Eclectic style combines different trends. When creating an interior, remember that it must be consistent in design and layout. However, there is a style that allows you to easily combine elements from different directions, called eclecticism. A kitchen in the eclectic style will be created if it is difficult to determine any clear name for the interior design of the room.
What characterizes an eclectic style kitchen?
The beauty and essence of the eclectic style is that there are no strictly defined rules. You can combine and mix any elements from different directions as long as they interact with each other and create an interesting arrangement. The most important principle is to maintain balance and harmony so that everything does not seem random. This can be quite difficult if you don't have the right feel, so it's good to entrust the project to an interior designer. In an eclectic style, the combination of old and new looks very good using any kind of contrast. You could, for example, place a large rustic table in a minimalist kitchen and fill it with Scandinavian-style utensils. As long as the whole looks harmonious and tasteful, you can talk about the correct use of eclecticism.
Eclectic style is a real mosaic of different furniture, details and textures. It consists of combining seemingly incompatible stylistic additions, colors and textures. The entire art of eclectic interior design is based on the fact that the chosen combinations are random objects and furniture that together form a single and aesthetic whole. The process requires great attention and sensitivity to the perception of colors, textures and non-obvious combinations.
Kitchens in the eclectic style will be an excellent solution for modern creative people who are not afraid of experiments. This design style will allow you to express your individuality, exclusivity and originality to the highest degree. Eclecticism is rightly called a contradictory and multifaceted style. Next, we will try to reveal the features and traits of this style.
History of appearance and style features
The appearance of this extraordinary, but at the same time cozy trend in the design of kitchen spaces dates back to the 19th century. Eclecticism combines the best of a wide variety of styles. Initially, the design of the premises combined Renaissance, classicism and baroque, but over time, the imagination and creative approach of designers made it possible to successfully combine the Mediterranean mood, ethnic motifs, retro, modern, minimalism and other styles within one project.
This diversity allows you to combine any era and travel back in time, while remaining modern. Thus, a classic kitchen can easily be complemented with modern elements, and minimalism can be ideally combined with antique household items. An eclectic direction can emphasize the individuality of the owners and provide comfort even in the smallest kitchen space.
At times this style has been criticized for being excessive and cluttered. But it is worth noting that such an interior is easy to update, introducing new unique notes into it. Eclecticism allows you to boldly experiment, frees your hands and does not limit your imagination. But an indispensable condition is the presence of harmony in the interior design as a whole. Neo-Gothic furniture combined with decorative antique elements in an oriental style is allowed here.
Despite the huge variety of ideas, it is most often customary to combine three directions that perfectly coexist in the interior of an eclectic kitchen.
The first direction is rustic classics or Provence, which is characteristic of Western European countries. Designers often experiment with combining rustic furnishings with luxurious additions. This role can be played by gilding and luxurious vases, figurines and other aristocratic souvenirs. This arrangement of styles allows you to simultaneously provide comfort and originality.
The second direction introduces motifs of Scandinavian culture into the overall style.
The third component is elements of Arabic flavor with Spanish notes. The style welcomes floor covering with oriental natural carpets with appropriate patterns. Floor tiles can have a similar texture, giving the kitchen an oriental influence. When designing a kitchen space, specialists can also use decorative elements of Asian or African origin.
Designers combine furniture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries with designer contemporary items. Thus, it is common to combine a solid oak table with chairs made of plastic. The main thing is that they must be in harmony with each other in color.
Style features and rules for kitchen design
If you want to experiment, then eclecticism will be the best assistant in this creative endeavor. It should be noted that the style has the following main characteristics:
- furnishing elements of varied styles;
- vertical lines and niches;
- patterned wallpaper;
- rounded corners, furniture with vertical stripes and circles;
- drapery on curtains;
- decorative pillows, carpets and other decorative elements.
But with all this diversity, turning the kitchen into a cluttered room is strictly prohibited. First of all, it should be cozy and functional. It is imperative to place all the accents correctly. For this purpose, decorating the room should be done moderately and selectively. From the Provence style, for example, you can only borrow compositions of fresh flowers in ceramic vases, which will add brightness to the kitchen and allow you to add colorful highlights.
It would be ideal to use wooden furniture, but it is possible to add glossy work surfaces to the interior design of the kitchen.
All furnishings must be geometrically correct and simple in shape. Kitchen furniture and countertops can only be made from natural materials. Designers perfectly combine marble, granite and similar stones with wood. Custom-made kitchen sets, made from natural raw materials and materials, will ideally fit into the overall interior atmosphere.
This style does not welcome excessively bright colors and shades in furniture. The brightest spots are created by the sparse spot decoration of the room. It is highly advisable to combine several textures. For example, kitchen tiles should be purchased with a transition from a glossy surface to a rough texture.
The use of combinations of the latest technologies and natural resources is encouraged. For example, furniture made from natural materials, stainless steel utensils and modern household appliances are selected to ensure ease of cooking.
Important Tips
Despite the difficulty of designing such an extraordinary style, brave and self-confident people should take a risk and begin renovation. Here it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of all the details of the composition. To create harmony and create a comfortable space, it is necessary to place large elements in the back and small ones in front. The room will also require the selection of contrasting elements that will look interesting and creative. Exclusive items will emphasize individuality.
But don’t forget that decorating a kitchen should start with one bright and large object. Based on it, you should select the remaining elements.
It would be better to limit yourself to a combination of no more than three selected areas. An excessive number of styles looks unsightly, since the integrity of the atmosphere and comfort are lost.
In addition, when using antique furniture, it must be carefully integrated into the interior in terms of color, size, material and shape. Alternatively, it can be remodeled, restored or repainted.
The designer must always adhere to the overall strategy, while all the details must be in harmony with each other. The parts of the room space must be connected by a common concept. The main background, which unites different elements, should be made neutral. The shades of furniture and accessories, on the contrary, can be varied.
But it is recommended to use no more than 4 primary colors: 1 for walls and ceilings, 2 highlighting colors for large furniture and carpets, and a couple of additional shades for decorative items.
The decor can be pillows, picture frames, figurines and lamps.
We must not forget about the functionality of the kitchen. Excessive items will collect dust. You can also add wall decor to the above. Paintings and black and white photographs are ideal for this. Windows can be decorated with any curtains. You need to be creative in the decorating process. In eclecticism, the incompatible often looks great.
It is important to pay attention to lighting. Designers recommend using not only decorative lamps, but also a large chandelier.
Eclecticism will help not only create a unique interior, but also realize the wildest ideas and needs of kitchen owners.
You might be interested in learning about how to save money when purchasing a custom kitchen.
Who is an eclectic style kitchen suitable for?
The eclectic style in the interior is simply ideal for creative people with many interests and those who are constantly on the move. Thanks to the combination of different objects, you will perfectly highlight interesting collections, emphasizing respect for a particular area of art or sports:
- Travelers will love the eclectic style, as it allows you to display exotic souvenirs from different parts of the world.
- Lovers of fashion, art and history will find the eclectic style an opportunity to show their passion for furniture, lighting, graphic collections, varied patterns and textiles.
Thanks to this, in one interior you can collect both works of modern designers, iconic vintage furniture, and your favorite chest of drawers in the Louis Philippe style.
Eclecticism in the interior - what is it?
Eclecticism translated from Greek means “choosing” or “selecting,” and the style arose as an attempt by European architects to get away from ossified classical styles and create something new by mixing disparate stylistic elements. Gradually, the idea of choosing and mixing migrated to interior design.
Eclectic style in the interior of the apartment
INTERESTING: Even the classic of Russian literature Nikolai Gogol wrote about eclecticism. In the article “On the architecture of the present time,” he urged architects to add Gothic, Moorish and Chinese motifs to the architecture of St. Petersburg.
Eclectic room design with fireplace
Eclectic style in interior design
Eclectic style - orderly chaos in the interior
Eclectic style consists of combining different design trends or their elements with each other. Its use when decorating an apartment requires feeling and taste so that the interior design does not become chaotic and ill-conceived.
Eclecticism, combining conventions and styles, is a sign of the times and an extremely fashionable trend. After all, many people like controversial things that they want to have in their kitchen. So why limit yourself to one aesthetic when you can have a little bit of everything? This is an eclectic style! But don't think that just putting some random furniture next to each other will make it look pretty. Shaping the interior is a little more difficult, but it's worth a try because the end result is an eclectic kitchen that can reward all your efforts a hundredfold.
It happens that a person uses an eclectic style in interiors without even knowing it, very often coming up with interesting and successful combinations. However, eclectic style should be approached with caution because it is easy to overdo it and without the appropriate feel, you can introduce inner clutter into the interior.
Furniture selection
Furniture in the eclectic style is distinguished by its variation in time and consistency in color and design. For example, elegant chairs with carved legs can be adjacent to a rough table with a slightly worn surface, if the color or texture of the wood combines the whole set.
Designers prefer to use natural wood in an eclectic style, but this option is not always suitable for the kitchen interior. It is more appropriate to make the work surfaces moisture-resistant and resistant to temperature changes (stainless steel, glass, natural or artificial stone). And maintain the style by decorating the fronts of cabinets, tables, and chairs.
Eclectic style in the kitchen interior - modern simplicity in fashionable decor and furniture
There is no single rule that facilitates the choice associated with creating arrangements in the eclectic style, but a sense of proportion matters. If you're worried that you can't arrange a room like this yourself, then look at the photos in this article to capture something interesting, making a mixed interior look fantastic. Look for inspiration in eclectic interiors - it's not about copying, but about choosing a method. Of course, the eclectic style goes well with modern, very simple and stylish furniture. Eclecticism is also skillfully woven into oriental, ethnic or Louisian interior items. Conversely, if your arrangement consists mainly of stylish furniture, then choose only ultra-modern models.
The same applies to the color palette in interior design and to the combination of shapes, designs and materials. Surprisingly, it is much easier to compare items with a distinctive style and equipment that lacks character and striking effect. When decorating an interior in an eclectic style, it is worth considering, for example, that of the 12 chairs around the table in the dining room, each one will be different. It's really a lot of fun. Just remember that this kind of mish-mash is meant to be harmonious—don't bring eclectic chaos inside or your arrangement will overwhelm the room.
Eclecticism in the interior: unique and amazing apartment design
The eclectic style in the interior immediately reveals multifaceted, cheerful, extraordinary personalities with a broad outlook and varied tastes. Because it allows you to implement creative ideas in your home without regard to the limitations inherent in other styles, and at the same time create a neat, seamless and, most importantly, unique interior. In our detailed guide to the eclectic style, we tell you how to correctly combine furniture, colors and decor so that the interior of any room begins to look eclectic, and not chaotic.
Eclecticism in the interior of the apartment
Kitchen-living room in eclectic style - an arrangement for everyone
With an eclectic style, you're sure to find fans who love light, controlled chaos, and unusual, bold decorations. But at the same time, this is a design for those who prefer conservative arrangements and muted colors. The eclectic style can be adapted to suit every taste. You have virtually unlimited possibilities for combining add-ons and elements from different styles, so there's sure to be something for everyone in this arrangement. A kitchen-living room in this direction will look interesting, because you can easily zone the room. You definitely won’t get bored with the monochrome in such a room.
Finishes and materials
The main emphasis in the eclectic style is on furniture and decorative accessories. The design of the ceiling is intended to serve as a backdrop for mixing different shapes. Therefore, the ceiling is left neutral, most often white. Plaster or paint is used for finishing. To visually expand the space, a multi-level ceiling is allowed.
To expand the space, you can also use mirrors. Mirror panels or panels, reflecting light, will make the room lighter and larger, as if opening up an additional dimension in it.
For an eclectic style floor, natural wood, tiles or their imitation are preferable. Parquet or real wood doesn't work well in a kitchen. Do not forget that the floor must withstand frequent washing, contact with grease or aggressive detergents without loss. In the kitchen it is more convenient to use linoleum, floor tiles or laminate with increased wear resistance, for example, class 32-34.
The choice of both linoleum and laminate is quite wide. There is imitation wood, stone, aged boards. The relief (wood fibers, stone roughness) on the surface looks beautiful, but caring for such a floor will not be easy. Grease and dirt stuck in small recesses are difficult to wash out. A smooth surface is more suitable for the kitchen, which is easier to keep clean.
Eclecticism loves all kinds of niches. Shelves are arranged in them, cabinets, chairs, and tables are placed there. And each of these zones can have its own finish. Anything is suitable for wall decoration: tiles, wallpaper, plaster, paint. These materials can be combined or you can choose just one. The only condition is the absence of an ornament or a very small, almost invisible pattern. There are too many diverse items in eclecticism, so you shouldn’t overload the walls with color or pattern.
Important! The optimal solution for wall decoration is a plain surface with different textures.
Kitchen in eclectic style: photos of modern interiors
Eclectic style is the starting point for many modern interior design projects. Decorating a kitchen in this style gives you a lot of possibilities and real design pleasure. For an interior in an eclectic style, the design is never completely finished. Location, climate design and flexibility in creating mood mean that with the slightest changes, eclectic interiors come to life with new life.
An eclectic style kitchen means a skillful combination of other trends. The coexistence of different decorations, furniture and objects are combined in a way that overall provides an attractive whole. Eclectic style, as the starting point for many modern interior design projects, is seen in most modern homes.
Small eclectic kitchens
Kitchenware adds a splash of color to a small black and gray kitchen (Design: Scheer & Co)
Some might think that the mismatched eclectic style would look bad in a small space, but that's hardly fair. After all, “eclecticism” does not at all mean “a pile of useless junk,” and with the right approach, even a small kitchen will enliven your apartment and become the central point of the house. To achieve this effect, avoid overly bright colors and instead focus on small-sized furniture and versatile cabinets to make a small space look more organized.
All you need to bring life to this small area is a funky yellow cabinet, bright red pans and pots, or a colorful refrigerator.
Kitchen island in the form of a cutting table for a small kitchen (Design: Andre Rothblatt Architecture)
Stylish kitchen with a nice mix of styles (Design: Dona Rosene Interiors)
A refrigerator with a British flag on it is a unique element in the kitchen (Design: Chiara Cadeddu Photographe)
Small kitchen in a city apartment with splashes of orange (Design: Etre)
Eclecticism in the interior: unique and amazing apartment design
The eclectic style in the interior immediately reveals multifaceted, cheerful, extraordinary personalities with a broad outlook and varied tastes. Because it allows you to implement creative ideas in your home without regard to the limitations inherent in other styles, and at the same time create a neat, seamless and, most importantly, unique interior. In our detailed guide to the eclectic style, we tell you how to correctly combine furniture, colors and decor so that the interior of any room begins to look eclectic, and not chaotic.
Eclecticism in the interior of the apartment
Kitchen decor: finishing touches
Rustic kitchen decor involves almost complete minimalism: just a few simple, expressive accents. There are practically no restrictions in choosing elements for decorating a space. These can be either fashionable, designer accessories, or rare items inherited from your grandmother and dear to your heart.
Lamps play not only a functional, but also a decorative role in an eclectic kitchen interior. Lighting can be multi-level: a large chandelier in the center of the room, cozy sconces for romantic dinners in the corner and spotlights (optional) in places where you need to emphasize the design.
On the windows, in addition to standard curtains and blinds, there may be curtains with various candelabra, pendants and cuts. After all, what is eclecticism? This is a creative experiment within established rules.
Eclectic style is special. And although it combines what already exists in separate fragments in other styles, it looks completely individual, harmoniously combining within the boundaries of a real room something that many would not think of even in their fantasies. That's what makes him so beautiful.
Chrome and eclecticism
Kitchen design tips are as follows:
- most pieces of furniture are made of wood;
- the shapes of objects consist of regular figures;
Advice. Carved and chrome-plated decorative elements are not acceptable for eclecticism.
- The kitchen set is made of wood and can be combined with a marble countertop;
- Accessories that will complement the space can be: figurines, flowers, vases, pillows;
- Bright accents are made very delicately, almost invisible, which allows the colors to coexist perfectly.
- Eclecticism can combine different textures with materials, but the transition between them should be smooth.
- There are almost no restrictions in the choice of space decorations. These can be designer figurines or antique items.
Eclecticism in the interior - what is it?
Eclecticism translated from Greek means “choosing” or “selecting,” and the style arose as an attempt by European architects to get away from ossified classical styles and create something new by mixing disparate stylistic elements. Gradually, the idea of choosing and mixing migrated to interior design.
Eclectic style in the interior of the apartment
INTERESTING: Even the classic of Russian literature Nikolai Gogol wrote about eclecticism. In the article “On the architecture of the present time,” he urged architects to add Gothic, Moorish and Chinese motifs to the architecture of St. Petersburg.
Eclectic room design with fireplace
Eclectic style in interior design
Kitchen design - photo examples of the most unusual and beautiful ideas in the kitchen interior
For the next holiday or the arrival of guests, you always want to update your home. Most often, it is the kitchen that expects radical changes. Facades quickly get dirty and lose their new appearance, surfaces become worn down from frequent cleaning, curtains deteriorate, and a lot of rubbish accumulates in closets.
And if a well-planned budget does not allow for a kitchen renovation in the near future, you can plan a modern kitchen design with your own hands. This is a less expensive option because it requires what you have on hand, plus a little time and patience, and our experts offer great ideas.
