‘Hipstoric’ Interior Design Trend Alert: How to Mix Old with New

Eclectic interior design is having a moment. According to Pinterest Predicts, “Hipstoric” home design is the combination of old and new (or “vintage” with “modern”) and it’s going to be everywhere you look – and for good reason. Not only does the juxtaposition instantly add interest and appeal, it also can be an easy way to incorporate hand-me-downs and other low- or no-cost items with style.

Eclectic Design Tip One: Keep Your Walls Neutral

It can be very tempting to think that vintage eclectic interior design means that every vertical surface must be immediately covered in wallpaper. After all, what says “eclectic style” more than competing patterns and colorways?

Cap the Colors

Sure, wallpaper can be a great way to give a room instant personality and life. (And with all the new peel and stick varieties on the market, it’s never been easier to access or apply.) But when curating an eclectic interior on a whole, we find it best to use neutral paint or wallpaper as your backdrop. This allows your pieces to shine individually without competing for visibility. Additionally, it helps to coordinate and smooth what can read as uncontrolled and chaotic.   

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Embrace Neutrality

A neutral backdrop also provides one of the key elements of eclectic design: contrast. By contrasting the look and texture of your neutral walls with more vibrant vintage and modern furniture and décor pieces, you’ll create an appealing tension between the two. Think of mixing the glossy, slick surfaces of modern eclectic interior design with a subtly textured neutral wallcovering, for instance. Or high-gloss white or gray painted walls with patterned and worn vintage furnishings.

Think Art

Neutral walls take inspiration from museums by providing the optimal backdrop for a gallery wall or special piece of wall art. Your statement pieces (be they art, furniture or decorative items) will really pop against a neutral background, ensuring they get the attention they so rightfully deserve.

Eclectic Design Tip Two: Designate a Focal Point

Why does a room need a focal point? Good question. Whatever your interior design style, a focal point serves as the anchor to the room. This can be especially important when exploring how to best incorporate vintage or modern eclectic interior design into your home without creating an overwhelming experience for your visitors. It can be an oversized piece of furniture, an interesting light fixture, an eye-catching piece of art, or even the view out of a window.

Finding Focus

To figure out what your focal point should be, consider the purpose of the room along with any built-in features that you want to keep. Will it be used for socializing, or will it be private? Does the room already have a key reason for being (like sleeping or working) or will it be multi-functional? Is there anything that already exists in the room (like a bay window or fireplace) that can be immediately focused on, or does something need to be added?

Once you understand the purpose and parameters of your room, determine a focal point and then use that to inform decisions about furniture, decor and artwork placement. Upgrade or adjust your lighting to draw even more attention to the focal point. You can also further highlight the area of focus with a boldly colored or patterned wall, plants and other features of biophilic design, floor lamps, or even a vignette of decorative objects centered around it. If your focal point combines a mix of colors, you can reflect its importance by using those same hues in your overall design scheme. 

Eclectic Design Tip Three: Focus on Two Time Periods

The key to eclectic design is combining old with new. However, you definitely don’t want to mix and match between every time period and design style there is. To keep the look in check, pick two time periods or design styles to drive your choices. Think mid-century modern and Victorian. Or pre-war and art deco.

Pick a Palette

Whatever time periods you choose, bear in mind the old saying “opposites attract” for it is especially true when it comes to both modern and vintage eclectic interior design. You can soften the contrast by identifying and working from a core palette of various colors or even multiple shades of the same color. By sticking to the same palette, you create a unified design foundation pleasing to all the senses. And it is this unified design foundation that gives you the jumping off point to take risks with your furniture and décor in your bedroom, dining room, living room – or even your whole house!

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Eclectic Design Tip Four: Mix Patterns

If you take our advice and incorporate neutral walls and a unified color palette into your design, you can mix patterns to your hearts content. While mixing patterns is key to eclectic interior design of any and all eras, it can be particularly effective if you’re trying to create an antique room aesthetic as many bygone ages relied on patterns to enchant and entertain the eye.

Pattern Play

If you decide to try mixing patterns in your eclectic home decor, always aim for at least three in a room. You can also play with pattern size or variety for a fun option – like three different plaids or small, midsized and giant florals. Also try to match color hues and intensity. Don’t mix pale pastels with rich jewel-tones, for instance.

Some of our favorite mix and match pattern ideas for an eclectic living room include:

• Neutral couch with striped, dotted and plaid throw pillows
• Herringbone floor with floral drapes and striped upholstery
• Leopard print couch with herringbone drapes and striped rug
• Striped coffee table with floral rug and dotted throw pillows

If you’re not ready to commit, try out the look with various removable items like area rugs, drapes, artwork, and throw blankets.

Eclectic Design Tip Five: Harness the Power of Repetition

No matter your specific decorating style, repetition is the key to creating a harmonious and pleasing environment. Think repetitive colors, patterns, fabrics, shapes, or even textures. The use of repetition provides harmony and connectiveness between your different design elements, leading to a more unified and pleasant experience overall. Of course, some designers take this to mean the same pattern on your walls, drapes, and bedding – which can be overkill. Try to balance the repetition with the other core elements of eclectic interior design for the best results.

Finding Balance

A tried-and-true way to add repetition is with a gallery wall. With the same frame style, material or size, you can create a coordinated display rather than a mishmash of competing imagery. Other favorite ways to build cohesion throughout your home is by using the same type of lighting fixture (for instance, brass with Edison bulbs), the same molding, the same switch plates, and/or the same neutral wallcoverings. By keeping foundational elements consistent, you give yourself more room to take risks with furniture and décor.

Ready to learn more? Check out these articles for additional advice and inspo!

• 7 Hot Tips for Creating Beautiful Eclectic Interior Design– Decorilla.com
• Tips for Eclectic Decorating – Eclectic Home Decor– Elle Decor
• 15 Eclectic Design and Home Decor Ideas– My Domain

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