decor
Eclecticism in the interior is just perfect for those who like to travel and bring from souvenirs various souvenirs related to different cultures and times. Therefore, accessories can be absolutely any, the main condition - they must certainly emphasize the general theme of the room.
For decoration, photo printing, paintings, intricate lampshades on lamps, mirrors in gilded frames are suitable. How to combine them with other elements? Designers are advised to rely on the contrast of textures and materials. For example, velvet goes well with chrome lamps.
Tips & Tricks
Art lovers often criticize this style, considering it inferior due to the fact that it borrows the best aspects of other areas. And someone generally considers eclecticism to be completely tasteless. This is fundamentally wrong. We bring to your attention the recommendations of designers to create a magnificent interior.
- Scale. Pay attention to the ratio of interior details. Large objects should be placed in the background, while for small objects it is worth finding a place in front. So the room will gain depth.
- Contrasts Accessories and furniture should differ not only in style or era, but also in mood. For example, a classic white table with curved legs should be placed next to a modern mirror in a glossy black frame.
- Restriction and distribution. The main feature of the eclectic style in the interior is the limitation of the number of mixed styles. Otherwise, the room will look like a regular furniture store! Therefore, first determine the mood and atmosphere, and only then proceed to fill the space.
- An association. It is imperative to find something in common, such as color. Shades will help to unite the space. Of course, it is best to limit the number of colors. The ideal option is no more than four: one main, one supporting and two accents.
- Decoration of the walls. Here, the space for creativity is simply huge! Classic landscapes in heavy frames can be combined with black and white photographs framed in light frames. However, there are tricks here. For example, it is very important that there are not too many objects on the walls, otherwise the eyes simply will not notice the details. Another important detail - the images should be combined - the plot or the frame!
Interior ideas
How to make an eclectic interior unique? We have some ideas! Try to use the effect of surprise and humor. So, in the classic living room there can be funny wallpapers, and in the middle of the room there can be a statue of a zebra. A classic snow-white sofa can be combined with a ragged chest of drawers. Another interesting interior idea is the combination of futuristic sculptures with oriental-style furniture. The neighborhood of a glass table, a modern sofa and stucco molding looks good.