Elegant Eclectic

Elegant:  pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
Eclectic: deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
Eclectic design is most often very personal and appreciates treasured items.

With eclectic design, you can use a wide range of elements from different styles. You can mix and match and "break the rules" of design.  I simply love taking an eclectic space and making it elegant with sophisticated balance. Mixes of form, color, and pattern can be used to create a beautiful, cohesive space.

A few tips in designing an eclectic space is to:
-Find a common thread with your elements
-Don't be afraid to mix and match (wood tones, finishes, furniture pieces, etc.)
-Balance your mixes
-Incorporate some symmetry
-Showcase what you love
-Be careful not to clutter

Elegant spaces can at times be intimidating, but an elegant eclectic space can be warm and charming. Here are some examples:

source

source

source

source

source

So go ahead, you have permission to "break the rules"