The Eclectic style combines elements from at least two decorating styles. You can choose from the following: Art Deco, Asian, Coastal/Nautical, Contemporary, Country Cottage, European (Tuscan), French Country, Gothic, Medieval, Mission/Arts & Crafts, Moroccan, Retro, Rustic, Shabby Chic/Vintage, Southwest, Traditional, Transitional, Tropical, Victorian, and Western.
The beauty with an eclectically decorated home is that it does not adhere to one major style and it gives you the opportunity to be creative by incorporating other styles. This makes for a very exciting and interesting home. To begin this process, you may click on the above mentioned styles to learn more about their characteristics. In doing so, it will give you a chance to explore what themes will work best for your personal taste.
Although Eclectic decorating is warm and welcoming, this design can be tricky. This style can be effectively implemented if the principles of design are understood, which are: line, color, texture, proportion, and form. Even though some styles are very different, you can successfully pull off combining them if you understand what works together. You may, for instance, find that in combining the richness of the Asian style with the bold colors used in the contemporary style that these two styles complement one another in a unique way. For color, try to stick with a few neutral colors to help bring all of the elements together, especially when using rich colors like red and gold. This will prevent the design from being forgotten among the many hues.
When selecting furniture pieces, use the lines, finishes, and materials of these pieces as a guide to help you find a common element, such as the fabric or paint color.
The multitude of fabrics available partly defines the eclectic style, whether they are of a solid color, patterned, or textured. Once you choose a color scheme, consider including a neutral color as your foundation, and then add colored and textured solids, patterns, and trims, tassels, or fringe.
Lastly, a combination of accessories completes the Eclectic look. For instance, you can combine a black and white trinket with a bronze statue in a room that is painted gold.
This is your chance to be creative and let your imagination run free.
