Q: First, I want to say that I love your blog! Your home seems so fresh and inviting! I love your style! On the other hand, I feel like I have so much trouble with decorating indecision. I think I have a great plan all laid out for a room but when I get to the store I immediately find a million other things that I like even better! I can’t focus on a plan! I think part of the problem is that I like so many different decorating styles. I get bored very easily, and I think my husband gets tired of me changing things around constantly (although he would never say anything, he’s a gem!). Anyways, my question is… does this mean I have an eclectic style? Any tips for pulling it together without making my rooms look like confused spaces? Thanks a million! -Kristina
A: You’re definitely not alone—many people wrestle with the pull of multiple styles and the temptation to buy whatever catches the eye in the moment. It took us years to refine what we truly loved and to learn which materials, colors, and shapes work together to form a cohesive, welcoming home. One important lesson is this: what you love and what should come home with you aren’t always the same thing. There are beautiful pieces we admire but don’t bring into our house because they simply don’t harmonize with what we already own or with the atmosphere we want to maintain. Learning to admire from afar is a useful skill.
Start by collecting images of rooms and details that genuinely make you feel happy. Tear pages from magazines or save photos to a folder on your computer. When you look through those images as a group, patterns will emerge—colors, textures, levels of contrast, and overall energy. For example, your favorites might consistently show lots of white, soft natural textures, and occasional dark wood accents, or they might all be bold and colorful with high contrast. Identifying those recurring elements gives you a clearer sense of your core style, even if you enjoy many different looks.
Next, compare your inspiration to what you already own. If your mood board leans toward slipcovered sofas and light fabrics but your sofas are dark leather, think about practical ways to bridge that gap: slipcovers, throws, or strategically chosen rugs and pillows can shift the feel without forcing a costly replacement. Understanding the gap between current pieces and desired style helps you make intentional purchases instead of impulsive ones. When you shop with a plan—knowing your primary palette and the feel you want—you’ll find it much easier to pass up attractive items that don’t support the vision.
Another helpful rule: keep the major elements neutral. Floors, large rugs, sofas, and wall colors form the backbone of a room. If those are kept in neutral tones, you can layer a variety of colorful, eclectic accents without the space feeling chaotic. A neutral backdrop lets unique pieces from different eras coexist because the eye has a place to rest. Conversely, if your base is neutral, a single bold sofa or a striking large artwork can serve as a cohesive focal point while still allowing playful, mismatched accessories around it.
Balance is key. Let one or two elements lead—a dominant color, a texture, or a repeating shape—and use other pieces to echo that language subtly. Mixing eras and styles becomes cohesive when there are repeating threads: a recurring metal finish, consistent wood tones, or a shared color family among smaller accents. Scale and spacing also matter; giving each piece some breathing room prevents a room from feeling cluttered or like a jumble of unrelated objects.
Finally, remember that a room evolves. Decorating rarely happens all at once. Allow yourself to live in a space and tweak it over time. Often the most successful rooms get edited gradually; you try a placement, leave it for a while, and then adjust based on how it feels in everyday life. That slow process helps you learn what truly works for you and prevents rushed mistakes.
What about you? Share any strategies that help you make sense of eclectic pieces or stay focused when shopping for decor. Hearing how others solve the same problems is often the best source of fresh, practical ideas.