7 Tips for Eclectic Dining Spaces with Karin Orzol

One of the most exciting interior design trends of 2024 is eclectic spaces. They’re bold, vibrant, and utterly personal. It's all about breaking away from conventional rules and embracing an individualistic approach to decorating.

Together with decor and fashion stylist, Karin Orzol, we're exploring creative and accessible ways to infuse your home with a unique blend of style and personality. Karin encourages a playful approach to mixing textures, shapes, and colours, saying, “Think wooden items that look like they've been borrowed from a trendy art exhibit, glassware in colours that didn't exist last season, and high gloss enamel so shiny, you'll need sunglasses.”

In this post, we'll discover tips inspired by Karin's eclectic styling philosophy. Whether you're planning a casual meal or a grand dinner party, this guide will help you create an experience that's as unforgettable as it is unconventional.

1. Embrace Mismatched Tableware

Ditch traditional matching sets and embrace mismatched tableware. This allows you to mix various styles, patterns, and colours to create a dining table that's a visual feast.

Think vintage plates paired with organic condiment sets, or classic leather trays juxtaposed with handcrafted bowls. This mix not only adds a touch of personality to your meals but also makes each dining experience unique.

2. Curate Meaningful Decor Pieces

Personalise your space with items that have a story to tell. This could be a handcrafted platter from an artisan you discovered on a European getaway or locally made wall art.

These pieces bring personality to your space and make it uniquely yours. They also serve as focal points and conversation starters, infusing your home with a sense of adventure and history.

3. Play with Your Napkins

Elevate your table setting by experimenting with napkins in varying shades of your favourite colour. This strategy adds a dynamic and playful touch to your dining experience.

For example, if you love the outdoors, mix napkins in greens, olives, and rust shades for a forest-inspired theme. This adds visual interest and allows for creative expression within a cohesive colour palette.

4. Rethink Your Centrepiece

Instead of a traditional centrepiece, decorate your table with a collection of vases in various shapes and sizes. This take on table decoration creates a more relaxed and organic feel.

Some vases can hold tall, dramatic blooms, while others can cradle wildflowers or lush greenery. This arrangement creates a sense of movement, turning your dining table into a living piece of art.

5. Vary Candle Heights and Holders

Transform your dinner table into a landscape of light by using candles of different heights and shapes. Place these candles in an assortment of holders—think antique brass stands, minimalist ceramic plates, and rustic wooden bowls.

6. Elevate the After-Dinner Experience

Make your after-dinner coffee and drinks a memorable affair. Instead of serving everything on a tray, consider mismatched organic platters or create a multi-level display using stacks of books on your coffee table.

This not only adds height but also introduces an element of surprise and sophistication. Incorporate unique serving bowls and vessels for serving nuts, cheese, and snacks, and choose pieces that complement your overall decor.

7. Luxurious Liquor Presentation

Present your liquors in a way that elevates the entire drinking experience. Decanting spirits into cut glass decanters not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of old-world charm.

Display these decanters on a beautifully crafted leather tray, creating an elegant and cohesive look. Complement this setup with high-end coasters made of materials like marble, stone, leather, or brass. These luxurious details not only protect surfaces but also add a layer of sophistication.