Mixing, competent layout of several styles, various objects that, it would seem, impossible to use in one room - this is eclecticism in the interior. When decorating a home, eclecticism is chosen by people who are keen, versatile, people with unconventional views, travelers, lovers of antiques. Those individuals who do not accept the framework - prefer eclecticism.
The free style of combination involves relaxation and a cozy atmosphere, which is why eclecticism is often chosen for decoration of pubs and restaurants. The style looks good when decorating houses and apartments, in different rooms (living room, kitchen, bedroom, study, hallway, bathroom).
The name "eclecticism" comes from the Greek "chosen one". Popular today, the style appeared in the 19th century (1830-1890 - the years of the dawn of style). The colonial era determined the natural spread of style throughout the world, the colonialists from Spain, Portugal, France, Britain, creating their own settlements, tried to recreate the familiar atmosphere of their home. So traditional styles for colonial countries were mixed with traditional for local residents. Eclecticism was especially popular in America, and the art school of Paris gave it a style of grace and contributed to its rapid development.
Eclecticism became a peculiar answer to the questions of avant-garde artists of the 20th century, who were faced with the inability to come up with something radically new in interior design, constantly drawing parallels with existing interior styles, finding references to cultures of different nations. So, borrowing the cultural characteristics of India, China, and the peoples of Africa for subsequent implementation in a more familiar environment became an interesting idea for designers of that time. Such freedom in the design of rooms is popular among modern designers, eclecticism is still relevant.
General characteristic of style
At its core, eclecticism is not a separate, independent style; it is mixing, multicomponent. A feature of this design direction is a combination of stylistic or radically opposite things, the old - antique and the new - modern, an echo of the cultures of West and East.
The main features that characterize the eclectic design:
combining elements from different styles, eras with a common texture, color or architectural solution;
decor combining various interior objects;
a combination of old and new, where functionality and comfort prevail;
harmonious combination of several styles (it is rational to use a maximum of three);
the use of various materials (glass, iron, wood, stone, textiles);
an abundance of objects;
a large number of textiles and draperies, with unusual patterns, ornaments, textures.
When choosing eclecticism for the design of a room, it is worthwhile to dwell on a maximum of three styles; the line between reasonable mixing and funny, ridiculous kitsch is very thin. In order to prevent kitsch and the effect of living in a junk shop, it is very important not to neglect the combination of interior elements.
Basic rules for interior decoration
It seems that eclecticism is a mixture of everything, in fact, these are carefully selected interior elements that complement each other, emphasize the individuality of each individual object. In eclecticism, you can mix both traditional classics, retro, baroque, ethnic style, as well as modern hi-tech, modern. You can create a harmonious interior by following the rules:
All details must be combined so that the room is comfortable. Eclecticism is not chaos; here souvenirs from different countries will look good, antique gizmos, but not broken, a chair requiring restoration.
The sizes of objects should harmoniously correlate with each other. Large objects will serve as a good background, small objects are well defined in the foreground.
Contrast. You can apply similar styles, but the method of playing in contrasts is brighter, more interesting. So an antique artsy table can make an excellent pair of a modern chair made using the patchwork technique.
The limit on the number of styles. Combining more than three styles is a difficult task even for professional designers.
The limit on the number of colors. More than 4 colors harmoniously combine in one room is problematic. In addition, with the help of color, it is easiest to reduce to a single whole the used styles, objects of different eras.
The use of a large number of textile parts (pillows, napkins), objects on the walls (photographs, paintings).
Color spectrum
The choice of the eclectic design color palette has a special place. A single color decor will help to "make friends" elements of different styles. The choice of background colors is better to stop at neutral shades, diluting them with bright accent details. Walls and ceilings are painted with pastel, unobtrusive tones, one wall can be decorated in a contrasting color. The use of textiles dyed in shades of the same color, both bright and contrast, and in soothing colors, looks good.
And yet there are no special rules when choosing a color, here it increasingly depends on the preferences of the owners. It should be noted that eclecticism welcomes the use of natural shades of nature (gray, beige, brown). When playing with color, there is no need to be afraid of experiments, given the amount of time people spend indoors, preferring calm tones to design rooms where the hosts or guests are staying for a long time.
Furniture selection
The choice of furniture for an eclectic interior style is the moment of the meeting of eras, elements of modern and retro. In such an interior, vintage items will look good. You can safely restore the old dressing table, dressing tables, chairs, cabinets to fit into the room and combine with modern objects.
Mixing vintage and new, upholstered furniture, it is optimal to choose modern - comfortable, functional. You can choose quilted options, give preference to sofas on legs, play with shapes and sizes, since the upholstered furniture market is filled with a large number of options.
Furniture can be made of a variety of materials. You can combine glass tables with wooden chairs, massive headsets with weightless metal stools. When choosing furniture from different materials and eras, you need to remember the general, color or texture, ornament or shape.
Decor and details
The decor in eclecticism can be completely different, these are travel souvenirs, figurines, statues, vases,textile elements (napkins, pillows), carpets, rugs, table lamps, paintings, photographs on the walls. Decor can be contrasting to the main decoration of the room or repeating colors, textures. Decor can be created from different materials: wooden figurines and metal vases, earthenware dolls and dishes, fresh flowers and plants will fit perfectly into the interior.
A special place when decorating an eclectic room is occupied by window decoration. Massive curtains made of expensive fabrics (velvet, silk) are appropriate here, the use of jewelry, pickups, only the wealth of imagination is a limitation.
Various lamps and chandeliers, vintage crystal or metal in high-tech style, may look interesting.
Wall and ceiling decoration
The decoration of the ceiling is usually dominated by neutral colors and shapes, although the construction of two-level ceilings and stucco elements, gilding, if one of the mixed styles is classic or baroque, is allowed. It is possible to use ceiling metal structures or wooden beams if the loft style is mixed.
In wall decoration it is permissible to use completely different materials, techniques:
Wallpaper (paper, fabric, non-woven, metallized), their combination;
tile (for example, the popular Portuguese tile with ornaments);
wooden panels;
decorative plasters;
wall painting;
bricks.
Since the walls are important in creating the atmosphere of the room, with a possible variety of textures, it is better to choose the quiet colors of the walls. In eclecticism, various mirrors, paintings, photographs are often mounted on the walls, they can differ dramatically, but at the same time be united by the main color of the image or the design of the frames.
Wall painting, graffiti, airbrushing in an eclectic interior are very appropriate. So, with the help of painting, you can add a touch of Provence to the room, or by applying graffiti, add a pop art object.
Living room interior
Such a cozy and comfortable style, very well suited for the design of halls, rooms where evenings with households are held, the reception of guests. Depending on your preferences, you can combine styles such as loft and pop art, baroque and classicism, use the boho style - a classic eclectic style.
Upholstered furniture can become the basis of the living room interior, which will advantageously be diluted with accessories, vintage elements (massive dressers, cabinets, shelves, sideboards). When choosing upholstered furniture, special attention is paid to the forms and texture of textiles. In the living room, it is appropriate to use sofas made of velvet or leather.
Such a design direction is good in that you can compose both expensive items and budget options. Regardless of material capabilities, the owners can create an interesting, unique design.
Bedroom interior
It is very correct to draw one stylistic line in all rooms of an apartment or house. Eclecticism is appropriate for the design of the bedroom. A variety of rich textures, velvet, crystal in combination with modern cabinets and carpet will make the bedroom a receptacle of romance. Modern mirrored ceilings or walls accentuate the pretentiousness of a vintage bed with upholstered headboard. If the bedroom is female or belongs to a married couple, then many women’s favorite little things and details will help create a successful mixed interior.
Fans of hi-tech and minimalism can move away from rather cold stylistic preferences, choosing a bedroom based on these styles, but adding interesting ethnic elements or adding things from the pop art style.
The main thing in the design of the bedroom is not to overload it with details excessively, so that the atmosphere of the room promotes relaxation, and before going to bed, the brain did not begin to focus on many details. To decorate the wall with a large number of images is the one located at the head, the style will be respected, and a large number of details are not intrusive.
The interior of the kitchen and dining room
The eclectic interiors of the kitchen or dining room look very beautiful and harmonious. Massive kitchen furniture in a classic style and tiles with ethnic ornaments, Parisian light Provence and a rough large dining table, on which embroidered napkins characteristic of Provence colors can be placed - examples of eclecticism in a kitchen or dining room.
There will be no problems with the functionality of the kitchen floors; in eclecticism, flooring is represented by different materials:
laminate;
parquet;
Cork tree;
tile.
Tiles can decorate the floor in the cooking area, and the dining area can be decorated with warmer wood options.
For the kitchen and dining room, it is better to choose textiles that are easy to care for, velvet will not be so good here, but the decor and upholstery from linen, cotton, leather, eco-leather will be perfect. The ability to use a variety of materials to create eclecticism gives a wide selection of objects that are easy to keep clean.
Conclusion
Eclecticism makes it possible to depart from the rules, to enable all family members to contribute to the design of the home, to apply details that you like, but relate to different styles and are alien to a single chosen style.
Despite the seeming randomness, this style involves planning and constant order, minimally scattered things will make the room ridiculous, so the house or city apartment decorated in this style should be kept in order.
Observing the rules for creating an eclectic room - beautiful, harmonious and competent, you don’t have to think where to put souvenirs from various trips, they will fit perfectly into the overall picture of the room. This style allows you to love your old things to get a second life, gives a unique feeling of home, this is not "sleek" comfort.
Mixing, competent layout of several styles, various objects that, it would seem, impossible to use in one room - this is eclecticism in the interior. When decorating a home, eclecticism is chosen by people who are keen, versatile, people with unconventional views, travelers, lovers of antiques. Those individuals who do not accept the framework - prefer eclecticism.
The free style of combination involves relaxation and a cozy atmosphere, which is why eclecticism is often chosen for decoration of pubs and restaurants. The style looks good when decorating houses and apartments, in different rooms (living room, kitchen, bedroom, study, hallway, bathroom).
Content
History of the appearance of style
The name "eclecticism" comes from the Greek "chosen one". Popular today, the style appeared in the 19th century (1830-1890 - the years of the dawn of style). The colonial era determined the natural spread of style throughout the world, the colonialists from Spain, Portugal, France, Britain, creating their own settlements, tried to recreate the familiar atmosphere of their home. So traditional styles for colonial countries were mixed with traditional for local residents. Eclecticism was especially popular in America, and the art school of Paris gave it a style of grace and contributed to its rapid development.
Eclecticism became a peculiar answer to the questions of avant-garde artists of the 20th century, who were faced with the inability to come up with something radically new in interior design, constantly drawing parallels with existing interior styles, finding references to cultures of different nations. So, borrowing the cultural characteristics of India, China, and the peoples of Africa for subsequent implementation in a more familiar environment became an interesting idea for designers of that time. Such freedom in the design of rooms is popular among modern designers, eclecticism is still relevant.
General characteristic of style
At its core, eclecticism is not a separate, independent style; it is mixing, multicomponent. A feature of this design direction is a combination of stylistic or radically opposite things, the old - antique and the new - modern, an echo of the cultures of West and East.
The main features that characterize the eclectic design:
Basic rules for interior decoration
It seems that eclecticism is a mixture of everything, in fact, these are carefully selected interior elements that complement each other, emphasize the individuality of each individual object. In eclecticism, you can mix both traditional classics, retro, baroque, ethnic style, as well as modern hi-tech, modern. You can create a harmonious interior by following the rules:
Color spectrum
The choice of the eclectic design color palette has a special place. A single color decor will help to "make friends" elements of different styles. The choice of background colors is better to stop at neutral shades, diluting them with bright accent details. Walls and ceilings are painted with pastel, unobtrusive tones, one wall can be decorated in a contrasting color. The use of textiles dyed in shades of the same color, both bright and contrast, and in soothing colors, looks good.
And yet there are no special rules when choosing a color, here it increasingly depends on the preferences of the owners. It should be noted that eclecticism welcomes the use of natural shades of nature (gray, beige, brown). When playing with color, there is no need to be afraid of experiments, given the amount of time people spend indoors, preferring calm tones to design rooms where the hosts or guests are staying for a long time.
Furniture selection
The choice of furniture for an eclectic interior style is the moment of the meeting of eras, elements of modern and retro. In such an interior, vintage items will look good. You can safely restore the old dressing table, dressing tables, chairs, cabinets to fit into the room and combine with modern objects.
Mixing vintage and new, upholstered furniture, it is optimal to choose modern - comfortable, functional. You can choose quilted options, give preference to sofas on legs, play with shapes and sizes, since the upholstered furniture market is filled with a large number of options.
Furniture can be made of a variety of materials. You can combine glass tables with wooden chairs, massive headsets with weightless metal stools. When choosing furniture from different materials and eras, you need to remember the general, color or texture, ornament or shape.
Decor and details
The decor in eclecticism can be completely different, these are travel souvenirs, figurines, statues, vases,textile elements (napkins, pillows), carpets, rugs, table lamps, paintings, photographs on the walls. Decor can be contrasting to the main decoration of the room or repeating colors, textures. Decor can be created from different materials: wooden figurines and metal vases, earthenware dolls and dishes, fresh flowers and plants will fit perfectly into the interior.
A special place when decorating an eclectic room is occupied by window decoration. Massive curtains made of expensive fabrics (velvet, silk) are appropriate here, the use of jewelry, pickups, only the wealth of imagination is a limitation.
Various lamps and chandeliers, vintage crystal or metal in high-tech style, may look interesting.
Wall and ceiling decoration
The decoration of the ceiling is usually dominated by neutral colors and shapes, although the construction of two-level ceilings and stucco elements, gilding, if one of the mixed styles is classic or baroque, is allowed. It is possible to use ceiling metal structures or wooden beams if the loft style is mixed.
In wall decoration it is permissible to use completely different materials, techniques:
Since the walls are important in creating the atmosphere of the room, with a possible variety of textures, it is better to choose the quiet colors of the walls. In eclecticism, various mirrors, paintings, photographs are often mounted on the walls, they can differ dramatically, but at the same time be united by the main color of the image or the design of the frames.
Living room interior
Such a cozy and comfortable style, very well suited for the design of halls, rooms where evenings with households are held, the reception of guests. Depending on your preferences, you can combine styles such as loft and pop art, baroque and classicism, use the boho style - a classic eclectic style.
Upholstered furniture can become the basis of the living room interior, which will advantageously be diluted with accessories, vintage elements (massive dressers, cabinets, shelves, sideboards). When choosing upholstered furniture, special attention is paid to the forms and texture of textiles. In the living room, it is appropriate to use sofas made of velvet or leather.
Such a design direction is good in that you can compose both expensive items and budget options. Regardless of material capabilities, the owners can create an interesting, unique design.
Bedroom interior
It is very correct to draw one stylistic line in all rooms of an apartment or house. Eclecticism is appropriate for the design of the bedroom. A variety of rich textures, velvet, crystal in combination with modern cabinets and carpet will make the bedroom a receptacle of romance. Modern mirrored ceilings or walls accentuate the pretentiousness of a vintage bed with upholstered headboard. If the bedroom is female or belongs to a married couple, then many women’s favorite little things and details will help create a successful mixed interior.
Fans of hi-tech and minimalism can move away from rather cold stylistic preferences, choosing a bedroom based on these styles, but adding interesting ethnic elements or adding things from the pop art style.
The main thing in the design of the bedroom is not to overload it with details excessively, so that the atmosphere of the room promotes relaxation, and before going to bed, the brain did not begin to focus on many details. To decorate the wall with a large number of images is the one located at the head, the style will be respected, and a large number of details are not intrusive.
The interior of the kitchen and dining room
The eclectic interiors of the kitchen or dining room look very beautiful and harmonious. Massive kitchen furniture in a classic style and tiles with ethnic ornaments, Parisian light Provence and a rough large dining table, on which embroidered napkins characteristic of Provence colors can be placed - examples of eclecticism in a kitchen or dining room.
There will be no problems with the functionality of the kitchen floors; in eclecticism, flooring is represented by different materials:
Tiles can decorate the floor in the cooking area, and the dining area can be decorated with warmer wood options.
For the kitchen and dining room, it is better to choose textiles that are easy to care for, velvet will not be so good here, but the decor and upholstery from linen, cotton, leather, eco-leather will be perfect. The ability to use a variety of materials to create eclecticism gives a wide selection of objects that are easy to keep clean.
Conclusion
Eclecticism makes it possible to depart from the rules, to enable all family members to contribute to the design of the home, to apply details that you like, but relate to different styles and are alien to a single chosen style.
Despite the seeming randomness, this style involves planning and constant order, minimally scattered things will make the room ridiculous, so the house or city apartment decorated in this style should be kept in order.
Observing the rules for creating an eclectic room - beautiful, harmonious and competent, you don’t have to think where to put souvenirs from various trips, they will fit perfectly into the overall picture of the room. This style allows you to love your old things to get a second life, gives a unique feeling of home, this is not "sleek" comfort.