trendey

Jacob and Line Blom has staged their townhouse in Copenhagen as a long series of collisions between different eras, styles and cultures. In a cultural landmark townhouse from 1878, they went as far as they could without toppling over. Posh yet decadent, rough yet strict.

IMHO? Amazing. A creative and interesting decor that stays balanced and harmonious. A splendid mix with lovely details. Elaborate yet relaxed: A fresh white-based eclectic style.

Story and (more) pics via the magazine Sköna hem.

Hot hot hot…..as of January 2010.

Pics from LivingEtc

Now, returning to the eclectic decor style. What determines whether the decorator has mastered this style?

Maybe we can apply law here! In copyright law, the term ‘threshold of originality‘ (Sw. verkshöjd) determines when a creator of a work has certain exclusive rights. Threshold of originality means that something reaches a level of artistry – it is a measure of originality, individuality and independence. The threshold of originality does not include the ideas, the subject or contents of a work, but its unique shape, expression and interpretation. Originality has to do with a reflection of the author’s/creator’s personality. You see where I’m going with this..? :)

The main characteristics of the eclectic decor style is that it radiates authenticity and originality. It is telling of its creator. Furthermore, the eclectic style has been associated some benchmarks: a mix of several styles; design elements should coordinate or have a unifying component; main decor principles should be followed; harmony created. I’m a qualified lawyer but I am no judge. So I’m turning to you: what do you say about the level of artistry in these decors, 1-5? (more…)

Now, what characterizes the eclectic interior style, the style of decorating that becomes stronger as the inclination to follow trends – or one single trend -  tend to reduce? Here’s some scattered notes.

It is often explained that an eclectic decorating style mixes elements from at least two other decorating styles. Percentages to the style mix have been suggested, though (to me) it seems impossible to be guided by such a precise breakdown. Essence of the style is that it is perfectly permissible, and even mandated, to mix different styles. Mix traditional with casual, Eastern inflences with country style or contemporary with any ethnic culture AS LONG AS there is a unifying component to the decor.

Speaking of different styles, I might be late, but just found this interesting personal style test at Sproost. My personal style result was 40 % Vintage Modern, 30 % Rustic Revival and 30 % French Eclectic. What’s yours?

Those who know say eclectic style is mainly about creating harmony. The contrasting style elements are combined so that they in fact create harmony. It’s through vague or indistinct commonalities elements are bond together. This is a key question to the style, I’d say. There is for sure a thin line between eclectic decor and chaos. Basic design concepts such as form, scale, pattern and colour must be taken into account.

Another element in the eclectic style is to add whimsical and unique items. Fun and varied accessories are placed out: artwork, knick knacks and pillows. Trolls are the ultimate knick-nack! I did this one! The model is a Swedish rock/folk singer I like :) A fascinating knick knack-collection can be found in the eclectic home I wrote about here.

There seems to be widespread agreement that an eclectic style or decor is more telling of its creator than all other kinds of decor. It radiates authenticity and originality. There aren’t many rules, it can’t be! Do whatever you like keeping the main decor principles (about form, scale, composition, proportion, etc.) in mind is the way of the style. Champion it, and the decor will radiate a soulful bohemianism.

|pics: HouseToHome|

We think that what is called eclectic style is soooo interesting we’ve given it its own category. We want to dig deeper into this: It is really the style of the times. Winds are blowing towards your own personal creativity. It is without doubt trendy/-ey, but is it anti-trend or trend-free? Not really or not yet, I’d say. Because….if you fill your home with all sorts of things you collected from all the corners of the world, paint it freely and boldly in the colours you like best, mix furniture from the local dealer, relatives’ treasures and mass productions – and season it with your best DIY-projects you can’t be sure the Interior Designer will classify your home as eclectic style. There are rules to it. No 1: Design elements should coordinate. Note below the selection of rugs to the furniture, and in the last pic how the red frame mirrors the shade of the painted figure’s turban. | pics: HouseToHome |

..this vibrant home with a personal mix of 50’s, vintage, comics, fantasy, toys, 16th century details, wayward puppets, glamorous movie stars, bright colours, beautiful dresses, fairy tale creatures (etc.!) is inhabited by a young illustrator, artist and student. |pics: Frida Ekman, SvD.se|