Eclectic style is often the most difficult design look to achieve because it takes a great deal of thought and patience — searching for the perfect piece to juxtapose with others in the room. Achieving this look requires a good design sense and an exemplary talent at editing. It is a particularly appealing style and one that most people can associate with, because it is the reflection of a personal style.

When potential clients say the style of their home is eclectic, my first reaction is "uh-oh." That could mean that a pair of porcelain cat table lamps from their Aunt Matilda's apartment are now sitting next to a 1980s mauve contemporary sofa, paired with a French provincial coffee table. The perfect Yiddish one word description of the place ... ungapatchka. However, don't be confused — eclectic style is not a mishmash of items thrown together. Rather, it's a carefully edited mix of strong pieces that make a statement.

Creating the unexpected is one of the desired effects of eclectic styling. With an eclectic style, you want to establish a mix of sophistication and comfort and a dash of wit. The furnishings selected for a room or home should clearly define a particular style for the overall feel — very contemporary, for instance, and not transitional. This is because the juxtaposition of styles will not be clear enough with a transitional selection. Juxtaposition is key. A very contemporary furnishing combined with a very traditional accessory offers this contrast. Silhouettes should be distinct, with each piece having a "dialogue" with the other.

Pattern also needs to be considered. If a strong pattern is used, it should be carried through or repeated in some way elsewhere in the room. In the photo, a zebra-stripe chair was selected for this bedroom. However, the stripe was repeated in the window treatments, on the banding of the area rug and on the wood grain of the headboard — not the exact stripe, but a stripe was used as the constant. In other words, a floral or other pattern was not introduced.

This necessary contrast of style can also be achieved with art. Contemporary art or photograph in a period frame — or the reverse, a traditional painting in a contemporary frame — can make a strong statement in an eclectic setting. A grouping of various works of art from different periods and style also express an eclectic styling.

Eclectic style can be achieved with color, as well. For instance, using purple and orange creates an unexpected look. Whichever color combination is used, make sure to select colors that are quite opposite on the color wheel. This will establish a point of contrast for your furnishings.

There is a balance and a counterpoint that need to be considered in eclectic design. After all, not everything goes. The most essential component to an eclectic style is careful editing to create a pleasing composition. Clean lines and Baroque or ornate pieces can work together, if edited correctly.

Eclectic style means establishing a cool mix of glamour and comfort in a home that clearly makes a statement. Like a good cocktail, it's all in the mix.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash