# Types of Eclectic Design Styles
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Definition
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The common definition of eclectic style is mixing several design styles to create a personal style. Some interior designers use a 70/30 percentage as a guide; a room that’s 70 percent modern and 30 percent baroque, for example. Others, such as Portland-based designer Angela Todd, use 60/30/10 and incorporate three styles. Eclectic design style is not an exact science. Your personal eclectic style is determined by two to four other design styles that appeal to your tastes.
Architecture
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The architecture of your room can lead you into at least one style for your eclectic mix. If your dining room has built-in cabinetry, dark hardwood crown molding and stained glass details, craftsman style will likely be part of your combination. If, on the other hand, it has a terra cotta colored tile floor, stucco walls and arched doorways, it already has a strong Spanish influence. Unless you have a blank architectural space with which to work, use the style of your room’s architecture as part of your own eclectic style. If you love the style, use it in other elements of the room. If not, use it to a lesser degree and others more to offset it.
Furniture
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Look around your house and see what style of furniture predominates. This will provide another indication of what to use as part of your eclectic mix. If your sofa is large and fluffy with various floral and checkered pillows, you might lean toward country or cottage style. On the other hand, if you have a sleek sectional with clean lines and few accents, you might prefer modern or minimalist style. Assess all of your furniture and see which style you gravitate toward most. In some cases, you might find two equally appealing but contrasting styles -- such as country and modern -- and you can use both as part of your eclectic mix.
Accessories
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Walk through your home and take digital pictures of your favorite wall hangings (include mirrors, if you have them), fabric textures and patterns and decorative items, such as vases and sculptures. Group the photos by similar themes such as nature, Asian-influence and Victorian. Notice whether one or two themes predominate others. This will highlight at least one design style to use in your personal eclectic mix.
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