STYLE FILE

ECLECTIC • COLORFUL • DRAMATIC

You want to make a statement and like a little drama while maintaining an elevated look. You prefer a fun space with a high-energy feel. You’re a bit of a collector and are drawn to unique objects in different shapes and sizes. Your goal is to pull it all together into a creative, truly unique environment which results in a comfortable and memorable experience for your family and guests. Here’s how.

Maximal Bohemian

BARRIE BENSON

SARA RUFFIN COSTELLO

Lean in to this approach:

  • A more is more philosophy

  • Exhibiting your collections

  • A “look what she did” surprise

  • Incorporating elegant elements informally

BARRIE BENSON

KELLY WERSTLER

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Include 2 or more:

  • A gallery wall

  • Lively patterns, materials, wallpapers

  • A variety of textures

  • Large scale art, including photography

KATIE ROSENFELD

Consider this color philosophy:

Mix bold tones — often reds, oranges, blues or greens — with simple touches of white and black.

MIEKE TEN HAVE

ZOE FELDMAN

ZOE FELDMAN

SARAH RUFFIN COSTELLO

Figure in family-friendly features:

  • Include a games cabinet

  • Incorporate some of their preferences: colors, objects, sofa fabric, TV placement…

  • Fun items all within reach

  • Delicate pieces placed placed strategically

How to Achieve the Look

IN A MAXIMALIST WAY:

Commit to color and busyness.

Pack the space leaving room for traffic but very little other empty floor or wall space.

Use a variety of shapes — straight lines, curves, and other angles to create many ways to capture the eye.

Use bright colors. At least three.

JENNA LYONS

IN A MEDIUM WAY:

Ramp up the energy and intrigue of the room with the display of eclectic objects throughout the space:

A handmade chess set

A collection of colored glasses on a bar cart

Color-grouped books on shelves

All of the above

ZOE FELDMAN

IN A MINIMALIST WAY:

Make one big, bold move that dominates the space, such as:

Busy wallpaper

Dramatic sofa upholstery

Oversized and/or ornate light fixture

A large, bold piece of art

How to Blend MAXIMALIST BOHEMIAN With Other Styles

With Mostly Modern

SARA RUFFIN COSTELLO

Color is fundamental to both styles, but try:

  • Primary colors

  • More right angles than curves

  • More natural materials such as wood and stone

With Breezy Farmhouse

MIEKE TEN HAVE; ROSE UNIAKE

Incorporate a non-neutral color in a significant way. 

  • Anchor all the color and pattern with a classic neutral sofa

  • Use black as your primary accent color

  • Opt for a rug in a solid muted tone

With Timeless Transitional

KATIE ROSENFELD; BARRIE BENSON

Bring in a warm, genteel edge to all the playfulness.

  • Incorporate darker wood chests or shelving

  • A more traditional piece of art like a landscape

  • Some antique lamps or other touches

RESOURCES

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