Ask what eclectic decor is and you’ll get a variety of answers. The dictionary definition of eclectic is something that “draws ideas, style, or taste from a wide and varied range of sources.” So, for example, you could combine mid-century modern with a bit of boho, integrating both into one room to achieve an eclectic look.
While eclectic design isn’t a new concept, many people today think of “eclectic” as interchangeable or synonymous with quirky Gen Z decor (think: wavy mirrors, neon LED lights, and fuzzy checkerboard rugs). But Kailee Blalock of House of Hive Design (@houseofhive) argues that there is a difference between the two.
In the popular TikTok, the content creator and designer made a distinction between eclectic design and Gen Z design by highlighting a key difference: in an eclectic room, only a few items stand out, while Gen Z decor is dominated by pieces that are all unusual and therefore become focal points. It can be a difficult needle to thread if you’re trying to create a room with a truly eclectic design.
Designer Antoinette Allande, owner of Antoinette Allande Interiors, describes the eclectic decor as “an avant-garde approach to interiors; mixing multiple design styles and layering furniture to create unexpected and innovative spaces.” If you’re wondering how to achieve this look, she has some tips to help you better understand what eclectic means.
Focus on the key elements.
“Your statement should be the hero of the room,” says Alande. “Once you have that, you can add your supporting cast.” Start with your sofa, and it doesn’t even have to be a bold color or pattern. “A neutral couch is a great way to ground a room, so you might want to go with a sandy color,” she explains. If you’re going for a little more color, she recommends something like navy blue, which she uses so often that she’s “become a neutral.”
Think beyond the obvious for a statement.
While couches and coffee tables may seem like obvious pieces, she emphasizes that anything can be a piece. “You might want to opt for a vibrant rug or even a heavily patterned wallpaper,” she says. “My personal favorite is Moroccan tiles – the floor is a great way to make a statement!”
Invest in vintage items.
Since eclecticism is a mix of styles, Allande points out that vintage stores and estate sales can be great sources for older pieces. It’s important to mix them with contemporary pieces – both to reinforce the eclectic theme and to prevent your living room from ‘looking like a vintage piece’.
Build balance by mixing patterns.
If your piece is busy, like the colorful paisley curtains as an example, consider adding other patterns that are complementary but less busy, like small fans on the couch cushions. Mix patterns with different scales, textures and intensities. “You can mix patterns, but make sure you balance it with solids,” says Alande.
Use complementary colors for accessories, art and smaller accent furniture pieces. “Edit carefully so everything doesn’t look too cluttered,” advises Alande. Unusual decor can veer into maximalism, so try to introduce some restraint if that’s not your goal.