Eclectic Style: Decorating with Your Treasures, Collectibles & Heirlooms

What is eclectic chic? It's a decorating style that blends well-loved heirlooms and collectibles with the existing furniture, draperies, rugs, and other design elements in a room to create a harmonious look. Whether you transform your entire bedroom or change only a few small spaces like a mantel or tabletop, electic style is highly satisfying because it's so personal. The sumptuous color photographs capture stunning interiors from which you can draw inspiration, including both large-scale ideas and simple alterations. Try some of the easy projects, such as a Tulle Picture Frame, to provide finishing touches you won't see anywhere else. Presenting a mixed collection of objects in a non-traditional way offers great eclectic appeal. A charming vignette like this is a lovely example: vintage leather-bound books, framed by metal rabbit bookends, enhance an antique wooden chest. A number of white silk rosebuds set off this romantic arrangement that evokes history and childhood whimsy. Gracious country farmhouse decorating embraces lovingly worn, handmade items that have been handed down through the generations. Be sure not to overdo pattern and texture when deciding how to display your second-hand finds. Layer a white pillow between floral ones, for example, and top a floral and beaded lamp base with a white shade. Compact cottage spaces call for creative design solutions. Scale, function, and comfort are critical considerations. Wicker furniture is an ideal solution because it's smaller and lighter than upholstered pieces. Wooden pegs hung on the wall are terrific for keeping clutter in order, from aprons in the kitchen to robes in the bathroom. Let your personality and taste shine so that you'll feel at home the moment you walk in the front door. Book jacket.