8 tips for combining interior design styles

Your support keeps our blog going ♥ We may earn a small commission if you shop via our affiliate links. Learn more here.

Love the interiors on Downton Abbey? And Mad Men? And Severance?

If you like design from a few different eras but couldn’t imagine just settling on one, I’ve got good news — you don’t have to… and there’s actually a name for that!

Eclectic interior design is a design style that takes inspiration from different eras; it’s a beautiful amalgamation that mixes old with new while embracing colour, pattern and contrast.

Eclectic homes happen when you mix and match things you love without worrying if it all fits neatly into a particular design aesthetic.

Of course, there’s still a bit of an art to it.

Here are 8 tips to help you nail the eclectic aesthetic 👇

1. Start with a neutral base

If you’re just getting started decorating your space, it might be best to hold off making any big colour decisions for your walls, floors and large furniture items.

Consider starting off with a neutral backdrop. This will give you a blank canvas that can work well with across multiple design styles 🤍

White walls will let everything else do the talking. Once you’ve got your key pieces and a bit of direction (and confidence) for your space, go ahead and paint a bolder colour if you like!

2. Choose your key furniture wisely

For your bigger investments — like your sofa or dining table — consider choosing a more transitional style that can bridge the gap between more ‘of the era’ pieces.

The larger the item, the more impact it will have on your space, so opting for a transitional style for your larger items will give you more freedom to experiment with smaller pieces, such as your coffee table, dining chairs, lighting and armchairs.

Of course, if you really want a statement mid-century modern sofa, then by all means, have it! Just keep in mind — if you have a piece of furniture in a distinct design style but you’re going for an eclectic look, try to pair it with items from other design styles.

3. Mix shapes

Often what tells us what design style or era a particular piece is from is its shape.

Sofas with rolled arms and rounder, wood-turned feet are typically more traditional in style. Sofas with clean lines and splayed feet are typically mid-century modern. Sofas with soft curves and rounder shapes are typically more contemporary (the sofas in style right now).

The trick to nailing an eclectic aesthetic is to mix shapes and styles from different eras. In a Victorian-style home, you wouldn’t pair a chesterfield sofa with a mid-century modern sideboard and a minimalist bookshelf… but in an eclectic home you would! 😜

👀 READ: 10 tips for nailing an eclectic interior design aesthetic

4. Get the balance right

*^{Pictured: Dhia Ceiling Light by Residence Supply (use code MISMATCHED for 10% off), Ash Branch Wallpaper}*

If eclectic is the name of the game, don’t try to do too much of one thing.

For example, if you’ve already got a vintage sofa with rolled arms, an antique coffee table and a persian rug, it might be a good idea to choose a more modern armchair so your space doesn’t lean too traditional… unless that’s what you’re going for, of course.

Eclectic interiors are often maximalist, but it’s still a good idea to give the eye places to rest.

If you’ve got a particularly busy living space, balance it out by keeping others spaces a little simpler. You can still be eclectic in your styling without being too loud.

🎬 WATCH: Eclectic Design Style

5. Create contrast and juxtaposition

*^{Pictured: Flowing Illusion Rug by Maia Homes (use code MISMATCHEDHOME for 10% off)}*

The best thing about mixing design styles is the unexpected combinations that still somehow work.

Don’t be scared to mix traditional and modern – that’s kind of the point. The juxtaposition between an old oriental rug and a futuristic coffee table is surprising, which is what makes it so exciting 😄

You can also create contrast through colour. Black and white is the highest contrast there is and always results in a visually striking statement that works well with other colours, but also look at a colour wheel to see what pairings will work.

Mixing patterns is also a great way to create contrast and juxtaposition. In an eclectic home, you’re free to mix a geometric pattern with a floral pattern, or leopard print with gingham!

6. Upcycle where you can

If you want something a little out of the ordinary, why not do it yourself?

A charming bit of furniture can be made even more interesting with some paint, stain or wallpaper.

You can easily make a run-of-the-mill piece of furniture eclectic by upcycling it. A farmhouse hutch refinished with a coat of electric blue paint or a Louis armchair reupholstered with a quirky fabric might be the perfect eclectic piece your space needs.

Do your wallet and the planet a solid and consider upcycling before spending big bucks on new furniture ♻️

👀 READ: 10 eclectic interior design trends & techniques

7. Have a common thread

*^{Pictured: Upholstered Cushion in Warwick Bright Ebony, Sheer Curtains by Blinds Online}*

The rules are few in eclectic interior design, but to keep your space looking cohesive you should find a commonality.

Repetition brings everything together and makes it all make sense. So to create consistency, make sure you have a common thread.

You could repeat a particular colour, like white or brown. You could repeat hardware or door colours across rooms. Or, you could repeat a particular material, like brass.

A common thread will marry all the mish mash.

So whatever it is, sprinkle a bit of it around the place to add some continuity.

🎬 WATCH: Eclectic Style Tips