apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Gregory - Isn't that what we used to call "Eclecticism"?

Yes, nothing new of course, just a kind reminder that having everything matching isn't nearly the ideal that is sometimes advertised, especially in these times when people sometimes aspire for a completely cohesive, just like the catalog look. Making a mix of things work altogether isn't always easy, but when it happens, it can be special :)

Chair party!

Another take on the eclecticism is to perhaps focus on a general style, like modern or country and then go from there. By this I mean, be eclectic, but perhaps with a modern twist.

That's how my place is heading for I've always been a MCM/modern kinda guy, but now am adding the Mod to it and have always had the Danish Modern element thing going as well, but have added other pieces that are not necessarily modern, such as a blue glass lamp that is more traditional than modern. It needs a new shade but the traditional (and original) shade will be replaced with a new drum shade in an off white (ivory I think) color. The lamp is old, from the 40's I think and it sits on a 60's era modern teak end table next to a bright red leather Klippan sofa. :-)

That's a very useful way of explaining one exploration of eclecticism. Being eclectic in many ways is difficult proposition for many people, as just in fashion, not everyone feels assured veering off tried and true combinations. But I think updating the traditional with a modern veneer (it rarely seems to go the other way on the DIY end) can bring in that element of unique eclecticism we're talking about.