It has taken me years of tweaking my decor to really understand my own personal style. When we were first married, we were given lots of hand-me-downs. (Which was great!) Sure! I’ll take those formal drapes and Tuscan side table. Got an extra modern lamp? Done! A traditional coffee table? Yes please!
While we were appreciative, it resulted with quite a hodge podge of styles in our homes. This issue only got worse once we started buying our own things. I would fall for a little French Country, mix it with Rustic, and a a dash of of Modern.
That, my friends, was a recipe for disaster.
Over the past couple years I have refined my decor choices and understand that in order for my home to feel cohesive, I needed to stop having a home decor identity crisis. So I decided to really think hard about what my style is.
Preppy Eclectic
Giving my style a name was hard but honestly it was one of the best things I could do for my home. I have found that since I named my style, things have come easier for me when it comes to decorating. If I see something I like but isn’t really my style, it’s easier for me to pass it by. But it’s not too narrow and still gives me enough freedom to constantly tweak my decor, which I love to do.
So, what exactly is Preppy Eclectic? Since my previous post really gave a bigger description, I will just recap below the main points and some new pictures of my home that I think represent my home style.
Preppy Eclectic is…
“traditional interiors with pops of the unexpected”
“the charm is in the mix of it”
“traditional style, but nothing overly formal or matchy-matchy”
“the freedom to mix antique pieces with modern pieces”
“playful and colorful, but nothing is overly done”
“it’s cohesive but unexpected”
“classic and modern at the same time”
“mixing and matching patterns, but nothing is over the top”
“refined but informal”
“collected”
“southern”
“coastal”
I love that when I look through the recent photos of my home, it validates this “preppy eclectic” label and the various rooms feel cohesive.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to work on identifying your own style. And really think about where you are NOW in your tastes, not what your house may have in it from the past. Personal styles evolve over time and the key is acknowledging and refining. I am not suggesting you start over but once you give yourself an identity, you may just stop having a home identity crisis moving forward! 🙂
Want to see more preppy eclectic eye candy?
To see 7 Perfectly Preppy Rooms- click here.
Not sure about your style? If you are not sure where to start, look no further because there are 19 different home styles below full of inspiration. And if you have already identified your style, I would love to hear about it!
Love the mix of modern black/white and traditional blue/white in the table setting. I would not have considered those together, but they sum up your style perfectly. I think folks forget to be playful…….
Loved seeing your home style!
Your home is so fun! Loved how you described your style!
You have done a beautiful job, Heather. Preppy eclectic sounds just right. The subway art caught my eye since we recently moved from the Atlanta area.
I need to add you to my blog roll…I came across your site, several months ago and I am so happy you participated in this hop…now I get to stalk your page, lol. Anyways, I love your style and how you incorporate different decor into your home and girl, you make it happen! I love everything about your home and I will be following.
Your home is lovely, Heather. I love your Atlanta pillow–makes me a bit homesick. The silver urns on your coffee table are next on my list of accessories to add to my home. I enjoyed doing the style hop with you!
Your house definitely looks cohesive now! I love how you are able to make so many different kinds of things work together so well.
That is the perfect description for your style! I love it! I love the pic of the Jenga game in the coca cola crate!
Your home is beautiful! I love all your discriptive words and I think you summed it up perfectly. I'm so glad to have connected with you through this hop, I love how clean and nice yet still inviting your place looks. I look forward to more from you!
FABULOUS!! Your home is so beautiful and stunning. I love your talent for mixing patterns in your home. From the ikat to stripes it all works wonderfully to make a beautiful home. Thanks for participating in the My Home Style Blog Hop! Pinned and Shared.
Love, love, love your style!! Your home looks so put together and you have mad styling skills. Beautiful colors, textures, patterns, mix of styles. Gorgeous.
Everything you do is lovely, Heather, and it all works together perfectly. Thanks for the great eye candy! XO