Eclectic Decorating 101

Basics to help you put all your decorating pieces together. Add your house and garden video tours to www.design2share.com, the Where I Live video-sharing website. Subscribe to the Design2Share Q&A weekly podcasts for help with your design questions.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• decorating
• furniture
• collecting
• interiors
• house
• home
• Design2Share
• tips
• eclectic

[notasportsfan]

If eclectic means shoving too much random stuff into a too small room, you have succeeded. This space is confused and dysfunctional,... and you're going to add a TV! There are some decent and probably expensive pieces in that room that are going nowhere visually. Decide on the purpose, keep it clear, add visual interest (not clutter, instead use non-traditional shapes and materials - in moderation), and make sure people know where to sit!!

[westend104]

The designer showed how to display and bring together disparate objects into a space, but items that relate well to one another based on function, shape, etc. The central point of the room is the dining room table. That's clear and nothing's dysfunctional there. The bookshelves hold and display the homeowner's collections, many of which are used when serving formal or buffet dinners. A TV won't be added, but it's a future option in case the room's function shifts to a family room.

[isaglow]

Hey Thank you for the tips I love the whole room . I am not much of an interior designer but I am readying a lot.

Wish me luck honey!

[westend104]

You've got it!! We're sending you a LOT of luck and interior design SAVVY. :>) All the best, Jay

[90shilling]

Love it!

[westend104]

Thanks for watching and for your comment, 90s! I hope you have a great day.... All the best, Jay

[westend104]

Thanks for your comments and watching! I actually had the pleasure of sitting on the couch when neighbors and friends were invited over for dinner. It was a joy. The table was set for dinner with Orrefors crystal and an antique blue china with gilt birds, a rare Victorian pattern from England. As for the window treatments--this home is in the country, with beautiful views of gardens and trees. Balloon drapes can block it out, but why do that?

[enteratA]

The couch being in this dining room does not even look comfortable to me...and I cannot imagine actually sitting on it to eat at that table...window looks too bare as does the table top...entire room lacks interest and does not look finished (to me at least).

[westend104]

Many thanks, Brooke, and thanks for watching! The homeowners in this video use their dining room all the time instead of keeping it for formal dinners. They meet their accountant there, spread projects out on the table, and even plan to add a tv in the bookshelves (they have a cable hookup on the large bottom shelf. Very practical and multi-use.

[brooke127]

I like it. Well done. :)