What Is Eclectic Design? How to Achieve This Bold, Unapologetic Style

If you can’t help but feel like your sense of style at home is a bit of everything all at once, then you may fall into the eclectic crowd. What, exactly, is eclectic style? It might seem counterintuitive to try to capture a style that Merriam-Webster defines as “composed of elements drawn from various sources.” But eclectic style is one of those things that you just know when you see it. It’s interesting. It’s inspired. It doesn’t always make sense on the surface, but as a whole, it’s intentional and stylish.

And it’s the perfect style for anyone who doesn’t want to be limited by well-defined designs, from modern to traditional. 

These days, there are two other design movements driving the popularity of eclectic style. The first is a push towards maximalist interiors. While eclectic style isn’t always maximalist, it often leans in that direction. There’s a sense of “more is more” when it comes to quirky items and unique finds, where a hodgepodge perfectly marries the tenets of maximalism. Second, a push towards vintage shopping and thrifting has inevitably led people towards finds that are diverse and, well, eclectic.

To establish a few parameters around this hard-to-define design, three designers weighed in on eclectic style — and how they achieve the look in their own projects with clients.

Eclectic style isn’t any one style, but rather a meeting of any style (or decor moment!) that grabs the eye of the designer or person living in the space. It’s diverse and unrestrained. It prioritizes visual interest and personal taste. There are no rules, but it’s also easily recognizable. 

“Eclectic style is all about the artful blending of unexpected pairings to create a space that feels deeply personal and layered. It’s all about resisting rigid rules in favor of storytelling,” says Lindsie Davis, founder and principal designer of Blueberry Jones Design. She explains that embodying eclectic design doesn’t mean deliberately mismatching different pieces of various eras. Rather, it’s choosing to mix all of the pieces you love to end up with a collected, curated look.

With eclectic style, nothing is off the table. Anything you love is fair game, as long as you feel that you have the confidence to allow it to all come together. “You might see a mid-century modern chair next to a vintage Turkish rug under a gallery wall filled with modern art and vintage photography. It’s not chaos, but intention wrapped in individuality,” asserts Eunice Weckesser, founder and principal designer at Crown The Cool Studios.

The only real rule of eclectic design is that there are no rules. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few basic commonalities that designers often tie into these spaces. Keep the following in mind:

1. Collected Decor: You can’t get an eclectic look overnight. It comes from years of collecting what grabs your eye and working it into your space intentionally. “Eclectic style is the result of making many thoughtful decisions over time from a place of joy, not from following a rigid set of design rules or aiming for a specific aesthetic,” says Megan Warren, founder of Megan Warren Design.
2. Antiques of All Eras: You might have a Victorian chair next to a modern, sculptural dining table. An eclectic space isn’t a museum. It’s a representation of every period that resonates with you, whether it’s ornate and historic or sleek and minimalist. “Blend eras, like mid-century lines, traditional upholstery, Art Deco curves, and even a touch of ‘70s glam when it fits. The goal is to create tension and harmony at once,” says Blueberry Jones’ Davis.
3. Global References: Weckesser points out that eclectic spaces often have references to travel and global cultures represented throughout the space. When you’re traveling, think about sourcing decor rather than souvenirs, and your home will become a living memory book.
4. Unexpected Colors: “I gravitate toward bold, saturated hues balanced with grounding neutrals and an occasional jolt of something unexpected, chartreuse for example,” says Davis. There’s no color palette to stick to, though Davis also likes using classic black and white to create visual punctuation in otherwise bold eclectic spaces.
5. Bold Patterns: Eclectic style doesn’t stray away from a major pattern moment, and that could be anything from a crisp stripe to a moody floral damask. “I love a fearless mix — florals, geometrics, animal prints, classic motifs — layered together but with a shared undertone that keeps them cohesive,” adds Davis. 

Eclectic style and maximalism can (and often do!) go hand-in-hand. Both believe that if you love something, you should bring it into your space, point-blank. But not every maximalist space is eclectic, and not every eclectic space is considered maximalist. So what’s the difference?

Maximalism leans into filling a space with as much design as possible, creating a visual feast for the senses. “Maximalism is about more, more of everything. It’s lush, layered, and leans into abundance,” Weckesser says.

Eclectic style, however, makes use of layers and collections — but it doesn’t necessarily have to fill every corner of a space with color, pattern, and objects. An eclectic room could also be minimalist, as long as the design direction is in line with eclectic thinking. “[Eclectic style] is about mixing, pulling from different eras, styles, cultures, and moods to create a space that feels deeply personal,” Weckesser emphasizes. “Eclectic style is not about volume, it’s about vibe.”

Eclectic style can work in any space. It’s just a matter of bringing in antiques, colors, patterns, and art that resonate with you and help make the room feel like yours alone. Here are a few designer tips to lead the way.