Embrace Your Eclectic Side (and Make It Work)

I’ll admit it – I’m a bit of a collector. Whether it’s vintage trinkets from my travels, bold artwork, or an ever-growing assortment of decorative throw pillows, I have a penchant for amassing an eclectic array of home accessories. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sure, a perfectly curated, minimalist aesthetic has its charms. But for me, there’s just something so satisfying about surrounding myself with the unique, the unexpected, and the downright quirky. The key, I’ve found, is learning how to tie it all together in a way that feels cohesive and intentional, rather than chaotic.

As I mentioned to a friend recently, the secret lies in paying attention to the common threads that run through your collection – the colors, textures, and patterns that you find yourself repeatedly drawn to, even if you can’t quite put your finger on why.

Cultivate a Cohesive Color Palette

For me, that translates to a soft, neutral color scheme punctuated by pops of blush, gold, and the occasional burst of leopard print. I’ll be the first to admit that my tastes are a bit all over the place, but by sticking to that consistent palette, I’m able to mix and match my accessories with ease, swapping them between rooms as the mood strikes.

As the design experts at House & Garden advise, “Look at what you already have – if you buy what you love and not just what’s on trend, you’ll probably find you already have a bit of a theme going.”

So take a step back and really examine the pieces you’ve collected over time. What colors, materials, and styles do you find yourself gravitating towards, even without realizing it? Once you’ve identified those common threads, make a conscious effort to build upon them. That way, you can continue to indulge your eclectic side without your home feeling disjointed or overwhelming.

Mix High and Low, Old and New

Of course, achieving that cohesive look isn’t just about color. Texture and scale play a big role as well. As I learned the hard way, sticking to a collection of tiny, diminutive accessories can leave your styling feeling a bit underwhelming.

That’s why I now make a conscious effort to incorporate pieces of varying sizes and shapes – tall vases, chunky coffee table books, and oversized throw pillows, to name a few. And don’t be afraid to mix high and low, old and new. A vintage brass lamp paired with a sleek, modern end table? Sign me up. A well-worn leather armchair nestled alongside a plush, tufted sofa? Perfection.

The key is to let your personal style shine through, while still maintaining a sense of visual harmony. It’s a delicate balance, to be sure, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro at curating that cohesive, lived-in look.

Rotate, Refresh, and Reinvent

Of course, even the most expertly curated collection can start to feel a bit stale if you don’t mix things up from time to time. That’s why I’m a big believer in rotating my accessories throughout the year, swapping out heavier, cozier pieces for lighter, brighter accents as the seasons change.

As I mentioned before, chunky knits, faux fur, and deeper jewel tones are perfect for hunkering down in the colder months, while linen, cotton, and soft pastel hues feel right at home in the warmer seasons. And don’t forget about those seasonal florals – I love transitioning from lush peonies and roses in the summer to more autumnal hydrangeas and evergreen accents as the weather cools.

But it’s not just about the changing seasons. Sometimes, I’ll simply rearrange my accessories just for the sake of a fresh perspective. Swap out a few throw pillows, style the coffee table in a new way, or even rotate a piece of artwork to a different wall. As the team at The Decor Fix suggests, “Sometimes it’s good to see it all in front of you and then you’ll know where the gaps in your collection are or what to look out for or what’s incongruous and needs to go.”

And if there are items that just aren’t sparking joy anymore? Don’t be afraid to pass them along. Constantly editing and refining your collection will ensure that every piece you display is one you truly love – and that’s the key to creating a cohesive, personal space that feels like “you” in the best possible way.

A Cohesive Home, Inside and Out

Of course, the principles of curating a cohesive look don’t stop at your front door. In fact, one of my favorite ways to tie the whole house together is by extending my design aesthetic to the exterior as well.

For me, that might mean pairing a sleek, modern front door with soft, trailing greenery, or layering a plush, weather-resistant rug on my patio alongside some sculptural, iron planters. At Sofa Spectacular, our custom-built sofas are the perfect starting point, with their clean lines and tailored upholstery. From there, the possibilities for creating a cohesive look both inside and out are endless.

So whether you’re drawn to coastal chic, rustic farmhouse, or bold, eclectic style, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. With a little intentionality and a lot of creativity, you can curate a space that feels authentically “you” – from the front porch to the last throw pillow.