You enter a home and you see a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and a dash of something else altogether, which the home owner explains as its eclectic décor style. What?! In simple words, the eclectic style in interior design is the home decorator's boon. Not everything has to match perfectly, not everything has to be synchronized. Yes, a balance has to be achieved and harmony has to be struck, but you don't have to follow a theme that offers very little scope for movement outside of it. In fact, this décor style allows you to decorate on your whim, and create that perfectly imperfect home! A mix of vintage and modern, retro and contemporary, rustic and Asian décor - in essence, a fusion of two or more design styles is what defines eclecticism. So, if you want to find a place for that chest of drawers that your grandma gave you as part of the family heritage amid your modern home, with the eclectic décor style, you can safely fit it in. Do remember that this style does not allow you to create mere confusion. It allows you to create harmonized confusion so that everything blends in and stands out together. It is also a budget-friendly decorating style, particularly for small apartments such as a studio apartment. Still not sure about it? Let's take a look at some images so that you can understand this decorating style better. This living room is a subtle blend of modernity and traditional decor. However, it does not defy the rules or the styles of any. Instead, it harmoniously blends together these styles and allows you to create a unique design that you can call your own. Similar is the case with this living room that blends the rustic and vintage style beautifully, without any object in the room losing its identity. Finally, I would say that this living room does not have any specific design style. However, it looks supremely cozy and comfortable, and therefore, purpose achieved! Contrary to popular opinion, this decorating style is not just about having bright colors splashed all over in different forms. It can be neutral too. Once again, eclecticism does not only aim to put together blatantly different designs or textures. It can be subtle, yet speak volumes about the style. The living room above is a semblance of modernity; however, that one retro-looking chair gives the room a whole new look, and this can easily be called a form of eclecticism that is based on the homeowner's taste. Moreover, if you notice the gorgeous chandelier on the right hand side, you will figure how these small elements come together to give the home a new décor style. These two elements also create a focal point in the room, but without undermining the presence of the remaining furniture. In essence, these elements clearly look like parts of one theme, but look closer, and you will find that there is much more thought that has been put into this decorating style. Compare this look with the one below, which has a splash of color and a host of different elements that contribute to the eclecticism of the room. The wrought iron dresser and cabinet, the cane chair, and the wooden sofa are not only different materials, they also belong to completely different décor styles. So you can see how this style is completely subjective, and it is entirely the decorator's prerogative how she/he wants to approach it. The same thing can be said about these two bedrooms. While one is based on a neutral palette, the other encompasses several other colors and styles to complete a whole. Both ways, the end result is the same: stunning, comfortable, and definitely eclectic. While the aforementioned images may have given you ideas about what this look comprises, you still need to figure a starting point to be able to incorporate this style in your home. Here are a few tips that will help.

• Begin with a neutral palette. Whether you want to add color later is your choice. Starting neutral, however, allows you to place more within a given area, without worrying about the color theme. If you have flashy walls and flashy furniture, you are not going to be able to stand a minute in that room. On the other hand, if you must have bright, wallpaper covered walls, then go soft on the furniture and accessories you use. It is easy to get carried away with the different decorating ideas this style has to offer; which is why keeping this tip in mind is important.
• Focus on what defines "your" style. As I said earlier, in the endeavor to go 'designer', it is easy to kind of miss a design style that defines you, and instead have a design that is ruling the current interior design scene. But the point of the eclectic decorating style is that it allows you to give a definition to your personality through your home.
• Don't be afraid to add, subtract or change. If you are a collector of different items you pick up at flea markets, garage sales or online, you can easily use them to decorate your home in keeping with this style. Moreover, this benign style allows you to incorporate or even eliminate certain elements based on your mood! So, don't think so much. If you want to replace that hanging light with a bright, colorful lantern, go for it!
• Don't go overboard. I simply have to say this again. Going overboard when following this style is so easy. You have to keep in mind that your room looks balanced in the end. The concept of balance may vary; but anyone who looks at a particular room can tell if it is blatantly overdone or it is just right. Maintain proportions and unify your room with a focal point instead of forcing attention at multiple elements all at once.

Need a little more help? Here's a look at some elements that you can add to your home to achieve an eclectic look. This of course, depends on the current look of your home, and your personal decorating style. So in simple terms, as long as a particular decorating style pleases your eye without creating chaos, you can pretty much do exactly what you like; and this is the essence of a home designed around eclectic decor.