I love designing an eclectic home. Being able to mix and match different colors, styles, eras & textures is liberating. In my business, I encounter many estate sale & consignment customers who want a blended sense of style but are uncertain how to pull it off. In truth, an eclectic style is rather simple.

If you follow these fundamental guidelines, you can mix & match pieces as much as you want!

Neutrals
Neutrals are fundamental in eclectic design. Just because your walls, rugs or couches are in a neutral color DOES NOT make them boring! To create visual interest, layer lots of similar colors using darker shades in the same tone and liven them up adding some brighter colors. You can also pair matte and shiny, smooth and rough finishes by selecting from a wide variety of wood, concrete and brick finishes. Neutral toned furniture, fabrics and paint may also look similar when grouped, but come to life when layered together. Their textures create not only a calm feeling but also give depth in the space, adding personality and character to any room.

Bold Walls
A bold, focal wall in your space can be a great way to direct the eye! Just recently, we added a purple accent wall to our showroom which channels the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, "Viva Magenta." Not only does the color make the space feel cozy, it also visually ties everything together like a mini-installation. If you have not visited our new gallery space yet, now you have the perfect reason!

Choose Pops of Color
To brighten up an otherwise neutral room, use a dash of color! By adding a few pops of color, all the right pieces will become highlighted. Again, don't be afraid to use texture with your color, such as a chunky, oversized knit blanket or lambskin pillows.

Balance
Don't want a room to get too crazy? Get furniture friends! Choose pairs or sets of furniture for cohesion like these neutral chairs. The matching lamps, and companion floor sculptures make this wonderful space make sense. The easiest way to create balance is to utilize symmetry when you organize your matching items.

Consistent Personality
Last but not least, don't forget to keep the personality in one room consistent. Have one theme for your room. In this case, this art space is a contemporary lavender-inspired oasis, filled with plants, macrame, matching lavender club chairs, a faux chalkboard and lavender wall art. There is a lot going on, but the items have a relationship with each other to tell a story. Never be afraid to go eclectic! Design can be challenging, but the most important part of defining your space is to have fun. Take a chance. Find pieces you love. Use neutrals, pops of color, balance, and a consistent personality to arrange the space of your dreams. The good news is, you can always change it all around if that suits you! 

-Authored by Lynn Magnusson, President

Know. Like. Trust.

www.TheMagnussonGroup.com