| əˈsen(t)SHəlē |
intrinsic nature of a thing or situation
| əˈklektik |
deriving ideas, style or taste from a broad
and diverse range of sources
| miks |
combine or put together
| stīl |
a distinctive appearance; a particular design;
a manner of doing something
Bridge Water Designs recognizes that when mixing styles, it has the significant potential to add interest to a room. It draws the observer’s eye to various pieces of furniture that may not all be similar thus peaking curiosity, raising attentiveness and accepting the realization that much thought and planning went into blending choices. Or one may designate one room to be contemporary and another room to function with a more traditional style. The good news is that there is no rule book. What has arrived in the world of design is the liberation of our imagination and the blissful prerogative to go rustic/industrial, to go contemporary, to go traditional, to go bohemian or go wheverever else our heart desires. Side by side or room by room the design can be Essentially Eclectic.
Personal attention to style can originate with a handful of traditional sophistication married with the rustic, weathered farmhouse look of New England. Incorporating a smattering of contemporary pieces with sleek and modern lines while juxtaposing some flea market finds, family heirlooms or reclaimed pieces such as beams or barn doors accentuates the skillful miscellany. Co-ordinating or contrasting industrial hardware, railings and metal fabrications while employing quintessential features such as subway tile and stylish, slip- covered furniture balances the diversifications. This is the
yin and yang of Bridge Water Designs.
Bombay chest accentuated with curved legs and French Provincial armoire adds softness to linear spaces.
Design Thought: If a bedroom is small and additional drawers and cubbyholes are needed, consider going vertical with an armoire or a highboy. They take up less floor space.
Four poster bed in dark mahogany with white Belgium linens and antique chest
Design Thought: Measure ceiling before committing to a four poster or canopy bed. Guidelines suggest a minimum of 12 inches clearance from the height of the ceiling to the top of the post.
Tight-back upholstered sofa in ticking stripe fabric with Lawson styled arms and decorative nailheads fits into any style.
Design Thought: Ticking fabric works well in high use areas, is durable for everyday use and holds up well to washing. It is tightly woven and very sturdy.
Bohemian chest houses traditional lamp with ticking stripe shade.
Design Thought: When purchasing small tables measure the height and refer to standard guidelines to know how best it can be used. For that eclectic feel mix the style of the nightstands while maintaining the same height on either side of the bed.
Habersham ladderback chair with Visual Comfort antique wood chandelier
Design Thought: With the outdoor view through the window perfectly centered in the doorway, one can add a rustic Dovetail accent table and lamp to stylize the bathroom entry.
Farmhouse table, black rustic pendants and asparagus green slatback chairs upholstered in a neutral colored Frieze′ fabric
Design Thought; Frieze′ fabric is 100% cotton and has a heavy, warp yarn pile with a closed loop that makes it very strong, durable and absorbent; important for use with dining chairs.
Family memories are created with artfully hung portraits. In this gallery some original pictures date back to the 1860’s.
Design Thought: To achieve a historical gallery like this, try to interview older living relatives and friends. Collect as many pictures as possible and choose the ones that have the most meaning. Reprint them in black and white (or sepia tones) lay the framed pictures on the floor before hanging and arrange and re-arrange the sizes and shapes until satisfied. Before nailing any holes, trace around each picture on kraft paper, then cut out. Use painter's tape to hang each cutout. Re-arrange until you find a look that you love. Keep small groups of like frames together to form some symmetry. Mix sizes and shapes for an interesting look. Keep matting the same for identical frames. Blend in an accent color on smaller 5x7 frames to add some allure that beckons shades from other areas of the home.
Century Furniture casual slipcovered chair in same CR Laine fabric as custom duvet on contemporary upholstered bed
Design Thought: Bedroom spacing should accommodate a bed, dresser or chest of drawers, one chair or bench. Two bedside tables are important to place lamps for additional lighting, a clock, glass of water or reading material.
A casual slipcovered sofa, two striped side chairs, a traditional tight-back upholstered arm chair, rustic console table, stylish end tables, metal lamps, paisley draperies and creme-colored area rug lend a cohesive look to eclectic pieces.
Resources:
Sofa: VanGuard with Miles Talbot “Washed Turks” fabric
Side Chairs: Hickory Chair with Miles Talbot “Washed Caicos” fabric
Accent Chair: CR Laine with Robert Allen “Dignified” fabric
Console Table: Century Furniture
Throw: Pottery Barn
Side Tables: Habersham
Lamps: Visual Comfort
Area Rug: Nourisan “Grosse Point”
Drapery Fabric: Lee Jofa “Medina”
Design Thought: Console tables placed behind a floating sofa can delineate spaces in an open floor plan.
Mix it up and go eclectic in the dining room
Design Thought: Look for six of those 80’s chairs from your local flea market and paint the frames bright yellow. Purchase six to eight of your favorite fabrics in different styles and colors: stripes, florals, checks, etc. Reupholster in different shapes and sizes with no particular symmetry using all selected fabrics.
