exploring eclectic style
While ‘eclectic’ is a fairly broad term in the world of interiors, it’s in this loose definition that designers make their style their own. And that’s no easy thing. With so many visual elements at play, it takes a skilled eye to find the happy harmonies between the colliding patterns, hues and objects.
But Lily Sawyer makes eclectic look effortless in her living room transformation. As the creative mind behind interior design Instagram profile, Layered Home, Lily has made a name for herself in designing stunning spaces that are a riot of colour but don’t neglect the need for comfort and calm.
We spoke to her about what inspired her living room look, as well as her own personal philosophy on interior design.
What motivated you to get into interiors in the first place?
"To begin with, I knew nothing about interiors at all, My training has been in art and teaching. But I have always been more on the creative side, and when I quit my job to raise a family, I was looking for a creative outlet.
Over the years these creative outlets grew from painting to photography to interiors. I see interiors as I see painting - putting elements and colours together until the overall composition and result feels right.
It's very personal and subjective and so the closest known description for it would probably be 'eclectic' as it's a mishmash of anything. Anything that takes my fancy, I love the look of, brings me joy."
It’s instantly clear that Lily’s selection of finishes and colours is all thoughtfully balanced.
There’s a harmony between the textures - from the plush footstool to the shimmer of gold highlights. Importantly, nothing feels too overwhelming. Far from it.
Her colour palette of blush pinks, calming greens, with light touches of jewel tones give the space an atmosphere of tranquillity. It’s a pleasingly unconventional mix of hues but Lily enjoys finding that balance.
Your living room has a really striking look. How would you describe your process?
"Subconsciously, my aim is probably to have a space that I can relax in and feel at home in, where I am able to be myself without pretence. To put this in concrete terms, I love pattern and colour but recently found that pastels with pops of colour bring a sense of calm and beauty in my space.
And they make me happy. So I'm using pastel pinks, greens and blues, and dashes of reds, orange and yellow with some black and whites to pull a space together.
This may sound like chaos but I hate chaos so I strive to somehow bring order into this chaos so that the result is calm and clutter-free"
says Lily Sawyer.
Lily Sawyer on her style
There are no rules really apart from these two.
1) No clutter - there has to be some kind of order; and 2) Contrast - emphasise some things and use others as background.
Looking at Lily’s living room design, it’s anything but chaotic.
From the soothing colour palette to the subtle balance of all the visual components, you can see all of the minute considerations that blend the look together.
Though there’s plenty to keep the eye satisfied, what’s on show is carefully planned. Messiness is a no-no.
What element are you most proud of in this room?
"I really love it that the built-in shelves look like they have always been a part of the house. They belong in the space and that to me feels so satisfying.
What is also very satisfying is that I was able to maximise the storage in this room even with these open shelves! So it's a win-win: displaying items in the open beautifully and packing out all the storage areas to the max.
I love the Shaker style and Willow Green colour of the built-in with the beautiful gold handles. I think they add character to the space and complement my existing wallpaper and fireplace.
I also love the dimmer spotlights at the top - not only do they light the plants in my house that don't get plenty of sunlight, they also add mood and atmosphere to the space. I am really pleased with how this room has turned out!"
Lily Sawyer’s top 10 tips to styling your home
Eclectic designs can be stunning, but for a beginner, they can be a daunting prospect. It can feel like there’s a lot to go wrong. With that in mind, we asked her what tips she would give to someone wanting to try an eclectic look…
- Start with focusing on the emotions you want to feel in the space and go from there as you think of your style and design.
- Make decisions and choices for yourself and not for other people. It's your home after all! Whether they are trendy or not, if you love them, don't discount them.
- Don't be afraid of colour and pattern. Play around with ideas that bring you joy and see items in situ, or by creating moodboards, before deciding on something.
- You won't always get things right the first time so allow room for trial and error and mistakes.
- Remember to look at your wardrobe! Often the colours you wear are also the colours you love in your interiors.
- Don't allow yourself to be put in a box. You don't always have to be "contemporary" or "traditional" or "modern". Find yourself even if that means no labels or new labels.
- Be proud of your space. Don't apologise for your choices, style and design.
- If people compliment you for your style, accept it gratefully and be humble. This is true on social media, not only in real life. I also think being able to laugh at yourself is a real gift.
- Don't listen to naysayers, especially if they are strangers. The people you love and trust the most will celebrate your success with you and will always tell you the truth lovingly.
- Nothing is ever finished. So think of it all as a journey. One day, after you think you are done, you may pick it up again and there will be newness on the horizon.
Staying true to your own style
What Lily touches on here is something that frequently goes unnoticed when it comes to eclectic design.
That this style is fundamentally a personal one, reflecting unique personalities and lifestyles that come together to make a space feel original.
So if you’re trying eclectic design for the first time in your own home, be bold, don’t follow the crowd, and through the process discover what’s important to your own interior style.
To discover more about Lily Sawyer’s gorgeous living room alcove storage, take a look at her Customer Story below.
Looking for more inspiration? Beautiful alcove transformation in willow green
A lover of eclectic style, Lily was looking for living room fitted storage with personality. Working with her Sharps designer, she created eye-catching alcove storage with our Willow Green finish.
As well as being wonderfully practical, her new Shaker shelving perfectly frames her stunning feature wall and adds to the colourful design scheme.
