Ideal v Great Deal – splurge or save on key pieces for a relaxed eclectic look

Create an effortlessly characterful feel for your home with these fabulous buys

By Tamara Kelly
published

Vintage pieces, playful pom-poms and statement accessories mix to create this characterful look, that we're calling 'Relaxed Eclectic'. This look is smart with a relaxed edge to keep it looking effortless. It's suitable for all homes, but especially those with existing period features.

See this look brought to life: Look around this cool and classic Victorian semi in Northamptonshire

Start with a few statement accessories to inject some personality – a quirky pineapple lamp is just the thing! Add joyful splashes of colour with cushions and throws. This fail-safe decorating approach can be layered up over time, meaning it just gets better and better. Retaining a primarily neutral backdrop means there's no danger of this look dating – you simply swap in colourful new pieces.

We've found buys at both ends of the price spectrum. Can you tell which is which?

The pineapple lamp

black and white pineapple lamp with white background

(Image credit: TBC)

Lamps don't get much more statement than those in pineapple form! Here, the popular fruity motif helps to add plenty of personality to an everyday item.

Buy now
Ideal: Gold Pineapple Table Lamp, £165, Rocket St George
Great deal: Pineapple Table Lamp, £35, George

The pom-pom basket

pom pom basket with white background

(Image credit: TBC)

These functional but fun baskets provide the perfect stylish storage solution. Both pom-poms and natural weaves are big trends right now, making these a fabulously trendy update for any room.

Buy now
Ideal: Bloomingville Seagrass Basket with Pom Poms, £47, Amara
Great deal: Pom Pom Basket, £35, Olli Ella

The bar stool

bar stool with rustic wood and metal

(Image credit: TBC)

Finish a kitchen island off perfectly with industrial-style bar stools. The use of mixed materials – metal with rustic wood – is what makes this particular design the perfect complement to a broader eclectic look.

Buy now
Ideal: Welles Bar Stool, £129, Swoon
Great deal: Farringdon Acacia Bar Stool, £69, Dunelm

The pom-pom blanket

pom pom blanket with white background

(Image credit: TBC)

Colour, pattern and pom-poms! Either of these throws are great value for money, thanks to the oodles of character they can add to any room.

Buy now
Ideal: Joules Harbour Blanket, £85, House of Fraser
Great deal: Pink & Yellow Cotton Throw, £21, Ian Snow

sunburst and soils spiked wall mirror with white background

(Image credit: TBC)

Bring a ray of sunshine to even the darkest of rooms with a statement sunburst mirror. The gold gilded finish projects an opulent feel without being too fancy, perfect for styling up an eclectic look.

Buy now
Ideal: Large Sunburst Wall Mirror, £125, Out There Interiors
Great deal: Solis Spiked Mirror, £62, Audenza

So, will you spend or save, or meet somewhere in the middle and mix it up?

Tamara Kelly
Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street. 

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