Eclecticism – the new interior design trend in 2023
New year, new interior trends – eclecticism is all about combining old and new furnishing styles. The motto: “More is more”!
Those living with style in 2023 are embracing eclecticism-not as chaos, but as a deliberate curation where different styles, eras, and materials find their own unique voice.
- “More is more”-but with system: Eclecticism combines old and new furnishing styles. The name derives from the Ancient Greek “eklektos”-chosen, select. The selection process is the crucial step.
- Color as an anchor: First choose a dominant main color, then add as many complementary colors as you like. This keeps diversity readable rather than overwhelming.
- Mixing materials: Cushions made of velvet and silk, a coarse wool blanket, a jute rug, vases made of glass and metal-and striking lighting that puts the style in the right light.
Eclecticism is not chaos – it is a method
Eclecticism in interior design does exactly what its name suggests: it selects. It combines elements from different styles, eras, and sources – the motto is “more is more,” but there is calculation behind it. The ancient Greek word “eklektos” means chosen and curated, and that is the core: not everything belongs here, only the right things.
The style has historical roots in Europe. You find it in buildings in southern Italy, Brussels, and Paris, where impressions and objects brought back from travels were once combined with existing elements – carpets from abroad, curtains from another culture, assembled into a distinct style. Today, the same happens indoors, but more consciously and with greater choice.
Anyone still looking for a clear, single style today misses the real opportunity: Eclecticism is not a directionless solution, but a conscious decision to build spaces as personal narratives.
How to start: Color, material, light
The first step is choosing a color. Pick one color that should dominate your interior style – your favorite color is a good starting point. Building on that, you can add as many other colors as you like that complement it. The main color keeps the palette together so the room remains readable despite its variety.
Materials play an equally important role. Cushions made of velvet and silk, paired with a coarse wool blanket, a jute rug, vases of glass and metal – combining different textures creates tension without chaos. And lighting: In eclecticism, striking, expressive fixtures count. They highlight the style and make the room shine in the literal sense.
Why this style works again now
Eclecticism responds to a zeitgeist that is breaking away from uniform style guidelines. Those who no longer think in categories like “Scandi” or “Industrial” are seeking furnishings that have genuine history – not just the backdrop of a story. Eclecticism provides the tool for this: a clear method, open-ended results. The art lies in balancing, not accumulating.
Quick Answers
▸What is eclecticism in interior design?
Eclecticism combines old and new interior styles into a harmonious whole. The term comes from the Greek “eklektos” (chosen) and describes the conscious mixing of elements from various styles and eras.
▸How do I start with eclectic decorating?
First, choose a main color, then add complementary colors. Mix materials: velvet, silk, wool, jute, glass, and metal. Use striking lighting. The key is conscious selection – not everything, but the right things.
▸Can eclecticism become too much?
Yes, if the selection lacks discernment. “More is more” only works if every element has a reason. A dominant main color and shared materials keep the space cohesive – without them, style quickly turns into chaos.
