How Eclectic Design is Changing the Interior Design Industry?

Introduction

Let’s suppose one has to design a living room. If you decorate it with one style – modern furniture with sleek design, it follows a single design style. But what if you want to mix it up? Minimalistic sofa, vintage coffee table, bright bohemian rugs, abstract paintings. These might look like disconnected elements but when carefully designed can complement each other. This is a basic way of explaining what Eclectic Design is.

Eclectic Design is all about taking individual elements from various design styles and combining them to create a new style. This new style is unique, personalized, and a big shift from any traditional manner of designing a home.

There are several reasons behind the rise of eclectic design in people’s homes. As interior design became a mainstream occupation, more and more people yearned for a change from the traditional norms. They did not want it to be guided or molded by any specific type of decor – the ones that follow rigid norms and pre-existing styles. Instead, they wanted the freedom to experiment as per their will.

Be it colors, or furniture, or textures, or lines, people were free to mix and match. This gave them a sense of freedom and empowerment, something they weren’t willing to let go. Hence, eclectic design started to take over people’s homes while changing the interior design industry.

What is Eclectic Design?

Any design approach that does not adhere to a strict set of guidelines, rules, or traditions, but instead borrows elements from multiple design styles to form its own, is called Eclectic Design. It combines various ideas and styles to come up with a unique mix.

Eclectic Design actively adopts dynamism, diversity, and creativity, with a penchant for breaking away from set patterns. Opting for an eclectic design allows any homeowner the freedom to personalize it. They take this opportunity to design their homes in a way that reflects their interests, hobbies, and characteristics. A lot of homeowners find a strong sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in doing so while living inside the comfort of their homes.

Eclectic Design has also found a more symbolic meaning among modern-day residents. It gives residents a sense of creative freedom, which was otherwise largely lacking.

History of Eclectic Style

Eclecticism first began in the field of ‘Architecture’ in the late 18^th century, before venturing into design. A prominent example of eclectic architecture would be the ‘The La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona,’ which borrows motifs from Gothic Art, Art Nouveau, and other elements from the natural world. Due to its vibrant and dynamic mix of styles, the eclectic style was largely liked by the people. This led to its growth, and subsequently its entry into home interiors.

Designers learned about it from past historical styles, and eclectic design soon became a sought-after profession. Interior designers who employed eclectic design in their work, such as Elsie De Wolfe, Rose Cumming, and Dorothy Draper, also started to gain prominence around this time.

The rise of eclectic design and interior caused a stir. Home decor magazines with a focus on interior design, such as ‘Home and Garden,’ ‘House Beautiful,’ and ‘Ladies Home Journal,’ started emerging. These magazines were affordable to middle-class people, which exposed them to the concept of eclectic design, which was found only in the lavish homes of the upper class. This helped the concept of eclectic interior design seep into the various strata of society.

Suddenly, eclectic design started becoming a popular choice throughout America, and soon enough, around the world.

What Are the Characteristics of Eclectic Style Interior Design?

As it mixes various design styles to make a unique blend, Eclectic Design has its characteristics. Here are some of them listed below:

1. Bold Colors

Eclectic Design utilizes a variety of colors, the majority of which are bold and bright. This distinctly highlights its presence in the room and starkly contrasts it with other colors.

2. Mixed Textures

Modern eclectic interior design often makes use of all three surfaces – rough, matte, and smooth surfaces. It finds a perfect blend between all of them.

3. Mismatched Furniture

Since the idea behind eclectic interior design is to break away from the usual norms and not comply with a single paradigm, mismatched furniture is an essential part of it. It forms a nice blend of furniture pieces of different styles and eras.

4. Vintage Items

An unusual placement of vintage pieces and antique furniture finely compliments an eclectic interior design.

5. Globally Inspired Patterns

Since eclectic style ideas incorporate multiple theories and various ideas from around the world, global designs automatically become an integral part of it.

6. Clean Lines and Simple Shapes

Despite its ‘eclectic’ nature, the namesake design style still sticks to clean lines and simple shapes.

How Eclectic Design is Changing the Interior Design Industry?

Eclectic Design is rapidly transforming the design industry with every passing day. One main reason behind it is the change in people’s lifestyle. More and more people are migrating to urban cities from rural areas, thus requiring residential property at once. With the rise in the economy and improved salaries, many can then afford to design their homes with a little bit of flair, style, and elegance.

Combining this lifestyle change with an increased sense of independence gives them the freedom to design their homes as per their will. Thus, the adoption of eclectic design. They can personalize as per their will and don’t have to follow any strict regulations while designing.

This sense of breaking away from rules symbolizes an escape from the barrier, something that is very chic at the moment. Other elements such as being dynamic, adding a personal touch, making it sustainable, and fusing cultures from global parts, are all part of eclectic design. Altogether, they are symbolic of the values that are most prevalent and practiced today. Therefore, the adoption of eclectic design style interior design has seen an uptick in recent times.

In 2024, the topmost design styles were modern colonial, quiet luxury, American colonial, and cottage core. As of now, eclectic design also has risen in popularity to be among the top ones.

How to Become an Eclectic Interior Designer?

To become an Eclectic Interior Designer, you must enroll in an Interior and Space Design course from any reputable institution such as the Strate School of Design, Bengaluru. You can opt for a B.Des in Interior and Space Design.

Once you are pursuing an Interior Design course, you must learn core design principles such as color theory, space planning, lighting, and materials to better acquaint yourself with the eclectic elements in design. Moreover, gaining a good grasp on globally existing patterns of design will help you understand the concept better.

Try to build a strong portfolio for companies to notice your strengths. Do mention your learnings and projects on eclectic design that showcase your capabilities to blend different styles and elements. Other aspects such as personal projects, freelance work, foreign educational trips, industry events, and internships should all be undertaken and highlighted in your work.