Random would simply make no sense, and randomly placed or selected items would only stand out, jar your impression or just feel wrong. On the other hand, eclectic pieces need to have a sense of style, that is definite enough to take a shared stage amongst other interesting, unique or beautiful things, perhaps in complete opposition to each other. A strong sense of design is needed to build an underlying theme of a room to use eclectic, seemingly uncoordating pieces to go so well together. I doubt there would be a designer who would think eclectic is the same as random. Although, there are people who have a knack in just putting these spaces together without really being able to articulate why it works, in these cases, the client may question the direction, but results speak for themselves. If it works, it doesn't 'just work' as we say, it is generally very well planned and carefully considered to achieve a random thrown together eclectic room. It can be a celebration of quirky, great, clever or unique in style, colour or design. But the principles to build and coordinate are still necessary to make it work. I personally love bookcases and apocothary drawers, because they house many different objects that I admire for different reasons. They may not all go together, but because they are all houses in one element ( ie bookcase) and they seem to contain their personality on their own niche or shelf, making he overall collection 'eclectic'. However, they are just individual groupings of things that have merit. According to me- the 'collector'. Your eye will define what on what grounds something holds merit, and so real eclectic is determined by you, the client, and never really the designer!

I love the idea of your cupboards 'floating' between two windows. OK, thinking about the whole privacy issue, let's treat it a bit like a risk assessment... I gather we're talking about the side of the house, gap, fence, gap, neighbour's wall. Concentrating on the splashback window, it seems there are two issues, the neighbour looking in from their window and a random peeper. It seems to me the probablity of the neighour looking in is fairly high, more from useage, rather than deliberate spying. The consequence, lack of privacy. What controls can you put in place: solid wall (no window), screen along fence to minimise sight line (probably fairly easy, depends on fence), smart glass (expensive), blinds (aesthetics and practicality/cleaning issues). Residual risk/issues is a bit hard to quantify, as it really comes down to would you be comfortable in your own home with the lights on and the control/s in place. Moving on to the Random Peeper, which to my mind the likelihood is a lot lower. Consequence is the same as above, so IMO has a lower ranking. Controls: Barrier as in a fence or gate to reduce easy access (should be fairly straight forward), smart glass and blinds as above. Residual risk, as above. What do you think?

Beautiful table, re upholstering the chairs and updating the area where they are would be a good start, add some colour to,the room and a floor rug. when I saw the first picture I thought paint it but not so sure once I saw the lovely carved legs I became stuck on the decision. I painted my traditional dining table and changed the area it was in but mine was nothing special, a reproduction made of rubber-wood, beautifully made table but no vintage piece of furniture .. I did a story on it in Houzz called painting a table if you wanted to have a look. Another option could be to paint the chairs as well reupholstering them but leave the table as is. Good luck, hard one

I have a stool on the kitchen side of the island and love it. It does men you lose a cupboard to allow for the stool , and the space between the island and kitchen bench needs to be at least 1200- mine is 1400. It is great for socialising around the bench. It seems to be where we all gather- I can sit and join in, organise food, drinks easily. It works so well 2 of my friends have incorporated the idea into their kitchens.