ECLECTIC

Variety is the spice of life, so why must a home be perfectly matched? Express your creativity with eclectic design, which mixes two or more decorating styles in one space. The myriad of looks is made cohesive through color, texture, shape and finish. Combining styles, such as contemporary and Shabby Chic, can look disjointed. The key to success is to take a purposeful approach. Select items not only because you love them, but also because they share something in common, whether it's a similar hue or complementary scale. Pick a dominant color to be the grounding force for the room and add to it several accent colors (neutral shades with a few pops of color are typically less overwhelming). Stick to the palette as you select items for the room to tie the diverse elements together. Skip matching suites in favor of an unexpected combination of furnishings. A chair from the 1970s can look amazing next to a table from the 1930s if the proportions are balanced. Using one common element, such as glass or iron, helps unite the pieces. Have fun with the room's accents. Show your personality with a medley of patterns, textures and shapes. Mix and match fabrics, trims and finishes - anything can work as long as it's something you love.