Kitchen Workbook: 10 Elements of an Eclectic Kitchen (2024)

1. A fashionable mix. Just like a DJ that's sampling tunes or a fashionista mixing clothing, attempting the art of the mix can go awry on a drop of a dime. It can become a cacophony of sound or a clashing of pattern on pattern. Believe it or not, eclectic design actually involves a ton of restraint, and I'm not sure about others, but for me it involves a lot of trial-and-error editing. This kitchen's mix-master elements: its simple farmhouse-style cabinets, butcher block top and bar stools mixed with the elegant glass chandeliers and marble countertops, and a dash of whimsy thrown in with the wallpaper and bright colors.

2. Well-traveled flair with modern touches. I love this kitchen's bohemian feel. In my book, you can never go wrong mixing modern molded white plastic chairs and a vintage Kilim rug. And not to mention, who thinks of doing that in a kitchen in the first place? Most people would put an island in here. The cabinets have an Asian flair, while the modernism of the lights, appliances and chairs creates an unexpected tension.

4. Masculine, moody and elegant aspects. Not all eclectic kitchens have to be a study in mixing and contrast on every level; some are more quietly eclectic. I love the simple mix of the dark lacquered modern cabinets and ethnic patterned tile on one full wall (how it's meant to be done.) And the antique brass hardware is a wonderful accent that many would overlook and just default to silver.

5. A modern, colorful and global outlook. Another fabulous mix of styles and color. The colors and lighting are decidedly ethnic, but the walnut cabinets are earthy modern. What's interesting is that the tile is really simple and unadorned, but with that color mixed with the Venetian plaster feel on the walls, it looks more ethnic even without a specific pattern. The red bentwood cafe stools add a vintage flair, but in that color mixed with the turquoise tile, they take on a whole new language.

6. Farmhouse, modern and classic facets. Eclectic can be restrained and subtle. The contrasting elements in this kitchen might not be as noticeable at first glance, but there's a subtle tension between styles. The plaster hood and wood cabinets have a European farmhouse feel, while the built-in hutch wall is very classic and something you see in cottage and bungalow homes across the states. The butcher block–topped island has a humble farmhouse feel, while the ubermodern pendant lights and full-height marble backsplash show off a contemporary element and are all the more interesting because they're placed within the context of these other elements.

7. Modern and pretty expressions. Another quietly eclectic kitchen, mostly modern with the simple white cabinets, open shelves and restrained styling on the island. But add in that fabulous embossed patterned tile running up the beam ceiling with the four antique brass pendant lights, and you have something completely different and unexpected. Even the counter stools have an attitude of being effortlessly cool.

8. A little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll. There can be an air of irreverence that comes with an eclectic kitchen, a knack for ignoring the rules ... or, frankly, just having the attitude that there are no rules to be ignored in the first place. This kitchen looks like it and the people who live here know how to have fun.

9. French country, modern and industrial style. Country houses are often places where homeowners feel it's safer to ignore the rules and do what they like. There's an attitude of "why not?" And when you let your creativity flow without worrying about its being perfect, you often end up with a much more interesting space. Original oak cabinets were painted white and mixed with an industrial stainless steel island and stools, modern appliances and Mediterranean-style terra cotta tyle with plenty of patina.