Eclectic Style: A Design Guide for Home Decor


Eclectic style bathroom with the 72" Dita Wall-Mount Vanity in Honey Oak, Conroy Freestanding Tub, Berwyn Bathroom Collection Eclectic style bathroom with the 72" Dita Wall-Mount Vanity in Honey Oak, Conroy Freestanding Tub, Berwyn Bathroom Collection

What Is Eclectic Design?‌

Derived from the Greek word “eklektikos,” eclectic style simply means “to choose the best.” Adopted in the late 19th century, architects began to draw inspiration from different movements, opting to not subscribe to a singular look.

Years later, interior designers also grew to embrace the concept, taking favored characteristics of disparate design eras to become a popular style of its own.

If you feel as though your personal style isn’t embodied by just one or two design movements, enter eclectic style. While it will never be solidified by a strict set of rules and is all about making it your own, there are a few ways to undoubtedly bring eclectic style into your home.


How to Bring Eclectic Style into Your Space

Eclectic design moodboard with the Ridgeway Kitchen Faucet, Lexia Towel Rod in Brushed Gold, Orvin Cabinet Knob in Satin Brass Eclectic design moodboard with the Ridgeway Kitchen Faucet, Lexia Towel Rod in Brushed Gold, Orvin Cabinet Knob in Satin Brass

Start With A Statement

Be it an eye-catching bathtub or bold vanity, choosing interesting statement pieces to build your space around is an important part of curating the perfect eclectic look. By choosing fixtures that act as the centerpieces of your room, such as our Lena Clawfoot Tub or Dita Wall-Mount Double Vanity, it’s easier to select surrounding décor and accessories.

While the beauty of eclectic design is freedom in what styles to use, consider the mood of the room when deciding on your main fixtures.

For instance, if you want your bathroom to exude luxury, consider statement pieces inspired by the Victorian era, or for a streamlined kitchen, lean on mid-century modern focal points. Then, bring in your other sources of inspiration through your accents.

Eclectic bathroom with the Ballantine Wall-Mount Bathroom Faucet in Chrome, Braewood Decorative Vanity Mirror in Iron

Add Intrigue Through Color

One of the biggest components of the eclectic decorating style is the use of color. As opposed to other styles, eclecticism doesn’t subscribe to a rigid color palette. Instead, it encourages homeowners to play with bold, vivid pigments in an entirely original, expressive way.

For a hue that instantly brings a dramatic look to your space, opt for black fixtures. Our Holmesdale Vanity in Black and our Catino Freestanding Tub in Matte Black are stunning examples, emitting unique depth and striking contrast against saturated surroundings.

To keep your space looking vibrant and interesting rather than unintentional and loud, pay attention to your color palette. That said, this style is less about using specific colors, and more about how they correspond to each other.

If you see more moody, muted colors, stick with that theme, or if your vibe is pastel-forward, the majority of your eclectic decor will look best when accompanied by other pastels, and so on.

72" Holmesdale Vanity in Black, Greyfield Widespread Bathroom Faucet in Gunmetal for eclectic décor

Layer Contrasting Textures and Patterns

In an eclectic home, you’ll want to select a variety of materials and patterns from your favorite design styles. Juxtaposing those from different time periods, eras, and parts of the world creates a true feast for the eyes, revealing your unique personality, experiences, and design perspective.

One way to get this eclectic decor idea going is by finding pieces that layer multiple styles themselves. As shown in our Anastasia Mosaic Nickel-Plated Copper Double-Slipper Tub, copper and mirrored mosaic tiling combine for the ultimate rustic-meets-glam moment.

You can also focus on a particular design element of one style, then bring in other influences through accents. For the boho-inspired, bring in rattan through our Simien Teak Double Vanity, or for those in awe of ornate Victorian-era details, consider our Abbey Hammered Copper Slipper Clawfoot Soaking Tub.

49" Abbey Hammered Copper Slipper Clawfoot Soaking Tub for eclectic bathroom

To avoid clashing, use a reoccurring design element throughout the room for just the right amount of cohesion. This can be easily achieved with a hardware collection such as our Berwyn Collection, unifying silhouettes and finishes just through your metallic surfaces.

Berwyn Freestanding Tub Faucet, Towel Ring in Matte Black for eclectic bathroom

Eclectic Design Style Tips

Eclecticism includes a little bit of everything, and when it all comes together, it will flow beautifully while helping you best express your style.‌

Eclectic Living Area Design Tips

From eclectic bedrooms to living rooms, concentrate on warmth. Bring in inviting natural materials like wood through mirrors on underutilized walls and door knobs for entrances and closets alike. Warm-toned accents like brass or copper make the perfect choice for your metals, adding luminous shine through cleverly placed cabinet hardware, floor or wall registers, and other finishing touches.

Paired with the upholstery and other interesting textiles from around the room, these intentional choices will set a comforting tone while creating stunning contrast.

Eclectic style living room

Eclectic Kitchen Design Tips

In an eclectic kitchen, you’ll want to incorporate fixtures with intriguing textures and finishes. Think hammered copper for selections like sinks or lighting. Additionally, any design can be amped up with unique drawer and cabinet hardware, which can be found in an abundance of shapes, materials, and colors.

Among bold furniture, fixtures, and cabinetry, use these little details to let your personality shine.

Eclectic kitchen with the 30" Kembla Copper Farmhouse Sink

Eclectic Bathroom Design Tips

The smaller rooms in the home present the perfect opportunity for going bold. Instantly turn your bathroom into an eclectic oasis by pairing a statement vanity with a funky mirror or creating a mini mirror gallery wall.

In addition to being fearless with color, these are excellent starting points in deciding what styles your eclectic bathroom will be influenced by.

Eclectic bathroom with the 72" Manolin Vanity Arcadian Black, 67" Lena Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub with Matte Black Monarch Feet

Final Touches

Fenmore Brass Shelf Bracket in Satin Brass for eclectic décor ideas

Show Off Your Uniqueness

Eclecticism is all about you. Make space in the home for heirloom treasures and found objects that you could never do without, highlighting them through open shelving.

In creating a vintage eclectic display, cluster unexpected objects together in multiple pockets throughout the unit for optimal visual interest. The shelf brackets themselves can even be used for adding an extra hint of personality.

Greyfield Widespread Faucet in Matte Black, Dampier Decorative Vanity Mirror in Antique Brass for eclectic décor ideas

Mix Your Metals‌

To keep your space from looking stale or too fixed, try mixing varying metallics within your hardware and fixture choices. Mixed metals offer contrast to your space—the same contrast the eclectic design style is known for. While there is nothing wrong with picking a dominant finish, if every surrounding accent has the same sheen, your room may look the opposite of lived-in.

Fenmore Brass Shelf Bracket in Satin Brass for eclectic décor ideas

Show Off Your Uniqueness

Eclecticism is all about you. Make space in the home for heirloom treasures and found objects that you could never do without, highlighting them through open shelving.

In creating a vintage eclectic display, cluster unexpected objects together in multiple pockets throughout the unit for optimal visual interest. The shelf brackets themselves can even be used for adding an extra hint of personality.

Greyfield Widespread Faucet in Matte Black, Dampier Decorative Vanity Mirror in Antique Brass for eclectic décor ideas

Mix Your Metals‌

To keep your space from looking stale or too fixed, try mixing varying metallics within your hardware and fixture choices. Mixed metals offer contrast to your space—the same contrast the eclectic design style is known for. While there is nothing wrong with picking a dominant finish, if every surrounding accent has the same sheen, your room may look the opposite of lived-in.

Is Eclectic Design Your Signature Style?

A curated blend of design styles, eclectic design allows you to experiment with a multitude of silhouettes, colors, decor, and more. While taking the plunge on such a bold look can feel daunting at first, now that you know the basics of eclectic design, incorporating it into your home should feel freeing, creative, and entirely your own. ‌

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