Are you SURE that's Eclectic?

In a sea of design styles where the choices are endless, one style is continually used to explain away non-design choices.... you may have guessed it, that style is "eclectic".   I will often hide a smile when I speak with someone who says they have an eclectic style, but when I actually see the space, it's a collection of hand me downs and "whatever I could find" items.  Don't get me wrong, I love a true eclectic style, and even special pieces that have been handed down through generations, but it's more than just putting everything you have in a room.  There is organized thought and reason that goes into creating this style.

Here's how dictionary.com defines it...

ec·lec·tic /ɪˈklɛk tɪk/ Show Spelled [ih-klek-tik] (from dictionary.com)

adjective

1. selecting or choosing from various sources.

2. made up of what is selected from different sources.

3. not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.

4. noting or pertaining to works of architecture, decoration, landscaping, etc., produced by a certain person or during a certain period, that derive from a wide range of historic styles, the style in each instance often being chosen for its fancied appropriateness to local tradition, local geography, the purpose to be served, or the cultural background of the client.

So what does that mean for us?  It means to achieve this, we must look at our space and the pieces we're considering putting in the space with an open mind and critical eye to achieve this wonderful balance and flow from different sources, time periods and styles.

Now I want to hear from you... do you like to stick to one specific style or are you more of an eclectic type of person?