What is "Eclectic" Style?

Many people say that they decorate in an eclectic style. Of course I love that. Until I overheard someone describing “eclectic” as using “Goodwill cast-offs.” Yowza. Goodwill cast-offs!?! Ever since that little eavesdropping episode, I’ve noted that there is good eclectic and, well...not so good.

An eclectic style (the good kind) is using a combination of styles to form a cohesive look. Mostly this means combining furniture and accessories from different eras, or styles or design motifs - maybe using animal print fabrics, with gold gilded mirrors, with mid century furniture.

However, the key (and hardest part) is to make sure that that the room looks like a unified whole and not a chaotic mess. You know what I mean, you shouldn’t want to run right out of a room or poke your eyes out. That, my friends, is not a design style.
These photos pair antique with modern with rustic. Glamorous pieces with everyday. Yet each room feels like a whole that was thoughtfully created. They represent eclectic. And yes, it’s the good kind.
(For more information visit us at The Refind Room, 2525 S. Brentwood Blvd., 314-962-room)