Eclecticism is all about layering! It is a mix of styles, themes, colours and materials from various sources and periods and most importantly it’s about bringing accessories and your own style to your home. Matching is a thing of the past!

 

This style is adventurous, but if you have confidence in your tastes and you know what you like, you can create a fabulously styled room. The aim is to achieve contrast and surprise while also accomplishing harmony in the medley of styles and eras. However, be warned your room may end up looking chaotic without following a few golden rules.

 

The simplest place to start is with a common element for your room. This is most easily achieved by choosing specific colours. I recommend incorporating no more than three main colours in your room, and two neutrals.

 

Subtle tones on your walls will serve as the perfect backdrop for your mix of styles and fabrics. You cannot go wrong with Crown’s Classic Collection. From the fabulous greens of Classic Tundra, Classic Olive, and Organic Stone to more neutral tones such as Organic Silk, Organic Rose and Organic Buff, these colours will compliment just about any colour schemes and styles. If you are feeling more daring add a rich colour on segments of walls such as Elegant Café, Elegant Smoke or Elegant Mode. This will really bring some charisma and charm to your home.

 

While I encourage you to be adventurous and give your home a unique style, I recommend keeping within your decided colour scheme. Upholstery for example can come in a range of different styles and patterns but keep to the tints, tones and shades of your chosen colours.

 

To finish off the look, fill your home with a mix of items that you love. Nothing need be from the same era or style, but rather from a variety of materials, traditions and ethnicities.

 

You could create a living room with a modern green sofa and a pink armchair, teamed with a delicate French coffee table and modern art on the walls. Asian or tribal art may feature on your walls along side classic period portraits. Create a room which is quirky and whimsical and most importantly reflects you and your family’s personality. It should be illustrate your life’s journey through memories and personal style. And if in doubt, simply choose items that you love and it will work!

 

Happy Decorating

 

Neville