Eclectic Kitchen Design
ec·lec·tec
Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
Source: Oxford Languages
Color Palette
The color palette for your new kitchen needs to be chosen at the start of the design process. The color pallet will act as a guide for the kitchen’s design.
For example, a neutral palette with an accent color will set the stage for many other design choices for the kitchen. Dark colors can create a dramatic character while lighter colors will be more calming. If there is a great deal going on with other design aspects of your kitchen, then some lighter hues may be a good choice. Therefore, it is important that all of the colors for the kitchen are planned out at the start of the design process.
You may also want simple walls. Walls act as a backdrop. Simple wall colors allow you to accent and highlight other design elements. If you desire a dramatic and bold color for your kitchen walls, then you may need to be more subtle with other items so that the walls do not create too much competition for these other items.
Click on any image above to expand.
Patterns and Textures
You, as the homeowner, can bring your personal style into the kitchen with the use of different patterns. Think about the pattern of rough-hewn exposed ceiling joist timbers with smooth marble countertops.
Area rugs, free-standing furniture, cushions, and drapes can have patterns and textures that work together into an eclectic whole.
Below are some kitchens that display pleasing mixture of textures and colors.
Cabinets
Your choice of kitchen cabinetry defines your style and can also work as a contrast against other elements in the space. You may want to focus attention on the countertops, your range and range hood, or other notable appliances.
If this is the case, then select a simpler cabinet style and a more neutral color as a backdrop.
Even with a neutral color and a simple cabinet style you can still consider adding some interesting and complementary hardware to your kitchen cabinets.
Simple white cabinets make everything else stand out.
Kitchen Island
An island can add texture and a contrasting color to your kitchen.
The color of the kitchen island does not need to be the same color as the cabinets. Indeed, choosing a contrasting color can add a very nice and eye-catching aspect to your kitchen. A bold color for the island, such as turquoise or emerald green could be a dramatic fit for your eclectic style.
Note, however, that island chairs should match the style of the island. Too much contrast may result in a disorganized look. Island chairs can be used to add texture to the kitchen but we advise matching the style of the kitchen island.
Kitchen Hardware
Hardware, such as knobs and handles, is often overlooked as a design element. However, they need to blend with the overall design and are important as the hardware can accent the color pallet.
Flooring
There are so many flooring choices that it is impossible to have a boring floor. The floor of your eclectic kitchen can be done with two completely different materials. For example wood flooring in one section and tile in another area.
If you use two different floor types then you can also be creative with the transition from one type to the other. In this example, hexagon tiles and wood planks are mixed together for a pleasing high-impact effect. You could even match the flooring pattern to another pattern in the room with complementing colors.
A design could be simply black and white with an interesting geometric pattern for a modern eclectic. A Mediterranean eclectic floor can add some interesting colors.
An example of two flooring types and a creative transition (photo from Mobalpa)