How to Decorate With an Eclectic Style

Eclectic styling can take your room from boring to funky chic in no time. Eclecticism is the combining of many different styles and textures to create a functional yet diverse decor. While there are no black and white rules to the eclectic style, these guidelines will help you create a space with refinement as well as loads of personality.

Instructions

1. Identify three decor anchors. These will be the basic starting point for the entire design of the room. It's very easy to get carried away with an eclectic design, and end up with a hodge-podge look as opposed to the funky yet polished appearance eclecticism is supposed to provide. The anchors you identify will prevent this. One of your anchors should be a color. This color choice is entirely a matter of personal taste. There are no color limits or guidelines within the eclectic style. A good starting point for this anchor is to go to a local paint store and look at the swatches. See which color speaks to you and take that paint swatch with you. It will really come in handy when you're doing your shopping.

2. The other two anchor pieces you choose can be anything: a vase, table linen or even a piece of artwork. You are only limited by your imagination. You don't have to provide an explanation to yourself or to anyone else why you choose these anchor pieces. Simply choose objects that speak to you. So if you're drawn to an antique box for no apparent reason, go with it! Follow your instincts to create a space that is truly inspirational to you. While these two anchors do not have to be the same color (or even close) as the color you chose for your first anchor, try to select complimentary items. By making sure that your three anchor pieces are related in some way (such as complimentary coloring, style, period, etc.), you will ensure yourself a polished eclectic space.

3. Go shopping for decor that falls into the same tread as one or more of your anchor pieces. Look for similarities in styling, color, period, texture and finish. Always keep the anchor pieces in mind (and if possible, in hand) while shopping. While an eclectic style rejects a "matchy" environment, tying everything in the room back to one of your three anchor pieces will provide a crisp, clean look to the room. The closer the decor pieces you by are related to your anchor pieces, the more you can buy. So if you're buying pillows exactly the color of you first anchor, for example, go nuts and buy dozens for a funky lounge look. On the other hand, if you’re buying in contrasting color, decorate sparingly. Once again, this will avoid a potentially cluttered look.

4. Art is one of the most important facets of establishing an eclectic style. A great idea for establishing a room uniquely your own is to create your own artistic displays using personally made art or photographs. The key is to create contrast within your pieces of art. So if you're using photos, for example, print some in color, some in sepia, some in black and white, and hang them in a variety of different frame styles. Artistic displays in eclectic styling literally have no limits so take advantage of this opportunity to express yourself!