Do you like a wide variety of styles in your home? Do you prefer
things that aren’t “matchy matchy”? Do you like to think outside of the
box when it comes to home decor – maybe even think up new uses for
traditional items? If so, you actually have a style, and it’s called
Eclectic!
Though the word “eclectic” has been around for a long
time, it has only recently become known as a decorating style. Eclectic
style decorating got its start via the fine arts and architecture when
pioneers prided themselves on the fact that they didn’t adhere to any
particular style, then set about doing their own thing.
However, their work was so successful that their plan appears to
have backfired, and these pioneers actually birthed what became known as
the Eclectic decorating style.
A person who likes an eclectic
style will not adhere to one decorating style, but instead chooses what
they feel is the “best” of a few particular decorating styles and
incorporates those elements into their home.
Because of this premise, many mistake the Eclectic style as an
anything-can-go way of decorating, but the true Eclectic style is a very
purposeful and well thought-out way of decorating.
Think of the
Eclectic style as a borrowing of various styles while creating a
cohesive look through color, texture and/or shape. A good definition of
Eclectic style decorating is “a careful gathering of interesting
elements that all work together.”
Typical characteristics of an Eclectic style space:
- Calm mix of periods and styles
- Neutral background colors
- Unexpected use of materials and/or items
- Uniqueness in art and furnishings
- A “pulling together” through pattern, shape, texture, finish or color
- Lack of clutter – everything has its place
- Old easily mixed in with new
- Handmade items or items with sentimental value
- Celebration of contrasts
