The Eclectic style combines elements from at least two
decorating styles. You can choose from the following: Art
Deco, Asian, Coastal/Nautical, Contemporary, Country
Cottage, European (Tuscan), French Country, Gothic,
Medieval, Mission/Arts & Crafts, Moroccan, Retro, Rustic,
Shabby Chic/Vintage, Southwest, Traditional, Transitional,
Tropical, Victorian, and Western.

The beauty with an eclectically decorated home is that it
does not adhere to one major style and it gives you the
opportunity to be creative by incorporating other styles.
This makes for a very exciting and interesting home. To
begin this process, you may click on the above mentioned
styles to learn more about their characteristics. In doing
so, it will give you a chance to explore what themes will
work best for your personal taste.

Although Eclectic decorating is warm and welcoming, this
design can be tricky. This style can be effectively
implemented if the principles of design are understood,
which are: line, color, texture, proportion, and form.
Even though some styles are very different, you can
successfully pull off combining them if you understand what
works together. You may, for instance, find that in
combining the richness of the Asian style with the bold
colors used in the contemporary style that these two styles
complement one another in a unique way. For color, try to
stick with a few neutral colors to help bring all of the
elements together, especially when using rich colors like
red and gold. This will prevent the design from being
forgotten among the many hues.

When selecting furniture pieces, use the lines, finishes,
and materials of these pieces as a guide to help you find a
common element, such as the fabric or paint color.

The multitude of fabrics available partly defines the
eclectic style, whether they are of a solid color,
patterned, or textured. Once you choose a color scheme,
consider including a neutral color as your foundation, and
then add colored and textured solids, patterns, and trims,
tassels, or fringe.

Lastly, a combination of accessories completes the Eclectic
look. For instance, you can combine a black and white
trinket with a bronze statue in a room that is painted
gold.

This is your chance to be creative and let your imagination
run free.

Giorgina Devereaux is the creator of AskGiorgina.com, which features questions, answers, and ideas on home decor and furniture. For more information, please visit http://www.AskGiorgina.com