What Word Would You Use to Describe Your Decorating Style?

Apparently my design style can be summed up with one word: eclectic. For reasons that I don't fully understand, I really dislike the use of that word. It could be that it conjures up images of homes a mess with a hodge podge of too many styles, no attempt made to cohesively blend these styles and homeowners cheerfully describing this mess as "eclectic" (a scenario that usually takes place on HGTV).

Last fall I signed up for a Home Decorating course at my local adult school. On the first night of class the teacher had everyone rummage through her piles of home decor magazines and cut out five or six photos that grabbed their attention. She then went around the room, reviewed the photos, and diagnosed each person's design style. Individuals were defined by labels like Traditional, French Country, Shabby Chic, etc. When she sat down next to me and took a look at my photos I quickly noticed the furrowed brow. I explained how my taste generally leans towards Mid Century but I am often drawn to feminine and ethnic print fabrics and really enjoy a worn wooden flea market furniture piece. She then exclaimed, "Your style is actually not hard to define at all, it's Eclectic." Great. How anticlimactic.

From that point on I decided that I would prefer to consider my style undefined (and perhaps, undefinable) and I'm totally fine with that. I will continue to pull together pieces that are mid century, bohemian, sometimes feminine, modern, etc. What's important is that instead of noticing a room full of random pieces you will see a finished product that looks purposely pulled together and just feels good.

Here's some photos of what many would consider to be "eclectic" rooms that are done to perfection:

sköna hem via dwellings and decor

patric johansson via desire to inspire

via the style files

via apartment therapy

Can you describe your decorating style with one or a few words or would you prefer to remain undefined?

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