By:  Ryan P. Brannagan, Interior Designer

     Eclectic design is defined as selecting or borrowing from various styles and influences.  It is a blending of styles, cultures, periods, and elements in which all are incorporated to create a complete design.  Peruse through any design or decorating magazine today and you will find pages filled with rooms that incorporate restyled antiques, family heirlooms, and modern classics.

     Today’s interiors are becoming more creative than ever.  What was once thought of as a design faux pas several years back is now regarded as a creative mixture eliminating the possibility of a dull room.  It is about expecting the unexpected and relishing the unusual.  A primitive antique tansu chest may be the finishing touch in an otherwise contemporary setting.  This piece now becomes an object of art, as opposed to a simple piece of furniture.  It is the contrast of the style that sets it apart in the setting.  There are pieces from every period which are deemed timeless and endure the test of time.  Good lines and good design, when mixed well, can create a setting that is aesthetically stimulating due to the variety of the objects used, while also creating an environment that is comfortable to live in. 

     The interior of a home is like fashion.  Whereas fashion represents the person through clothing, interiors represent the person though the use of color and styles used in their home.  The color scheme of a room is indicative of the particular feeling the owner would like the room to evoke.  Cool colors such as green, blue, and violet suggest serenity, calmness and relaxation.  Warmer colors such as red, orange, and yellow tend to evoke a feeling of energy.  Neutral colors give interiors increased visual space and allow furnishings and accessories to showcase themselves. 

     At first glance an eclectic room may look like a bunch of different objects and styles thrown about, but when viewed more closely you will see how these different styles can compliment each other in a creative way.  Design is a process and is not something that can just be done in a matter of minutes.  It is a process that is thought out and executed with purpose and precision.  In addition to the eclectic style being most popular, it can also be the most difficult to execute.  It is important to remember in this style, what may be aesthetically pleasing to one person may not be to another.  As long as you incorporate objects and furnishings that reflect your personality and are careful to pay attention to scale, balance, and proportion your design will flourish. 

     Designing eclectically allows a person to express themselves freely and surround themselves with objects they love.  Whether this is a family heirloom or a recently purchased item, it is important to incorporate objects that you cherish and want to be around.  There is no right or wrong as long as the room works together as a whole.  There is an infinite amount of possibilities and not one is better than another.  This is exactly what eclecticism is all about, the use of a variety of objects and furnishings that create a design without pertaining to one particular style, period, or source.  This is why many homeowners are choosing to design in the eclectic style today.