adjective.-selecting or choosing from various sources. not following any one system
noun. -a person who follows an eclectic method
Yesterday I mentioned my former "transitional" neighborhood, but the new one is not transitional...it is firmly eclectic! I love eclectic but it isn't a style just anyone can pull off...eclectic can easily pass for messy or possibly a hoarder, however, when you stop for a second and start to look at the parts not just the whole you start to notice all the beautiful unique parts that make up the whole and then you see the whole in a new light. The first time I saw my new neighborhood I thought it was the most hodgepodge crazy neighborhood but then I started looking at the individual houses and gardens and suddenly I realized this was a marvelous patchwork of homes, each unique and each shining with their own character and style.
Homes are just the same way...eclectic homes are most often occupied by someone sentimental, each piece holds a story. Now don't get wrong- there is the fine line between eclectic and hoarder. I don't think I need to explain hoarders- just watch the show... they can't throw anything away! Eclectic is achieved by editing, by carefully selecting each piece, by mixing patterns and colors with various textures and memories.
The best thing about eclectic is that it doesn't happen over night...you can't force it and that is what makes it most difficult to pull off. To start setting your sights on an eclectic style buy things that you love- even random little things- you have to start somewhere. Collect things on your travels or make you local antique and consignment stores part of your routine stops. Or for a quick fix head over to Anthropologie and peruse their home section or start clicking around Etsy....
So start collecting those items that speak to you and go boldly...eclectics aren't afraid of color!
photos: Houzz, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Alkemie, Anthropologie
No comments:
Post a Comment