Style Starboard: Designer Tips...Eclectic Style

Style Starboard: Designer Tips...Eclectic Style

What is eclectic design?

Eclectic - "not following any one system but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.(Webster)

Here are a few tips to achieve eclectic success:

Mix & Match - The key to eclecticism is mixing and matching. The heart of a collected look is not being "match-y match-y". Make sure each piece is something you love and not a part of a large collection. In an eclectic design, your side table should be a different style than your coffee table. Your pillows should not be the ones that came with the sofa, they should be a pattern you fall head over heals for. It's all about finding what you love and collecting over time, or making it look that way. Be bold, fearless, and design with what you love rather than designing to impress.

Collected Details - It's often times the little things that we collect & find over time that can tell the greatest story of our spaces. You might find a beautiful shell on a meaningful vacation or pick up a great find at a flea market. These little details that are collected over time come with a story and make a house feel like a home.

Be Unexpected - Don't you love a great conversation piece? It can be humorous or serious, but either way incorporate something that gives your guest something to talk about. Unexpected details can be in the form of a quirky coffee table book or even by finding new uses for old things.

Grounding - With all this mixing and matching and added details, the tricky part is tying it all together. Eclectic design is definitely not a jumbled assortment of random items, but a planned and deliberate design. A shared theme or component should still tie everything together. A room style in an eclectic way is brought together when furnishings relate to each other in color, pattern, scale, texture, finish and or shape.

Personal Style - Make sure it's your own personal style! Eclecticism can vary from one extreme to another. Just make sure that it's yours and that it tells your story.

Below are some images of eclectic design that we love… 

Choosing the right accent chair for a beach house is about more than style — it’s about comfort, durability, and how the piece works within a relaxed coastal space. The best accent chairs combine soft, livable materials with timeless design, creating seating that feels effortless and easy to use every day.
This guide covers how to choose accent chairs for a coastal home, what materials work best, and how to create a cohesive living space using pieces that are both functional and elevated.

What You'll Learn in This Guide:

• What makes a great accent chair for a beach house
• Which materials work best in coastal homes
• How to choose the right style and size
• How to pair chairs with sofas, rugs, and tables
• Which accent chairs work best for everyday living
  

What Makes a Great Accent Chair for a Beach House?

A well-chosen accent chair should feel comfortable, durable, and visually balanced within the space.

Look for:

• Soft, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton
• Durable construction for everyday use
• Neutral or coastal-inspired tones
• Shapes that feel relaxed rather than overly structured
  

The goal is a chair that looks beautiful but is also used daily.

Slipcovered Accent Chairs

Slipcovered chairs are one of the best choices for coastal homes because they are:

• Comfortable and relaxed
• Easy to maintain and clean
• Ideal for homes with kids, pets, and everyday use
  

Woven & Natural Material Chairs

Chairs made from rattan, wood, or woven materials add texture and depth.

• Adds natural, organic feel
• Works well in layered coastal spaces
• Pairs beautifully with neutral palettes

Upholstered Coastal Chairs

Upholstered chairs in soft fabrics provide:

• Additional comfort
• More structured seating
• A polished coastal look

How to Style Accent Chairs

Accent chairs should feel like part of the room — not an afterthought.

Pair with:

• Coastal rugs to ground the seating area
• Driftwood tables for natural texture
• Coastal lighting to add warmth and dimension

This combination creates a space that feels layered and complete.

How to Choose the Right Size

• Ensure the chair fits proportionally within the room
• Leave enough space for movement
• Pair with the right scale of sofa or sectional

One oversized chair often works better than multiple small pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing style over comfort
• Selecting materials that don’t hold up to daily use
• Going too small for the space
• Overmatching instead of layering textures

Shop the Look

• Slipcovered Seating
• Driftwood Coffee Tables
• Best Selling Coastal Rugs
• Coastal Lamps

Why We Love It

Accent chairs are one of the easiest ways to complete a room.

• Adds comfort and flexibility
• Creates balance in seating areas
• Introduces texture and personality
• Works across casual and more refined spaces