When we enter a well-designed space, we immediately sense whether it is harmonious or chaotic. A carefully crafted eclectic interior can playfully combine different styles, materials and shapes, while still maintaining a harmonious result. Interior design is not just an arrangement of objects, but a tangible storytelling, where the different elements reflect the personality of the occupant. The following interior is an example of how styles can be creatively intertwined without the result becoming confusing.
This pictured interior is a perfect example of how true eclectic style is not scrappy, but carefully planned and thoughtful.
It represents the stylistic characteristics of contemporary eclecticism, harmoniously combining modernist, Scandinavian minimalist and bohemian elements.
Analysis of the space
At first glance, the room’s ceiling height and the window layout suggest that we are in an old bourgeois apartment whose interior has been redecorated. The plaster stucco framing on the white walls and herringbone parquet flooring reinforce this impression. And the elegant detailing and generously laid-out spaces provide the basis for a clean, yet characterful home.
The black tubular shelving divider is a classic modernist element that not only helps to visually divide the room, but also has a decorative function. It harmonises well with the black metal legs of the coffee table and other metal elements in the interior.
The sofa and the large dining table have a Scandinavian minimalism, similar to the top of the wall-mounted sideboard. Simple yet functional shapes emphasise simplicity, while natural materials add warmth to the space.
The brick tiling in the hallway adds a rustic touch. The light yellowish bricks blend well with the natural tones of the wood, creating a balance between rustic and modernist elements.
Another interesting example of the Scandinavian modernist effect is the armchair or armchair only partially visible at the edge of the picture. Again, the simple design focuses on functionality and simplicity, which is typical of mid-century Scandinavian design.
Bohemian elements and style frills
One of the defining styles of interior design is bohemian. This is most evident in the playfulness of the lamps hanging from the ceiling and the use of different materials. The arrangement of the pendant lights seems almost random, and this gives a sense of effortless freedom. The alternation of rattan globes and elegant glass globes reflects the 21st century look of the bohemian style. Rattan, especially in its combination of natural materials and light colours, harmonises with Scandinavian minimalism and bohemian freedom.
The dining chairs and the underside of the wall-mounted sideboard also add to the bohemian effect. The turned wood construction of the chairs gives a functional Scandinavian effect, but the ornate slats on the backrest add a more playful, bohemian feel to the space. The decorative moulding on the underside of the sideboard is almost echoed in the lines of the decorative cushions on the chairs and sofa, subtly linking the different stylistic features.
And the coffee table can also be seen as a style statement: the oval table top contrasts with the black square iron legs, an unexpected shape that perfectly fits the irregular yet harmonious world of the eclectic interior.
Consistent colour and stylistic unity
The consistency of colour highlights the well thought-out design of the interior. White, light natural wood colours and yellowish tones predominate, conveying a bright, cheerful mood. The black piping and light grey and muted bluish-green textiles create a subtle contrast that adds freshness and calm to the room.
The abundance of decorative cushions, candles, plants and other decorations is a clear indication that the space’s occupant is not only functional but also bohemian in spirit. The careful arrangement of objects, however, avoids cluttering the space, keeping the overall picture tidy and transparent.
Trends and contemporary solutions
Black piped elements, rattan spheres and a mix of white and wood are in line with modern interior design trends. The interior designer cleverly blends current trends with older styles to create a truly unique and harmonious living space. The colour scheme and use of materials in the interior is a perfect example of how contemporary eclectic interior design can harmoniously blend the styles of the past with modern design solutions.