Today is Day 19 of a 31 day series on creating and cultivating an eclectic home. For some crazy reason, I have accepted The Nester’s challenge to write on the same theme every day for the month of October. This may end up killing me. Or you. But, I appreciate you reading and welcome your comments.
One of my favorite parts about putting together an eclectic room is that it is so easy to add an element of surprise. I love that someone can walk into my home and be delightfully shocked by something fun I have placed in a room. I think that every eclectic home is well served by a few whimsical surprises, be they an old piece repurposed in a fun way or something that’s new and creative.
In the last month, the favorite in my home has been the real drum shade pendant. It’s great to see the look on someone’s face when they go from thinking it’s an interesting light fixture to actually realizing that it’s made from a drum.
I also love hearing the squeals of delight, from children and adults alike, when my son escorts them into his bedroom.
The question, “Is that a dead tree in your entry way?” is always a good one, too.
I have two small but fun surprises that I’m working on for my bedroom right now. What surprises would I find if I walked into your home?
The drum shade light is so cool! Love the creativity and the surprise.
In my house you’d find a mannequin leg used as a vase, a dresser with no drawers for a media console, and a painters dropcloth turned into a rug. Then there are some other less weird but still uncommon things, like a sofa in the dining room and a dining table used as a desk. I love surprises!
I love surprises because of people’s reactions, just like you said! We have lights made out of applesauce jars, which people ask about, and had a ladder hanging horizontally on the wall at our apartment. Fun stuff. Love the dead tree. 🙂
“SURPRISE”, my house is not finished!
Your drum shade is a great project!!! I think the Barn Door Cabinets I made last week might be an “element of surprise”….Great advice, I think I need to add more surprise!
My elements of surprise…the real-looking fake banana tree in the foyer (picked up for free off the side of the road)…the bakers rack used as an entertainment center…and the orange-and-hot-pink guest bathroom!
The tree in the foyer is a hoot. I love it!! I have always loved an element of surprise in my home and, when I was younger, my clothing and hair. In the 5th grade, around 1966, I had a very mod orange, black and white dress. I wore one white fish net stocking and one orange one. I thought I looked awesome!!! Great post.