Themes or Chaos?

picture is hilarious

David- Themes can be tricky.  It is okay to use a theme in a general way, like color and feel, but you can easily cross the line by getting too 'literal' with it.

Here is an example:  I am currently working on a property with an investor who really wants to play up the Cape Cod angle as that is the style of the house.  It would be really easy to go nautical with navy blue and white, adding seashells, etc.  But that does not really suit everyone's taste (mine, for one).  So we are going more "coastal chic" by using a surf and sand color reference.  The walls are being painted a warm wheat color (sun) the draperies and accents are water (gray blue) with black (rocks/mussels) and white (seashells) case goods.  The upholstered items will follow suit with pale greens (seaglass) beige (sand) and white (again, shells).  You get the feel of the theme, but not the campiness.

To see more color "themes" to made to suit a house see my Blog #1 and Blog #2.  I used color themes in both of these models to compliment the paint already selected and the overall feel of the houses.  Both have warm Autumn tones, but used in a totally different way.

I love this kind of stuff.  I could go on aboput it for days...

 As a side note - the photo is hilarious!  That would definitely be taking the safari theme over the top (I've seen it done!).

I think all the main elements of the home should flow together but be fairly neutral with the furniture and accessories making up the punch or adding in the "theme" so to speak. On a home for sale -coordinated floor covering , sticking with a main wood tone theme, bathroom & kitchen fixtures in the same finish.  You are looking at this a  builder so those would be your main areas of interest.

As a theme goes, I'm more eclectic but to give advice...Stay neutral and do not go too far with a theme.  You don't want the home to look like Elvis Presley's Grace Land!  If you haven't been there, talk about over the top theme!  Try keeping some of your accents the same color like candles, towels, artwork, etc. and that should get you what you need.  If still unsure...hire a professional stager.  LOL  Hope that helps.  By the way, LOVE THE PHOTO! 

Eclectic is a mix of different designs.  A little of this, a little of that.  Accessories from different "themes" or styles, but look good together.  Yes, I have all of this plus full furniture for staging.  Things that can look good in the contemporary to the very traditional home.  I bet you could find a quick on day course in your area for Staging or maybe that same topic at the local library or college.  That would help explain things in much more detail.  Hope this helps.