Eclectic Interiors

It seems like lately everybody wants to hear my definition of “eclectic” interiors...Half of the clients who hire me want me to design such interiors for them; as for the other half, we tend to start with a definite stylistic direction and we end up with very eclectic spaces anyway. An eclectic interior is one that derives its generating ideas, style and taste from a diverse range of sources. I have studied too many styles, visited too many cities, walked too many museums, seen too many movies not to be eclectic. How could we possibly be any different in such a “globalized” world? I have this bank of images and experiences in my mind, a well from which I am constantly tapping for inspiration. There is so much that is so beautiful about every style. So… What is the key to a well-designed eclectic room? My short answer is: a harmonious dialogue between all the parts; it seems simple at first but in fact it requires extensive editing and evaluation. Comparatively speaking, staying within the boundaries of a specific style is much easier.

Consider the dining room I designed on this picture, the columns came from a late 18th century English estate, their rich texture surface frames the room and gives it importance. The rosewood dining table is a French Deco reproduction, its clean lines and rich graining give it the anchoring weight required in the center of the room; the stylized Regency chairs in a dark mahogany display their graceful frame against  the bone colored walls giving the room movement and interest. Table and chairs sit on a wool and silk rug that I designed using the undulating lines that characterized Art Nouveau. The contemporary chrome chandelier with Murano glass pendants was my boldest move in this room (just think how overwhelming a wrought iron chandelier would look in its place!) it is its lightness that allows all the other pieces to reveal themselves. As I mentioned before, a lot of thought goes behind every detail in order to achieve the perfect mix of styles. Eclectic interiors are by far the most complex and challenging ones.