How to: 7 Steps to Nailing Eclectic Interior Style

Be inspired by esoteric decorative items offset by a palette of muted pastels and traditional finishes for an eclectic yet accessible interior style.

The lovely?living room of Ruth Forsyth’s eclectically decorated Ballsbridge home is so delightfully’distinctive?that we put it on the cover of our current issue. Now you can re-create its quirky charm, thanks to our expert get-the-look guide…

1. Gold Mine. When it comes to this look, understated = overrated, so set the tone?with plenty of attention-grabbing accessories. This Malachite Rings teal vase by Jonathan Adler is made of high-fired porcelain with 24-carat gold accents and is just the right amount of flamboyant.

2. Acid Test. An eclectic interior may not have to conform to trends, but it can’still be contemporary.?Not?many may’dare display a dyed and acid-burnt rug of the finest French cow skin on their living room floor, but with sensitive?treatment,?this vibrant green number?could introduce a refreshingly modern edge into a room full of?antiques and knick-knacks.?

3. Lay in Lavender. The best eclectic interiors express a coherent sense of personality as opposed to appearing haphazard. This can certainly be achieved on a budget with high-street items, but there’s an undeniable magic about pre-loved collectible items like this pair of original Italian armchairs from the Cross Collection.

4. Shine Bright Like a Diamond.?Thinking outside the box sets this style of interior apart from the mainstream. Instead of a traditional decanter, try a richly coloured glass version with distinguishing?embellishment.

5. Wonder Dome. Few homeware stores can match April and?the Bear?for pretty?pieces with an intriguing quirkiness. This fun photo dome with removable clips is perfect for displaying your favourite curios.

6. Bird Brain. Central to the appeal of an eclectic interior is that, contrary to the rigidity of some of the more formulaic home styles, this one doesn’t have to be?taken too seriously. So add weird and wonderful items like a snow-white artificial cockatoo?? just because you can.

7. Baby Steps.?If the idea of an entire wall of busy print is too overwhelming, start with one wallpaper panel, complemented by soft, soothing tones. We think Castanea in white by House of Hackney would work well alongside Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground paint?and an oiled walnut wood.

Compiled by Jessica Elliott