Playful and individual, bright and modest, a style that erases all boundaries and connects what cannot be connected. All this is eclectic. 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!
History
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 associate 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 the manifestation of bad taste. But, despite this, they began to actively use eclecticism in the interior during the time of romanticism, where freedom of expression of feelings and thoughts was put incounterweight to hard rules.
What is the reason for the popularity of this style? In trying to create something new, designers constantly faced the fact that in the old days all this was already reflected in different cultures. There was only one way out of this situation - borrowing characteristic features from existing directions.
The idea turned out to be very interesting. The main difference between eclecticism in interior design has become freedom from stamps: it combines eastern and western, art deco and high-tech.
It cannot be said that different regions had different stylistic preferences. So, the inhabitants of California chose Spanish motifs for themselves, while in New England the colonial style was very popular.
Style description
Eclecticism involves a mixture of styles that are significantly different from each other. At the same time, it is important to understand that you can connect no more than two or three directions in one interior!
What is characteristic of eclecticism? For example, strict vertical lines, rounded corners. Designers are advised 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
When creating an interior in this style, special attention should be paid to the design of the ceiling. In general, in eclecticism, he is distinguished by neutrality. The ceiling can be single-level or multi-level,however, there is a main rule - it must certainly be different from the entire interior, but it should include inserts 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 a room decorated in this unconventional style create an overall atmosphere. Experienced designers advise making 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, the space for creativity is not limited here: floral patterns, oriental ornaments. One of the best ways to decorate walls is with art painting.
Gender
Creating eclecticism in the interior, it is very important to work with the floor. It is best to stop your choice on typesetting parquet or tiles. As for the walls, oriental motifs should be chosen for the floor. Will complement any selected floor covering with a retro carpet.
In general, there are not so many gender requirements. It must match the space. So, eclecticism in the interior of the bedroom provides for floor coverings such as laminate or carpet, ceramic tiles, natural stone are suitable for the bathroom. The floor in the living room 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 are perfectly combined with wood. Windows should be draped with heavy fabrics. Dark fabrics with lush folds are suitable. You can decorate them with glass beads, tassels, fringe, tiebacks.
Color
Eclecticism is the predominance of pure natural colors. Gamma, of course, depends on the imagination and preferences of the owner of the room, but it must certainly combine all the details. Designers do not recommend the use of too flashy paints in living quarters. For example, to create eclecticism in the interior of the living room, a creamy, washed-out yellow is suitable.
Furniture
What should be the furniture for an eclectic style? First of all, the most convenient! It can be made from absolutely any materials. The only condition is that its elements should resonate with the general theme of the interior.
Sofas and armchairs should be chosen large, soft. The ideal option is a combination of quilted upholstery and curly legs. Upholstered furniture will be complemented by decorative pillows (the more the better) and bright Indian bedspreads.
It is not only possible, but also necessary to use pieces of furniture of various stylistic directions in the interior. Moreover, the stronger the contrast, the more interesting the room will look! For example, an antique table next to a modern designer chair will find a new life in such an interior.
Please note: eclecticism is not a dumpabsolutely random things! If you take pieces of furniture of several styles, add accessories made in completely different directions of design, and mix them in one room, you will get not eclecticism, but a mess or kitsch style - lurid and excessive. To prevent this from happening, be as careful as possible: do not cross the line between contrast and chaos.
Vintage Items
It's hard to imagine an eclectic style in an interior without vintage items. A carved wardrobe on curly legs, in which your grandmother kept her outfits, will find its 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 exquisite retro armchairs. In the event that you do not have rare pieces of furniture, feel free to go to a flea market, auction or antique shop!
Decor
Eclectic interior is just perfect for those who like to travel and bring back various souvenirs from different cultures and times. Therefore, accessories can be absolutely anything, the main condition is that 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 great with chrome lamps.
Tips & Tricks
Art lovers often criticizethis style, considering it inferior due to the fact that it borrows the best aspects of other directions. And someone generally considers eclecticism to be complete bad taste. This is fundamentally wrong. We bring to your attention the recommendations of designers to create a great interior.
- Scale. Pay attention to the ratio of interior details. Large objects should be placed in the background, while small objects should be placed in front. This will give the room 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 with 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 filling the space.
- Unification. It is extremely important to find something in common, such as color. Shades will help unify 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.
- Wall decoration. There's a lot of room for creativity here! Classic landscapes in heavy frames can be combined with black and white photographs framed in light frames. However, there are tricks here too. For example, it is very importantso that there are not too many objects on the walls, otherwise the eyes simply will not notice the details. Another important detail - images should be combined - with a plot or frame!
Interior Ideas
How to make an eclectic interior unique? We have ideas! Try to use surprise and humor. So, in a 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 shabby 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.
