Modern Eclectic [Hardcover]

Orianna Fielding Banks (Author), Michael Banks (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 18, 2001

Beyond minimalism there is a more ornamental approach to modern interiors. By combining interesting antiques and modern design classics with today's furniture we can satisfy our yearning for individualism while retaining a thoroughly modern look. Modern Eclectic is the ultimate guide to modern eclecticism. Using actual examples of eclectic interiors, including her own, Orianna Feilding-Banks explains how inventive use of unusual textures and colours and the use of one-off, commissioned pieces as focal points can create unique and individual interiors. Combine an antique chandelier with modern aluminium blinds or a generous red sofa with a unique modern sculpture; there are no rules, if you like it and it looks good - mix it. More than 200 photographs, especially shot in Europe and America by photographer Michael Banks and a comprehensive source guide will help to guide and inspire.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Rebelling against minimalism, many contemporary artists, architects, and interior designers have created their own domestic style, which the Bankses here dub modern eclecticism. This style is a flamboyant and sometimes jarring mix of texture, pattern, color, and shape that pairs modern design classics with antiques and ethnic decorative accessories. A well-illustrated presentation of this do-it-yourself style, this work is appropriate for large interior design collections.

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Orianna Fielding-Banks has an interior design practice and contemporary furnishings gallery called Pure in London's fashionable Shoreditch. She lives in Belsize Park, London. As well as showcasing her own furniture designs and the work of other young designers, the gallery sells modern classics from the 20th century. Orianna is co-author of Loft Living and is resident designer on ITV's Better Homes and This Morning shows.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Mitchell Beazley (October 18, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840003413
• ISBN-13: 978-1840003413
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,060,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational!, July 5, 2006

By 

Until Dawn (San Diego, Ca USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Modern Eclectic (Hardcover)

"Beyond minimalism there is a more ornamental approach to modern interiors." This statement couldn't be more true and this book is a great guide on navigating the marriage of the contrasting styles. I've often felt that contemporary design was visually a work of art that was cold, but when one chooses the perfect peices it can lead to the most accurate embodiment of personal style.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting photos, art is not always comfy living..., June 9, 2010

By 

Mcfynnan (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Modern Eclectic (Hardcover)

Striking photographs of interiors, few would want to live inside. These are eclectic photos of intriguing items with no thought to function or comfort. For example, throwing a sofa, a huge piece of art and neon sign with nothing else and a house full of such rooms implies the rooms are for a gallery and not for living, sleeping, working or interacting. These are not added to with any advice for decorating or informative data about the items either. For instance, I love a chair inside but it's described as "antique chair". How is that going to help me find one like it? This is a coffee table book, not a how-to book at all.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, August 22, 2005

By 

C. Gettig - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Eclectic (Hardcover)

I loved this book. The images and narratives were great. Highly recommended.