Eclectic comes from the Greek eklektikos (meaning "selective"), from the verb eklegein, "to select." Eclecticism was originally applied to ancient philosophers who were not committed to any single system of philosophy but selected whichever doctrines pleased them from every school of thought. Later, the word's use broadened. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, eclectic refers to someone who uses a method or approach composed of elements drawn from various sources.
Recently, we met up with our friend Vicki Oberle to tell us about eclectic styles, specifically new home styling trends.
Vicki with sales associate Brian Matthiesen holding a super eclectic portrait of a Highland Cow.
I'm Vicki Oberle, owner of Fisher Furniture in the beautiful Arcadia Valley. I love furniture and in-home design, and I have been helping people choose the right pieces for their homes for over 20 years. Navigating new styles into their homes can be challenging for many people. Is your style traditional, modern, or eclectic? Where to start?
I'm sorry to disappoint; my very first suggestion is to SLOW DOWN and think about what you like and don't like about the furniture you have. The second suggestion is more fun—surround yourself with pieces you love. The third suggestion is not to be afraid to explore.
Think about how you use your furniture. For a more casual room where you lay on the sofa to read or watch TV, you will want a "pillow armrest" to be comfortable. If people will eat while on the furniture, it is best not to choose white or a light color. A more formal room to have guests over for book clubs & Bible studies needs furniture that helps you sit up straight—something firmer and with a high back versus a deep sofa that causes you to lean back or doze off.
Vicki tells us what eclectic means to her and her customers.
If you like an eclectic style, there is an art to having that look, but be careful not to do it with big-ticket items. Do it in a little way. If you love the latest trendy look, it's best to go inexpensive as you will replace the furniture sooner. Be careful when using style terms. Know your style and how to describe it. The best thing to do is to find inspirational pictures to show what you have in mind. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Ask people to check it out for opinions. When people are unsure how to be eclectic, I always ask them to bring photos to the showroom.
It's never what you do, it's always how you do it.
Consider how long you expect to keep the piece you are buying. A long time? Then splurge on a nice piece. If you have toddlers, accept something less expensive to get you through those messy years. If you need a whole house of furniture, go inexpensive so you can sit on a sofa, sleep on a bed, and eat at the table all on the same day! Think about how often you will use it. A rarely used piece can be less expensive. On the other hand, if it's something you use a lot, then a better-quality product will save you money in the long run.
Consider lighting and how it affects the color. Take something from home to work with for the color. Again, a light color is not ideal for toddlers or eating on during Super Bowl parties. Big windows will throw a lot of blue on your sofa, which may battle an orange sofa.
Sales associate Isaiah Gibbs knows what makes a comfortable sofa—a fluffy head rest.
Notice how these items accent each other—rough porcelain and rough wood.
Vicki on a traditional style chair with a hippy style print.
The perfect size.
The more significant pieces of furniture that fill your room must match its size and scale. You can measure the length, but consider the scale by considering the Visual space, such as the windows and how the back of a sofa will fit. The ceiling height should be considered, too. If you have low ceilings, choose low furniture. A room with tall ceilings needs taller furniture. There is a way to get extra seating with no space.
Spring is in the air; if you are like most of us, your house is ready for a thorough spring cleaning. It's time to freshen things around the house, and spending that tax refund on furniture is a fun way to do it! Come visit us, and I promise that my staff will help you find the right piece for you and your home.
Get Out There! and make your home your own style. And if you want a cup holder on your sofa, you go for yourself and make yourself happy. Vicki can help with that and make it all work in your home. Photos by the Supreme Leader and Editor 573 Magazine
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