A once-minimalist Jersey Shore home became a bold, luxurious retreat where eclectic interior design and color create a joyful, boutique-style experience.
In the world of eclectic interior design, it takes a visionary to orchestrate color, texture, and heritage architecture into something cohesive and luxurious. That’s exactly what interior designer Lucy O’Brien accomplished in a captivating beachfront property. What began as a plain white vacation home with French-Norman bones became an inspiring example of how eclecticism, when executed with intention and flair, can create a true sanctuary.
This project is the epitome of that philosophy, a testament to the transformative power of eclectic interior design.
Embracing Architecture Through Color
Instead of removing the home’s ornate moldings and high ceilings, O’Brien chose to highlight its original architecture. All-white walls felt sterile, so she embraced rich color to add warmth and identity.
Using layered hues and textures, she connected history with modern luxury. This approach embodies eclectic interior design by turning architectural details into meaningful, expressive features.
Children’s Rooms With Personality
Even the children’s bunk rooms were designed with imagination. One bursts with red stripes, a purple ceiling, and gold accents. Another features a hand-painted faux tortoiseshell finish.
These spaces are playful yet polished, echoing the same design principles and fearless color choices central to eclectic interior design.
Global Inspiration, Local Charm and Layers of Color and Texture
O’Brien blended influences from Marrakech, Jaipur, and coastal New Jersey, creating an atmosphere that feels like a boutique hotel in a faraway city—yet remains deeply grounded in its beachside location. Inspired by India’s City Palace, the living room showcases pastel shades, gold accents, and bold geometric patterns. The use of moldings to create painted zones adds both structure and whimsy, perfectly exemplifying the essence of eclectic interior design.
In the dining room, the walls boast a periwinkle hue inspired by a swimsuit in an Alex Katz painting. Vintage chairs, reupholstered in vivid chartreuse velvet, surround a classic wood table beneath delicate ribbon trim. This refined maximalism, a hallmark of eclectic interior design, combines layers of color and texture to create a rich sensory experience that is both bold and sophisticated.
A Joyful Transition: The Gumdrop Hallway
Named for its colorful spirit, the Gumdrop Hallway showcases jungle wallpaper, Danish globe lighting, and bright hues.
This corridor is more than a passage—it is a considered design feature that demonstrates how eclectic interior design brings beauty to every corner, including spaces often overlooked. It transforms a functional area into a striking moment of character and personality, reinforcing the home’s cohesive yet layered aesthetic.
Outdoor Moments With Meaning
The ocean-view terrace features a custom Indian wedding tent—ornate, theatrical, and full of personality. It turns the exterior into an immersive part of the home, where artisanal craftsmanship meets coastal elegance.
This seamless connection exemplifies eclectic interior design at its finest. The layered textiles, intricate patterns, and bold colors create a sense of curated luxury. It invites guests to linger outdoors while feeling completely connected to the home’s unique design narrative.
Curated Collectibles: Personal Touches That Matter
What sets eclectic interior design apart is the ability to incorporate meaningful objects into the space. From flea market finds to heirloom art, every piece can contribute to the story of the home.
In this project, handpicked accessories—ceramic vases, vintage lamps, and textured sculptures—add soul to the interiors. Each item brings history, contrast, and conversation.
Material Mix and Lighting as Sculpture
A defining characteristic of eclectic interior design is the bold interplay of materials and lighting. In this home, glossy lacquer meets raw wood, velvet pairs with rattan, and brass contrasts with linen—creating a tactile, sensory-rich environment.
These material juxtapositions bring balance rather than excess, emphasizing harmony through contrast. Lighting also plays a central role, with sculptural statement pieces—from Danish globe pendants to antique chandeliers—acting as functional art.
Rather than matching, each fixture is selected to elevate the atmosphere and deepen the design narrative, reinforcing the layered essence of eclectic interior design.
Why Eclectic Design Works
This home proves that eclectic interior design isn’t chaos—it’s curated harmony.
With thoughtful layering of materials, colors, and cultural references, each room becomes part of a larger story. Authenticity is the heart of this design approach, giving each element meaning and context.
Your Turn to Embrace Eclecticism
Ready to move beyond minimalism? Let eclectic interior design tell your story.
Start with one bold piece—sculptural lighting, a vibrant rug, or velvet chairs. Build around it with textures like lacquer, brass, or silk.
Use color confidently. Don’t limit it to walls—bring it to ceilings, furniture, and floors. Let each choice reflect your personality through eclectic interior design
Design Without Limits
If you’re ready to move beyond predictable trends and craft a space that is daring, layered, and unmistakably yours, HOMMÉS Studio is here to inspire every step of that transformation.
Explore our latest arrivals and discover designs that challenge convention, provoke emotion, and breathe life into your interiors.
Source: LUXE
