Home Home Decor Eclectic Décor Is All About the Unexpected—Here's How to Make It Look Cohesive It might seem intimidating, but eclectic décor is simply about creating a visually interesting home that is inherently you. By Nina Derwin Nina Derwin Nina Derwin is a Brooklyn-based writer with a passion for home decor, cleaning and organization, and food. Editorial Guidelines Published on July 9, 2024 Close Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Lewis If there’s one word that best characterizes eclectic design, it’s unexpected. If you’ve heard the term used to describe a broad assortment of spaces, it’s because eclectic design doesn’t refer to one specific style. Eclectic design is fundamentally about mixing and matching a wide range of décor to create a space that is surprising, personal, and visually interesting. "Eclectic design is all about creating a harmonious blend of various styles, textures, and colors to reflect a unique and personalized aesthetic," says Erin Lichy, an interior designer and founder of Homegirl. It’s a style that brings balance and cohesion, blending vintage pieces with new finds, bold hues with soft shades, and structure with fluidity. The beauty of eclectic design is that it looks different for everyone. There are no hard and fast rules, just helpful strategies to draw forth your unique style based on your personality and taste. When you’re ready to take the leap and start incorporating some unpredictability into your home décor, consider these designer-approved tips. Erin Lichy, interior designer and founder of Homegirl Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio Jeff Andrews, principal designer and founder of Jeff Andrews Design How to Embrace Slow Decorating, a Décor Trend That Encourages You to Create a Collected Look 01 of 09 Begin With a Neutral Base Courtesy of Jeff Lewis One of the most universal tips for creating an eclectic home décor style is to begin with a neutral base, which serves as a blank canvas for the rest of your pieces and ideas. Neutral, however, does not necessarily mean plain. "I suggest starting small by incorporating raked plaster or other neutral details before layering the space with eye-catching elements such as sculptural lighting for some added depth," says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio. 02 of 09 Add Pops of Color Courtesy of Erin Lichy A neutral base allows experimenting with color in plenty of unexpected ways. While throw pillows and blankets in your living room are fun and easy to style, don’t forget about other rooms of your house, too. For example, if you’ve got sleek and simple appliances in your kitchen, you can incorporate color in other ways. "Original, edgy, or vintage décor elements such as statement lighting” are great choices, as is a colorful backsplash, cabinets, and decorative hardware, says Jeff Andrews, founder of Jeff Andrews Design. 8 Ways to Bring Color Into Your All-White Kitchen Without Renovating 03 of 09 Embrace Patterns Courtesy of Shade Degges Patterns can be intimidating initially, but thoughtfully chosen patterns can instantly make any room feel more lively and compelling. "Don’t shy away from patterns," says Lichy. "Whether it’s geometric, floral, or abstract, mixing patterns can add dynamic energy to your décor." The trick to using patterns without making the space feel overwhelming is sticking to a common color theme that ties them together. Pattern Drenching Is About Bold, Complementary Patterns—Here's How to Do It Well 04 of 09 Play With Wallpaper Courtesy of Jeff Lewis Wallpaper is a great way to create a dynamic look and feel in any room. Start with soft, neutral walls, then choose a moodier pattern to offset those softer colors, adding charm and character, suggests Galloway. If you’re afraid to commit to permanent wallpaper or don’t have the budget to have it professionally installed, opt for peel-and-stick wallpaper instead. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and can last for several years. 13 Wallpaper Ideas That Will Elevate Any Room in Your Home 05 of 09 Contrast Is Key Courtesy of Jeff Lewis Creating an eclectic décor style isn’t just about choosing unique pieces; it’s about the contrast between colors, shapes, materials, and styles. "Don’t be afraid to experiment with different periods and styles when you set out to design a home," says Andrews. By incorporating contrasting textures and prints, you can turn an otherwise plain room into an interesting space. 9 Creative Ways to Style All Those Empty Corners in Your Home 06 of 09 Use Statement Lighting Courtesy of Erin Lichy Lighting is an easily overlooked aspect of interior design and home décor, but playing with lighting is a powerful way to contribute to a more eclectic style. "Invest in statement lighting pieces, like chandeliers, floor lamps, or unique pendant lights," says Lichy. Choosing the right lighting creates a focal point in the room and helps set the tone of the space. 07 of 09 Combine the Old With the New Courtesy of Jeff Lewis For Andrews, creating eclectic décor is all about collecting pieces with special meaning over time instead of buying everything all at once. "Collecting and editing go hand in hand," Andrews says. "We fall in love with certain objects as though they are old friends." Even if a piece may not necessarily fall within the aesthetics of your home, Andrews recommends trying to find a way to make it work in your design story. Clustercore Is Trending—and It's the Perfect Decorating Style for Collectors 08 of 09 Consider Your Cabinets Courtesy of Sam Frost Cabinets are functional, but they can also be a beautiful reflection of your personal style and décor. Galloway says they can act as a chic accent piece if given proper attention. "Swapping out your simple wood cabinetry for ones with texture, such as reeding, gives the space a touch that feels fresh, yet timeless." Remember, design is often in the details! 09 of 09 Integrate Greenery Courtesy of Erin Lichy Plants are literally a breath of fresh air in any room, and they help bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors. Adding plants to your home adds to an eclectic style, especially when you choose indoor plants that come in unique or interesting shapes and colors. "Different types and sizes of plants can also add to the visual diversity and warmth of the room," says Lichy. If you have a brown thumb or don’t want to take on the task of caring for plants, consider investing in high-quality artificial plants. They can make the same visual impact with zero maintenance. Biophilic Design Is About Connecting With Nature—Here's How to Utilize the Décor Trend In Your Home Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit