Today, eclectic design is the trend in home décor and the style of choice for many. Mixing styles and periods is oh so fresh and modern. However, it wasn’t always that way. Eclectic décor was once a necessity for college dorm rooms and starter homes where budgets didn’t allow for matched furnishings. There are still some guidelines to follow to get eclectic just right, and we’ll show you how.

Let’s Start with a Definition.

Eclectic is simply the blending of multiple décor styles – rustic with urban, traditional with contemporary, country with chic – you get the idea. Eclectic is sensory rich, sophisticated and synergistic. It’s mixing old with new, shiny with muted, bold with soft. There’s a certain anything goes about it, yet when you look closer, eclectic is never random.

Go Easy on Colours.

Repetition of colours unifies eclectic décor. Stick to a limited palette and use it throughout your space. Neutrals work well too, bringing together multiple elements with the subtlety of neutral colours to anchor them. For example, a traditional sofa paired with metal, modern chairs works when the look is grounded in a simple colour scheme. With neutral hues, you can also be more adventurous with textures and patterns, enhancing your eclectic style even further.

Connect with Patterns & Shapes.

Speaking of patterns, another unifying trick is to repeat patterns and shapes in your eclectic room – stripes, curves and geometrics, for example. Curved legs on a table can be echoed in artwork; throw cushions can match a circle pattern in wallpaper and so on.

Choose Furnishings with the Same Wood/Paint Finish.

One of the easiest ways to create cohesion in an eclectic room is to choose one wood finish and use it throughout. This enables you to mix styles and lines as long as they are connected through finish. For example, don’t mix glossy dark woods with distressed woods; rather keep all your pieces in one finish or the other. If you have older pieces of furniture, upcycle them with a little DIY refinishing or painting and showcase them proudly with your new pieces in the same finish.

Keep Your Foundation Furniture Simple.

Some say 80% of your space should be one style, leaving 20% to add your eclectic style. Keep this in mind when choosing your core pieces. Go for clean lines, classic style and no heavy ornamentation. You may find that a timeless matched bedroom or dining room suite actually provides an excellent foundation, allowing you to experiment with a range of eclectic accent pieces.

Eclectic is exciting and gives you the freedom to create a truly one-of-a-kind space. Follow our simple guidelines and have fun!