When it comes to decorating, not everyone wants to stick to a strict design style.
Thankfully, there’s eclectic interior design 🙌
Eclectic interiors celebrate variety, individuality and creativity, allowing you the sweet sweet joy of mixing things up.
If you’ve ever wanted a home that reflects all the different sides of you, then eclectic design might just be your cup of tea.
Here are 10 characteristics of my favourite design style ever 😍👇
1. Eclectic interiors mix different design styles and eras
If you like decor from your generation, your parents generation, your grandparents generation and your ancestors generation, then you’re in luck!
Eclectic interiors pull inspiration from multiple design movements and blend them seamlessly into one space 👍
You might see mid-century modern furniture styled with Victorian-era decor, or a bohemian rug below a unique panther coffee table. The result is a layered, collected look that feels timeless rather than tied to one specific period or trend.
Perfect for anyone that doesn’t wanna be pigeon-holed!
2. Eclectic interiors embrace colour and pattern
Unlike more minimalist styles that lean into simplicity, eclectic interiors don’t shy away from colour, pattern and texture.
In an eclectic home, colour is bold and loud, whether through painted walls or ceilings, vibrant artwork, or statement furniture. But white is OK too — it’s all about mixing it up.
Eclectic interiors also play with pattern, often clashing with other patterns… because why not? If it works, it works!
3. Eclectic interiors focus on contrast
Eclectic design is all about making unexpected combinations work together by creating harmony elsewhere. The juxtaposition between a traditional rug and a futuristic coffee table is surprising, which is what makes it so exciting.
Contrast creates visual interest and stop the space from feeling flat. But it doesn’t mean chaos – it’s about thoughtful placement of opposites that complement one another while still standing out.
4. Eclectic interiors mix old with new
Eclectics homes beautifully weave vintage finds with contemporary pieces.
Antique furniture might sit alongside a funky print, or an old typewriter might sit on a brand new console. This mix gives the space character, instead of everything looking like it came straight out of a catalogue. It also makes interiors feel more meaningful, connecting the past with the present and adding some soul into the space.
👀 READ: 10 tips for nailing an eclectic interior design aesthetic
5. Eclectic interiors are unpredictable and personal
No two eclectic spaces ever look the same, because they’re shaped by the personalities of the cool cats who live in them 😻
You might see travel souvenirs displayed next to a neon sign, or quirky flea market finds styled alongside a one-of-a-kind 3D printed mirror. The joy of eclectic interiors is that they’re anything but predictable, allowing you to design a home that feels authentically you.
6. Eclectic interiors celebrate storytelling
Objects in an eclectic home often have their own little narratives.
Maybe it’s a piece you picked up from a street artist in Estonia. Maybe it was your granny’s old vase. Or maybe it was something you saw in a thrift shop and knew you had to rescue.
Each piece contributes to a bigger story, making the home not just stylish but engaging.
7. Eclectic interiors balance chaos with cohesion
While eclectic style embraces variety (and let’s face it, stuff) it isn’t about randomness.
Although many eclectic homes are maximalist, that doesn’t mean there isn’t method to the madness.
A few repeating elements — like a consistent colour palette, recurring materials, or a common theme — tie the space together so it feels curated, not cluttered.
👀 READ: How to make intentional clutter work in your home
8. Eclectic interiors encourage layering
Layering is a big green flag in eclectic interior design 💚
Think rugs over rugs, cushions of different fabrics and prints, or gallery walls that mix art, mirrors, and objects.
Layering colours, patterns and textures creates a feeling of depth, making a space that much more interesting.
9. Eclectic interiors draw inspiration from around the world
Many eclectic spaces embrace decor from all across the globe 🌍
In our home for example, you’ll find an oriental console table, African wood figurines, Scandinavian furniture, and art from here, there and everywhere.
Adding global influences is just another way to create contrast and celebrate unexpected combinations.
10. Eclectic interiors highlight individuality and creativity
Eclectic design is all about expressing yourself ✨
It’s the perfect opportunity to experiment, break the rules, and showcase your creativity. Whether through DIY or upcycling projects, interesting art selections, or bold paint and design decisions, eclectic interiors are far from basic.
👉 Want more tips on creating a home that feels like you? In my eBook I share practical ways to blend styles, curate meaningful pieces, and design a space you’ll love coming home to.
Why eclectic interior design is elite 👌
Eclectic interior design is all about freedom — the freedom to mix styles, eras, colours, and objects that you truly love.
The best part? There’s no “wrong” way to do it, as long as your home feels authentic to you.
So, if you’ve been craving a space that reflects your personality and tells your story, why not start experimenting with eclectic design? Invest in art that speaks to you, layer clashing patterns, bring in a family heirloom, buy the weird shit, and most importantly… make it yours.
Follow us on Instagram for more from our home and download my new eBook for more eclectic interior design tips.
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