Design fusion: Vintage meets eclectic

Eclectic home design describes the aesthetic of mixing textures, patterns and prints from a variety of time periods. When pulled off well, a room of this theme can portray your various styles in a homogenous manner. If paired with a vintage design, it can showcase an appreciation of old world trends that still embody the ever-changing present.

Working a fusion of eclectic style into a vintage kitchen design can soften a space originally developed to serve primarily function. When this is done successfully, the room’s decor can mimic the rest of your home and thus bring the aesthetic full circle.

Eclectic basics
As you bring eclectic pieces into your home, its important that they complement, not compete with, your other items. Whether you will be mixing antique with contemporary or east meets west, every facet should play off another and support the entire space.

Fusion in practice
Antiques – The good news is that antiques always work in an eclectic design theme. Aged clocks, decorative rugs and exotic figurines can be placed throughout your space to help tell of stories past. Additionally, these pieces help balance out your vintage faucets and other fixtures in the room.

Art – If you are well-traveled then you may have trinkets and artwork from the various places you have visited. When hanging art from an exotic culture or another far away land, be sure there is a consistent theme with other items in your room. For example, an 18th-century Korean screen can work in an open kitchen’s seating area if the colors match the cabinets, appliances or another item like a tablecloth.

China – Flatware and china sourced from your travels can also play well into your kitchen’s design theme. Instead of hiding these decorative dishes away, showcase them in open shelving and cabinets. Again, try to incorporate some of the prints or texture into another element in the room.

Seating – A really impactful eclectic style choice is mixed seating. Who said all chairs have to match? When you’re shopping and you can’t settle on one particular chair, pair similar finishes and colors. Either match seating in groups of two or mix them all up. When guests come over you’ll have a great conversation starter, and you won’t have to limit yourself to one type of chair.

Flooring – A statement floor is always a good place to add an exotic, antique or retro finish. For classic vintage kitchens, try a white and black checkerboard motif. Another choice is a painted look, finished in a high gloss or distressed style.

Furniture – An oversized armoire can work in an open kitchen or as a pantry if your home is lacking one. The models with ornate curves balance with other vintage fixtures in your home. Additionally, a bureau dresser can serve as a bar or extra surface space in a dining room and kitchen.