Eclectic is a word that is often used to describe a style of design, which is somewhat ironic because it is characterized by the fact that is it is not one particular style.
What does eclectic mean? The simple version is this: a combination of many styles or influences. In other words, it is okay to mix contemporary with rustic, country French with transitional. The possibilities are endless. Therefore, I ask my clients, "What does eclectic mean to YOU?"
When I sit down and talk to my clients about their style, what I hear are the stories about why this piece was mixed with that piece - whether it was handed down from relatives, collected in ones travels or bought "just because" - I hear about things they love and/or cannot part with for sentimental reasons. It made me think about "Wabi-sabi."
If an object can bring about a sense of spiritual longing within us, then the object may be wabi-sabi. The essence of wabi-sabi is the realization of three principles: nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect.
The principle that I like best is that even the quirks and anomalies arising from the process of construction, as well as use, add uniqueness to the object. The patina and wear of an object add to its beauty. This may be a difficult concept for many on one level but it reminds me of the bentwood chair I salvaged from an Ybor City cigar factory and paired with a French writing desk or the unique mirror that was not my style but I loved anyway. I placed it in a "neutral zone" so it does not fight with anything and I get to enjoy it every day on my way out the door.
Nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect. In other words, there is perfection in imperfection. Maybe it is for those very reasons we hold onto certain "things" whether they go together aesthetically or not. Whatever your style(s), I hope you love it as much as I do mine.
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