Today is Day 3 of a 31 day series on creating and cultivating an eclectic home. For some crazy reason, I have accepted The Nester’s challenge to write on the same theme every day for the month of October. This may end up killing me. Or you. But, I appreciate you reading and welcome your comments.
Today we’re going to talk a little bit about defining your eclectic style. There’s a secret to tying together different styles and not ending up with a room that looks like a hodge podge of whatever you found at a thrift store. That secret? You can’t do it all.
Before you take another step towards creating a more eclectic home, you need to define what eclectic style you have (or want to have). For instance, I consider my style Modern Vintage Industrial. Yes, that’s a style that I totally made up. You can make up your own, too.
Why is this important? Well, if I tried to do Modern Vintage Industrial Kitschy Asian Coastal Urban Loft Cottage, it would be too much. WAY too much. Although eclecticism is all about using what you love, I think it’s best styled when you limit your mix of styles to 3 (and 4 at the very most). You will likely gravitate to a few styles that you really love, so narrowing it down shouldn’t be very difficult.
Here are some beautiful examples that I pulled from Pinterest and labeled by style:
Let us know – what’s your eclectic style mix? Can you narrow it down to just three?
Allison says
Hmmm, If I had to pick 3, I would HOPE it would look like ‘Rustic, Cottage, Farmhouse’ 🙂 But something tells me it probably just looks like a chaotic mess 🙂
Charlotte | Living Well on the Cheap says
It’s easier for me to say what’s not included than what is! Definitely not Asian, tribal, Tuscan, or Southwest. But I do have healthy doses of vintage, cottage, modern, and kitschy. I basically abide by the theory that if you absolutely love everything that comes in your house somehow it will all work together.
Teresa S. says
I am traditional coastal country 🙂
Linda @ MyCraftyHomeLife says
I am traveled, Asian, California-Coastal…..I guess!
Kate says
Paradoxically, I’m modern, traditional, and, uh, broke?
Laura says
I would say I am farmhouse cottage traditional? Not exactly sure that is it, but it’s my best guess!
Erin @ His and Hers says
I’ve never thought about it…but now I will! Thanks for the guidance on pinpointing 3 so I don’t end up with a Tribal-Urban-Traditional-Modern-Glam-Farmhouse-French-Rustic-Beachy mess. 🙂
Candice says
I love this post! It’s exactly what I needed to put a name to my style. Right now it’s French – Farmhouse – Traditional. Now, is that what my house has it in? Not really, but when the furniture salesperson asks me what I like, I don’t have to stare blankly back at him or her. Also, it’s already helped me search craigslist. I go to the furniture section and search “French” and I love pretty much everything that comes up! 🙂
Erin says
Contemporary retro international?
alicia says
Parisian flea market, traditional, Austin TX funky
Lisa says
Mid-century Mediterranean garden.
Liz says
I’m mostly Modern with some Traditional and Farmhouse touches.
Jennie says
Classic Global Cozy… I love this series so far! Thanks!
Ann Calhoun says
I would say I’m Vintage, Asian, Modern, Industrial? Although I haven’t done a very good job of mixing it within rooms – it’s mostly one room is Asian, one room is Vintage, etc. But now I’m inspired to mix it up!
Rachelle Miller says
It is tough for me to narrow down, but I guess I’d have to say that I’m Elegant, French, Modern, Whimsy.
Criss says
Farmhouse cottage traditional
megan says
This eclectic series is very helpful. I am designing my new apartment in a new city with my newlywed husband. Surprisingly, and gratefully, he wants to help design our new home. I realized by looking at Pinterest that I leaned toward and Eclectic style. This post has helped me define my style. Design Style: Traditional, Modern, Moroccan.
I have always loved Moroccan style, but I have not wanted to to overwhelm my home. By being eclectic, I can blend these three styles for a fun effect that fits mine and my husbands personality. 🙂
Lindsay Ballard says
Oh, good! I’m so glad you found it helpful. Traditional, Modern, Moroccan sounds like fun!
Mrs. MaDD says
Thank you so much for these posts! My husband and I started reading them as a joke, since our house is currently an “old attic, early basement” aesthetic, with everything scrounged. When we came across you style definition of “Awesome Contemporary Industrial French”, we were happy-dancing! Its a great heading to help us narrow things down to a more cohesive look that still encompasses my artwork, his vintage outboard motors, and the fire hydrant in the dinning room!
Jennifer says
Great post! I would say I am vintage, traditional, farmhouse, French!
I’m inspired!! 🙂
ginna says
is there a LIST somewhere of the styles? It’s gotta be a limited list…’cause right now I’m thinking there is an unlimited list of styles and it’s kind of overwhelming! “Loft” sounds good (open, airy, spacious). I love “vintage” (old, could be kitschy, maybe distressed-wood or peeling paint, but definitely reminiscent of a happy time) and “classic” because it is timeless, beautiful, and not-trendy.
Dianne says
I’m… Modern Bohemian Eclectic. Or at least I want to be, badly. 😉 I have some traditional pieces, like a Chesterfield tufted sofa and 1 and a half chair, but I’m trying to tie them in. Really looking forward to a colorful boho rug.
Carol555 says
Farmhouse, Contemporary and Modern would be my top 3 for my First home
Kez says
I don’t have a style yet. I am only just starting out on redoing my home décor style. I want something to is peaceful, happy, modern, elegant, personal. So I am going to research a few styles and see what I come up with.
Cenepk10 says
This look can’t be contrived. It’s collected & autobiographal. What you LOVE will work.