This post was most recently updated on September 22nd, 2019
Eclectic decorating is going to be all the rage in 2012, according to the trend-watchers.
Last week, I read a blog post from a writer of one of my favorite decorating magazines where this eclectic decorating trend was partially attributed to the surge in popularity of home bloggers:
“We’re finally celebrating interiors designed with real-living and real-budgets in mind! Repurposing thrift store finds, buying vintage and going with your gut has never been more chic. It’s actually trendy to be thrifty, unique and unexpected.”
Source: Style at Home Blog, Jan 5th, 2012
Insert BIG SMILE here. I’ve always been a ‘going with my gut’ kind of decorator.
Still, I’ll admit, I’ve never been brave enough to go too far outside the goal posts of the accepted ‘design rules’. But I enjoy adding things to rooms that make me happy, even if they might seem odd or unexpected to others – like mismatched lamps or side tables, or a gallery-style wall. I think that’s why I am so attracted to blogs and homes that celebrate a more eclectic style than mine, like Nesting Place and Meg Deurksen’s blog, Whatever.
It’s great that eclectic it’s now described as ‘trendy’, but the irony isn’t lost on me. As an admirer of eclectic decorating style, what I’ve always loved about these spaces is that they buck the trends ‘de jour’. Eclectic spaces beat to the rhythm of their own drum, and that’s what makes them so special. Eclectic spaces have a quiet confidence and and fearlessness about them that whispers “I’m OK with being different”, “I’m OK with being me”.
My favorite eclectic spaces don’t live by the ‘minimalist’ trend or the ‘neutrals’ trend. Instead, they are a gorgeous, happy blend of quirky finds, textures and treasures, all mixed up with patterned textiles and unexpected pops of color. They are authentic, ‘organic’, and 100% comfortable in their own skin.
Eclectic spaces are anything but trend followers. While these spaces might have some ‘on trend’ objects, colours or patterns, they are simply part of the overall eclectic mix, rather than being the focal point.
So, if calling “Eclectic Decorating” a “trend” means that more of us can embrace our own sense of style, rather than living by somebody else’s rules, then I’m all for it. I’m one of those many decorators / home owners who likes having the ‘permission’.
Here’s a look at some more of my favorite eclectic spaces which I’ve collected in an Ideabook on Houzz.
Just click the little forward arrow on the slider below to see each slide.
Until next time, have fun decorating…your way!
Kerri
I am addicted to toss pillows! I am forever changing them out for something different. My problem is I have a small 1924 cottage with NO storage space. I wind up taking my extras to the local thrift shop. Any suggestions for me?
I just started using vacuum sealed bags for all the the toss cushions I’m not using right now, and it saved me a tonne of space in my linen closet! They’ll stay in those bags until I want to put them back in rotation, lol. I bought the bags at Walmart and you just attached your vacuum to suck out the air. Easy peasey!
Kerri I love your blog & I am new to the blogging world. Eclectic decorating is my favorite. Love lots of color. I am always changing things around in the house. I consider myself an amateur decorator & find it so rewarding when I get compliments on what I’ve created. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much Edie! Sounds like we have similar decorating tastes! Hope you’ll come back again soon! ~Kerri
I just love these spaces you’ve shown! You’re right about how it’s become acceptable in a way, to be more quirky and eclectic….and it’s about time, isn’t it?! Thanks for sharing these. Off to check them out on your Pinterest board!
Thanks for coming by tonight, Carole Anne! Happy 2012…and yes, cheers to being quirky! ~Kerri
LOVE these spaces! All of them! Blogs and blogging has taught me so much about decorating and losing my paralyzing fear of making a decorating mistake. I have so much to learn but am so happy with what I have already learned!
Crystal, I couldn’t agree more…my style has definitely evolved since I started blogging and following other blogs. I am much more comfortable and confident now to decorate in ways that that my friends and family might consider a little off the wall. Thanks for dropping by! ~Kerri