We Discovered Our New Favorite Home Aesthetic, Just in Time for Cozy Season
If you’ve been scrolling through your TikTok feed, ooh-ing and ahh-ing over charmingly layered decor styles, you’re not alone.
Millions of views don’t lie—we spotted a new home aesthetic that’s taking over both rooms and social feeds: traditional eclecticism.
To learn more about this viral decor style, we spoke with Heather Goerzen, design director and lead interior designer at Havenly. She claims traditional eclecticism as one of her favorite new design aesthetics, and it’s easy to see why.
Here’s betting it’ll be your new favorite, too.
Meet the Expert
Heather Goerzen is design director and lead interior designer at Havenly.
What Is Traditional Eclectic Style?
Think of traditional eclecticism as the Nancy Myers aesthetic. Imagine living on the set of "Father of the Bride," "The Parent Trap," or "The Holiday." If these are homes out of your dreams, then it's time to give this layered, cozy aesthetic a try this winter.
Traditional eclecticism starts with a base of the best elements of traditional design: classic silhouettes, enduring color palettes, storied elements, timeless styling, and a hint of vintage.
Then, with a jolt of eclectic style, the aesthetic gets a much-needed twist that Goerzen says feels unique, innately personal, and seriously compelling.
Design by Jessica Nelson Design / Photography by Carina Skrobecki Photography
“Eclectic design, as a rule, follows no rules,” Goerzen says. “Rather, it’s magic that’s found in the mix of influences.”
Blend historical touches, whether ornate molding or framed photos of your grandparents, with modern elements. Pair bold color with plenty of pattern play, perhaps through wallpaper or upholstery. Traditional eclecticism is all about seamlessly integrating various styles and pieces you love with a carefree, confident abandon.
“When you combine the chic and classically cool elements of traditional design with a more innovative and delightful edge, you get character-filled spaces that defy cookie-cutter norms,” Goerzen says.
Design by Truss Interiors / Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
How Does a Traditional Eclectic Space Feel?
When it comes to traditional eclectic style, you know it when you see it. It can take on a variety of moods, often at the same time. It’s cozy, storied, warm, and welcoming, all while being iconic, chic, and undeniably cool.
“Traditional eclectic decor is like going home to your very cool, very interesting grandmother’s home who lives in a New York City brownstone,” Goerzen says. “It’s the equivalent of a design hot toddy, and you’ll never want to leave.”
It’s the equivalent of a design hot toddy, and you’ll never want to leave.
How Do You Design a Traditional Eclectic Space?
Traditional eclecticism is all about layers—lots of them. It’s also all about mixing styles—lots of them.
It can be hard to know where to start though. Here is how Goerzen recommends creating a traditional eclectic space:
Start with a classic base, like wood floors, wainscoting, and—if you’re lucky—a fireplace.
Pair traditional furniture shapes, like rolled arms and wingbacks, with sculptural accents.
Opt for unique color palettes, ranging from Parisian high-contrast to balanced earth tones and rich traditional.
Don’t be afraid of fun patterns. Try classic plaids and stripes or trending florals and abstract art.
Wallpaper is more than welcome in traditional eclectic spaces.
Mix accents from different eras. Try a modern table lamp with organic or eclectic features; that’ll ensure the look of your space doesn’t feel one-dimensional.
Add a surprising element, like a playful pattern, fringe detail, or large abstract artwork.
Rich materials, such as marble and travertine, feel at home in the traditional eclectic aesthetic.
To balance the space with both old and new aspects, add a few trendy touches. Goerzen recommends a hint of glam gold, cane, checkerboard print, or high-contrast matte black.
For lighting, choose shaded or sculptural lighting for a classic or current element—whichever the space needs more.
Design by Truss Interiors / Photo by Emily Minton Redfield
Traditional Eclectic Don’ts
While a touch of trendy keeps a space feeling current, when designing a traditional eclectic space, be wary of pieces that will surely go out of style within a season.
Don’t go overboard on the style either. Remember: this isn’t eclectic maximalism, where a room is overloaded with visually chaotic and overstimulating decor and furniture. The classic and traditional elements of this aesthetic grounds the style with more purpose and sense of history.
“This style is still rooted in classic, timeless design choices, rather than here-today-gone-tomorrow trends,” Goerzen says.
Will The Traditional Eclectic Style Endure?
Goerzen thinks so, and so does TikTok. This is a style that has staying power, as it can grow with you, your home, and your personal story.
“Given its DNA is anchored in traditional design, traditional eclectic can evolve and stay in fashion,” Goerzen says. “The style blends polished ease with a distinctive edge for an unfailing style statement.”
Read the original article on The Spruce.
