- Shabby chic style isn't about the random collecting of furniture pieces for placement in a room. It is actually a very composed style that relies heavily on choosing colors and pieces that are pastel or white, antique or aged, worn, textural, soft and comfortable. The background is kept neutral and soft, and pieces are mixed together to work as a cohesive whole. The idea is not to jar the eye with pops of color.
- Eclectic style also allows you to mix your cushion fabrics. The difference between eclectic and shabby chic is that eclectic is oriented toward creating contrasts, unusual furniture pairings and creating a wow factor. Again the eclectic room is very carefully designed. Each piece of furniture, art, rugs and drapes are chosen as part of an overall composition. When sofa cushions are mixed, it is because the designer wants to shock the viewer by the unexpected dynamic quality of the mixture.
- Shabby chic rooms favor vintage fabrics, and these materials are often covered with small patterns, flowers and images. One of the more interesting aspects of this style is how such diverse patterns and colors are brought together in a way that makes sense. Stripes and flowers can be friends with plaids and toile. By reducing the overall color palette, the homeowner avoids color pitfalls.
- When designing an eclectic space, creating contrast is part of the look you want, which doesn't mean you should pair any two colors or patterns together. Carefully look at the entire room and how the couch will relate to other items in the room. If you are designing eclectic modern, you may have primary colors mixed with antiques. You still have a color palette for the room. Select two colors that are also present in other elements in the room but will still be surprising when brought together on one sofa.
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