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: We totally know what you mean. It took us years to discover which materials, styles, and colors truly work together to create a cohesive, welcoming home. One key idea: what you love and what should come home with you aren’t always the same thing. Lots of beautiful pieces won’t coordinate with your existing palette or furniture, so it’s okay to admire some items without bringing them into your space. For example, we both adore a boldly patterned navy rug, but it wouldn’t suit our light, airy aesthetic.
To get more focused, start collecting images of rooms you genuinely love. Tear out magazine pages or save photos into a desktop folder. Once you have several examples side by side, common threads will reveal themselves — perhaps many rooms feature lots of white, or soft neutrals, or strong pops of color, or a minimal, uncluttered vibe. In our inspiration folder, for instance, the rooms share a serene feeling, soft hues, natural textures, and occasional dark wood or metal accents.
After identifying those recurring themes, compare them to what you already own. If your inspiration rooms often include white slipcovered sofas but your room currently has brown leather seating, consider inexpensive slipcovers to bridge that gap. This approach helps you build a practical shopping plan you can actually follow. If your favorite rooms use warm yellows and burnt oranges, you’ll be less tempted by a cool blue-and-white pillow that happens to be on sale.
This approach keeps each room interesting while preserving cohesion. A home can host varied focal points in every room yet still flow from one space to the next when the underlying palette and materials relate to one another.
When you enjoy a lot of colorful, eclectic accents, keeping large items neutral — rugs, sofas, walls — is a reliable strategy. Neutral foundations allow smaller, mixed pieces from different eras to add personality without competing or feeling chaotic. For example, a neutral rug and sofa with white walls let varied accents shine without overwhelming the space. Conversely, if the room is otherwise neutral, a single bright sofa can become an effective, intentional pop of color.
Remember that a room rarely feels finished all at once. A truly personal space evolves over time as you live in it and learn what works. Think of decorating as an ongoing process of trial and error: small changes, patience, and a bit of experimentation will lead you to a home that feels right. Enjoy the journey and allow the space to grow with you.
What about you? Do you have tricks that help you corral eclectic pieces into a cohesive room or strategies for staying focused while shopping for home decor? Share your tips and stories — hearing how others solve the same challenges can be a great source of inspiration.