How to Design an Eclectic Room

Eclectic means "selecting or choosing from various sources." This means if you like several different cultures or decorating patterns, you can incorporate elements from all of them to design your room. The eclectic style is a popular way to decorate, because almost anything can be incorporated into the decorating scheme. There is almost no worry that a new picture or piece of furniture will not "go" with the rest of the design, since eclectic designs use a number of textures, colors, wood tones and types of decorations. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose a wall color in a soft tone. Light blues and greens work very well, as do creams and beige tones. Choose several accent colors to go with the wall color.

2

Pick curtains in any pattern, as long as they contain at least two of your accent colors. Choose throw pillows the same way; the patterns need not match, but the colors should.

3

Decide on your favorite wood tone. Choose couches and chairs with this wood tone---and upholstery with several of your accent colors. The upholstery can be solid, patterned, silky or textured. Mix textures and patterns, still matching colors.

4

Choose one or more metal tones for coffee and accent tables. Brushed bronze and light silver tones go well with each other and most wood tones. Find glass-topped tables or rod-iron chairs in these tones. Use both curled and flowing---and straight, sharp metal pieces.

5

Choose as many picture frames as you need in your accent colors, wood tones and metal tones. These can be any size or shape. Cluster different, small shapes together at eye level and space larger frames out over a room.

6

Add statuary and decoration, such as tall, dark wooden African sculpture, Zen rock gardens, enameled Indian animals and gods or Celtic tapestries. All of these, in fact, can go in the room so long as they have colors or tones that match something else in the room. Do not overcrowd the room; choose several large, beautiful pieces from different cultures.