Eclectic Chic Style Guide: How to Get the Look in Your Home

Jenny Gericke
Dec 4, 2017
3 min read

Updated: Oct 16, 2018

Eclectic Chic is the design style where almost anything goes...almost. If you don't fall into liking one trend or another, it might be because your tastes are more varied. The term eclectic simply means a broad range of styles, ideas, or tastes. In Interior Design, it's a mixture of furniture from different periods, layers of textures from different styles, and a mishmash of current and past trends. That might sound like chaos to you...which is why we add the term Chic to the end of this Design style.

Eclectic Chic simply means you are able to mix furniture, colors, patterns, and textures in a stylish and elegant way. Your home and decor doesn't feel patchwork or hodgepodge. Rather, it's killer home fashion that is spot on. Getting an Eclectic look in your home is simple - you just have to know all the rules and then break them. Basically, you do what you want. Having an Eclectic Chic style in your home requires more finesse.

How to get the Eclectic Chic Style in your Home:

Marry two opposite styles

Whether it's old and new, contemporary and traditional, or stark and whimsical, marry two trends, feelings or styles that don't normally go together. The juxtaposition of having "opposites" in your room will create a hero-effect for each piece. Simply put, each piece will stand independently in it's own beauty while simultaneously highlighting and complimenting the unique beauty of it's opposite in the space.

Create a sense of balance

The key to having an Eclectic Chic Interior, rather than a chaotic amalgam of styles, is to create balance in your space. You want unifying patterns, motifs, colors, or styles that help your hero pieces stand out. Think about using two of the same chair or try adding neutrals to offset bold colors. Choose a common element to carry through your space and stick to it.

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Add bold color and pattern

In Eclectic design, the bolder, the better. Since you have a lot of contrast in design styles, you also want to have a lot of contrast in colors and patterns. Use large graphic patterns and bold colors to really elevate your space. To keep it stylish though, stick with 2-3 colors or patterns that coordinate well together and balance them off black, white, and neutrals.

Accent with History

No Eclectic space can be complete without some antique or vintage pieces. If you already have some inherited pieces or furniture you found at a flea market, this can be a great starting point. Just add in modern decor or furniture to offset the style. If you're space is mostly modern, try shopping at an antique market for decor that is historical and personal.

Eclectic Chic can be simple and understated or bold and dramatic. It is what you make it. One final trick to make your Eclectic Chic space top notch...when you're done decorating, take one thing away. It's easy to keep adding and potentially overdo it with your decor, patterns, and colors. Let the room breathe by taking away one decor, furniture, art or accent piece.

Ready to get started on your Eclectic Chic dream home? Check out how my E-Design Services can help you update your space in as little as two weeks!