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{31 Days to an Eclectic Home} Day 1 – Embracing Eclecticism

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Today, I am beginning 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.

When I was planning the Great Wall of Chevrons this past spring, a friend said to me, “I can’t wait to see how you pull that off.  Your nursery so sweet and chevrons are so graphic.”  I know that my friend didn’t mean anything negative with her comment, but it did get me thinking.  It had never occurred to me that I couldn’t (or maybe shouldn’t) pull it off.  I draw inspiration from many different sources and styles, and I like the sweetness of a vintage-inspired room just as much as I like the boldness of a graphic room.

My style has definitely moved from traditional to more eclectic.  I used to think that eclecticism meant that someone was messy or directionless, but now I understand that is not the case.  Instead, it’s a style that comes from a broad source of inspiration and sources.  It’s using what you love because you love it – not because someone else says that you should or shouldn’t.  It’s picking and choosing to create a style that’s all your own.

Now, my home is far from the eclectic haven that I’m hoping it will one day become.  That’s part of the charm of essentially creating your own style.  It’s ever evolving, like a collection you are constantly amassing.

In my opinion, an eclectic style is one that says it’s okay to have a huge dead tree in your entryway.

It’s a style that says there’s nothing wrong with having a wall (or two) completely filled with silhouettes of people you’ve never met.

Eclecticism embodies mixing a brightly painted traditional dresser with a farmhouse style bed.  And chevrons.

And an eclectic style allows you to have a rug in your living room that doesn’t quite “match” anything else – because one day, you know it will.

Do you embrace eclecticism or do you prefer a more traditional approach to decorating your home?  Anything in particular you want me to discuss in the next 31 days?

Let’s do this!

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Comments

    • Lindsay says

      Thanks for visiting! I actually do have a few silhouettes of my son and one of my husband as a child up. I need to have one of my baby cut soon. My dogs are even up there already.

      Reply

  2. Lori H says

    I definately have an eclectic style. I used to think that meant the same as eccentric, but have come to know that it refers to following your individual style. I have a problem buying the new trendy thing if that’s the only reason I am buying it. Example (and I don’t look down on those who do buy these if they want them!): two trends that don’t appeal to me in MY house: poufs and garden stools. But I acknowledge that they look great in other people’s homes. Looking forward to the next 30 posts!

    Reply

  3. Stacey says

    I am so excited about this series you are doing on your blog this month. In the pst year I have gotten away from trying to be so traditional & thinking everything has to be perfect or matchy matchy in our home. I am loving being able to bring in pieces I love and trying new things instead of just sticking with the same old stuff. I can’t wait to see what you have to say & show us. Love your blog!

    Reply

  4. Catherine says

    This 31 Days theme grabbed my attention right away. I very much consider my style eclectic. I went to an antique market with a friend last weekend and she has a very traditional, rustic sense of style. It was super easy to find the one thing in a booth that she loved. At one point, she turned to me and said “I keep feeling like I’m starting to understand what you like, but it kind of feels like you like EVERYTHING.”

    Actually, I’m pretty picky. But, I don’t stick to just one style. My house is a mish mash of beachy finds, bright florals, rusty antiques, ethnic pieces, and a farmhouse vibe. It’s interesting and keeps me from getting bored.

    I’m pretty sure that I’ll be happy with whatever you write about! I’m a new follower. 🙂

    Reply

  5. Allison says

    I am so excited to follow this! I consider my sense of style eclectic 🙂 My family thinks that means I am a hippie, but that is ok 🙂

    I LOVE bold wall colors mixed into decorating!!

    Reply

  8. Jennifer says

    I *love* the tree branch in your entryway! That would never work in my house though, my kids have never met a branch they didn’t try to swing on. I’m sure a random branch propped against a wall would be no exception, lol.

    My style right now is called “Keep-the-kids-safe-and-out-of-the-emergency-room” (see comment above) but one day I hope to have a pretty eclectic house, too! Can’t wait to see your ideas 😀

    Reply

    • Lindsay says

      LOL I know that style all too well. We actually have what we call “Baby Gitmo” set up right now so that my 13 mo old can’t get to the tree. My son is 5 and he knows his boundaries. The baby? not so much.

      Reply

    • Lindsay says

      Thank you! No, it was actually given to me by a dear friend and I painted it that color. It took a ton of work to get it into good shape, but it was SO worth it, as it’s now one of my favorite pieces in the house.

      Reply

  11. Erin says

    Yay eclectic! I’ve finally that decided that that is my style- you can’t hold me to any one thing. Example, when you step in to my house the first thing you’ll see is a mid-century modern liquor cabinet, a painted Queen-Anne dresser, and two IKEA poang chairs. Then you might notice the room is painted yellow, with dark chocolate accents, leading into a guacamole green room. Some may think it’s not unified, but I think the color pallet in the curtains (really tablecloths from Target) brings it all together, and I love it.

    Reply

  13. Aimee says

    I love the trend toward a more eclectic style. It’s industrial and classic in the same room, or Victorian and mid-century modern and contemporary, or or or…the possibilities are limitless! I can’t wait to see what you come up with this month!

    Reply

  16. Indiri @ Turning Stones says

    I am definitely a person with an eclectic home so I know just where you’re coming from! I’m a regular follower but also participating in the 31 Days so I look forward to seeing what you have for us this month!

    Reply

  18. Karen says

    Ooh, sounds fun. Nothing matches at my house so guess I am eclectic style. ? I do need to look that word up, actually. My kitchen table is 1950s chrome formica, two chairs are modern aluminum, two painted wooden ones that had a previous life as HyVee deli chairs. Living room has a 1970s wooden armed DH loves, with a waiting room chair, and used Lazyboy love seat and one end table from thrift store.
    Bedroom has a homemade bed of 2 by 8’s, that nothing in this world can match. Looking forward to your next entries!

    Reply

  19. Jenni says

    I love your comment about the rug matching someday! Yes, eclectic is a fun and life giving style (in my opinion). I’ve loved being able to label my style as that! I’m excited to follow your 31 days!

    Reply

  20. Lindsay says

    What a great idea for a series, though I see why 31 posts would be challenging. I definitely include myself in the eclectic group, and that is because I want to use what I love across all kinds of genres, not what “fits”, or what is popular. But, I would like some help in finding ways to prevent my home from looking like a thrift store when all is said and done. Tips on tying it together, keeping it cozy but not cluttered. Got any tips?

    Reply

  21. Vicki J says

    I totally love and can relate to the statement:
    And an eclectic style allows you to have a rug in your living room that doesn’t quite “match” anything else – because one day, you know it will.

    Reply

  22. carmen says

    I don’t have a choice but to embrace eclecticism! I have things from so many different styles in my home- mostly things that I’ve had for years, or thrifted. But I’m learning to love my eclectic style.

    I would like to see you post something on wood furnitture, such as painting different woods so they are more compatible, and also how many dffernet colors of painted wood should be in a room.

    Thanks for your great ideas!

    Reply

  24. Randi says

    I’m so behind on my blog reading and I just came to catch up. I can’t wait to see what else you have to say in this series. I always describe my style as eclectic because it’s such a mix of different things. I love seeing the photos of your eclectic ways!

    Reply

  25. Michelle says

    Hello there…I’m new to your blog but stumbled across this page. Would you mind sharing where you purchased that beautiful rug for your living room — because it would match mine! LoL =) Thanks very much!

    Reply

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