‘Eclectic’ is a word many of us come across frequently when searching for ideas for home decor or when reading magazine or online articles. We usually have a loose understanding of it – a mishmash, quirky, adventurous style of decoration and the opposite of matchy-matchy, right?
Here’s an in-depth look into this type of style, its inception, its qualities and why you should or shouldn’t adopt it.

Today, ‘eclectic’ is widely known in the interior-design world as a decor style that comprises a mix of elements, textures, time periods, patterns, trends or colors. It’s all about reshuffling the rule book, mixing and matching old and new, luxe and humble, bright and dull. This style allows you to fill up a space with objects you love and unique finds that strike your fancy. Simply put, it’s a person’s own curation, not guided by any strict rules. 

Tip: When going for an eclectic home, don’t mistake the style for ‘anything goes’. Take a step back, click a picture of the room and study all the elements together. What shouts at you? What looks like the odd one out? Start paring those down, and give the room some breathing space.

Characteristic 1: Mix of colors

Eclecticism lacks pedigree and that’s what makes it stand out – it draws its charm from contrasts. It allows you to use multiple colors within the same space, but make sure you avoid a hit-you-over-the-head theme with an indiscriminate mix of hues.

The ideal way is to take a few hues from the scheme and repeat them in the wall paints or the accent pieces, to bring a sense of continuity and connection. See how the color pink is used as a unifying factor across the room here – be it on the carpet, the cushions or even the painting.

Characteristic 2: Mix of patterns

This style encourages the use of different patterns in the room – think chevrons, bold floral, slim stripes, all settled on seaters, walls and curtains.

In this living room, there is a lot going on, from the bold patterns on the rug, the print on the ottoman to the motifs on the cushions. Now imagine adding a patterned wallpaper or strongly colored paint. Feel the claustrophobia kicking in? That’s the trick one needs to master – to enliven without overwhelming.

Characteristic 3: Old vs new

One of the most defining things about this decor style is an easy exchange between different time periods and styles. Like these modern white dining chairs and table illuminated by the vintage bright-blue chandelier. Creates quite a modern-art stylescape, doesn’t it?

Characteristic 4: Repetition

Eclecticism gives a nod to repetition, not just in colors but in shapes, too. Take this room, for example: a series of rectangles are scattered over this area – from the windows and framed artwork to the coffee tables and vintage cafe signboard. Other than that, the color yellow is reiterated through the chest of drawers, the signage and the painting.

Is it for you?

Eclecticism stays away from the cookie-cutter decor styles. Rather off-beat and unconventional, it can be either loved or completely disliked by people. If the qualities listed below resonate with you then eclecticism is for you:

o    You aren’t a fan of a uniform and orderly look.

o    You want to get away from the strict rules of known trends, while maintaining your own style.

o    Matching furniture, colors and patterns makes you want to cry.

o    You are adept at recognizing pieces from different styles and periods, and can put them together organically into something new and original