GO BOLD
“Some people worry that they will tire of color and pattern. But a bolder room creates more interest, which lends itself to longevity.”
Choose saturated color—not necessarily dark, but saturated. Color can be soft and dramatic. Layer a variety of tones or variations of the same hue. As the designers put it, “All blues are friends.”
MAKE IT PERSONAL
“It’s not just using tons of stuff. Find pieces that represent your interests.”
The designers can’t overstate the importance of layers. It’s not about adding more, but adding meaning. Always include at least one unexpected element, because drama comes from pairing the unexpected.
MIX, DON’T MATCH
“It is so much more fun to see what the person is actually reading versus books on the shelves that were purchased because of their spine color.”
Designer Marianne Strong believes a room loses its appeal when everything matches. It begins to feel like a showroom rather than a true reflection of the people who live there. Her goal is to walk into a space and immediately imagine the story of who calls it home.
BE PATIENT
“We don’t want to create a room that feels like the dramatic, attention-seeking person at the party. Instead, what feels like the good storyteller—timeless, collected, not trendy.”
Any good room takes time. While lacquered walls, wallpaper, and upholstery can be installed quickly, art, books, and collected details need months to come together. If everything is forced at once, it shows.
START SMALL
“Successful dramatic rooms are ones you want to hang out in. They are inviting, not jarring, and feel like a hug.”
If you’re drama-shy, small spaces are easier and less of a commitment. Try going bold in a powder room, hallway, or home office first.
FIND BALANCE
“In design, the boundary between an eclectic, well-edited ‘more is more’ mix and a chaotic hodge-podge is remarkably delicate.”
Balance bold, layered moments with calm, serene spaces. Those quieter areas are what keep an eclectic interior from tipping into chaos.
Resources
INTERIORS: Marianne Strong Interiors BUILDER: McGuire Construction LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Dave Eyrich STYLING: Lindsey Ellis Beatty
