Eclectic Decorating

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Jan 15, 2012 in Home & Beyond

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Eclectic decorating is a great idea for those who want to save money or can't decide on a particular theme. Eclecticism is combining different styles & textures to create a functional yet diverse decor. (The elements in my bedroom above are traditional, modern & shabby chic.) Though everything doesn't have to match perfectly, a balance should be acheived. The following guidelines can help.

1.   Color - Begin with a neutral palette.  It allows you to place more items in a room without worrying about a color theme. Solid colored walls & flooring, like off-white, grey or beige, provide a good canvas for furniture, fabrics & artwork in a variety of other hues. If your walls already have patterns or multi-colors on them, go with solid colored furniture pieces.

2. Anchors - Choose two anchor pieces from which you can draw inspiration. These can be anything: a work of art, a rug, vase, chest of drawers, anything. Then select complementary items based on color, finish, period, style, etc. to create a polished look. My anchors for my bedroom above are the Hand-Painted Plate Collection ($49.99 at Pier1.com) & *Libris 3-Drawer Chest (on sale for around $275 last summer at Pier1.com).  I used them to tie in other elements with similar hues, lines, materials & patterns.

3.  Contrast - Don't be afraid to use both dark & light colors, different textures & patterns, or varying heights of shelves, furniture & lighting.  You can also use elements that are of the same height, but differ in styles, such as chairs around a dining room table. Or hang wall art of dissimilar shapes & sizes at the same eye level.

4. Uniqueness - The main point of eclectic decorating is that it alows you to define your personality through your home. Incorporate your own artwork, photos & collections, display your favorite kitschy objects, create a mood. I wanted a relaxed feel in my room above, so I added decorative *Butterfly Pillar Candles (on sale for $3.00 / ea. last summer at Pier1.com) & an EnviraScape Garden Leaves Fountain (on sale for $52.00 at KineticFountains.com).

Do you have an eclectic room? What is its mixture of styles / objects? Do you display your own artwork? Do tell!

Styleboard Notes:

Total for items on board = around $1400.
* No longer available.

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Comments (14)

I love eclectic decorating. I remember one year when we bought our house, it was in the '80s and the fad was "Southwestern." I had everything Southwestern. One style can get old after awhile, and then the styles change & it's like you have to re-decorate all over again :) Report Spam Posted by luv2kreate at 3:55 PM on 01/16/12
I know what you mean. It also gets expensive when you have to buy new things to fit one theme! Report Spam Posted by cimino68 at 4:29 PM on 01/16/12
Very cool blog! Report Spam Posted by harlot at 4:35 PM on 01/16/12
I like a mix of shabby chic,rustic and vintage,but wouldn't include modern in the mix..... Report Spam Posted by artisangoods at 4:39 PM on 01/16/12
Yes, matchy matchy can be so restrictive. Report Spam Posted by markblemish at 8:06 PM on 01/16/12
Lovely look and thank you for sharing <3 Love, Linda Report Spam Posted by hawklns1 at 5:45 AM on 01/17/12
Hmm, my house is eclectic, but not by choice! I like the idea, it suits my hubby's personal style Report Spam Posted by doubleletterlady at 7:59 AM on 01/17/12
I love an eclectic style of decorating but because I am quite messy by nature an eclectic home would soon become an untidy home! Report Spam Posted by x0xsharicex0x at 1:11 PM on 01/17/12
Lovely! Although, for my personal taste I would go with a leather chair maybe instead of wicker, but that's only for me haha! Great ideas! thanks! Report Spam Posted by kaitlyn_kowalski at 8:17 PM on 01/17/12
A very lovely mix of designs, shapes and colors. What a unique mix of styles. That book table is awefully cute :-) Report Spam Posted by jennyeezd at 10:11 PM on 01/17/12
I have a decorating theme (crazy, forgetful librarian, haha) but eclectic definitely sounds like the way to go for people who are prone to style fatigue. Much easier to make subtle changes over time! Report Spam Posted by alicatstrut at 8:31 AM on 01/18/12
i always decorate Eclectic, I love it, It always comes out more personal Report Spam Posted by rainingmoon at 12:40 AM on 01/19/12
Thanks Report Spam Posted by lissln at 10:27 AM on 01/19/12
Love the color palette the combo looks wonderful together!!! : } Report Spam Posted by kelsjax at 8:51 PM on 01/25/12