The “shabby chic” aesthetic boomed in popularity because of its seemingly carefree (but stylish!) mix of colors, textures and patterns. These thoughtful gifts blend seamlessly into the beautiful “chaos” of this eclectic home decor style.
An eclectic home decor style is one of the most unique ways to decorate a home, and requires a creative, risk-taking attitude to achieve. It is all about different patterns, textures, and contrasting colors coming together to create something beautiful. The eclectic style, also affectionately nicknamed “Shabby Chic",” is a combination of many different home decor styles, that complement each other. The best place to start with this style is choosing a color palette. Using a color palette as a guide keeps the whole design in harmony and prevents things from getting a little too shabby.
Once you’ve determined the general color palette for your home decor, the next step is to choose patterns for any furniture, rugs, and other more “permanent” aspects of your decor. The key to preventing the room from getting too crazy (in terms of clashing patterns and colors) is to choose patterns that contain at least one color that matches another part of your decor. That way you can have fun picking patterns that would not typically be used together, without giving yourself a headache. As long as they have that one color in common, you have the freedom to choose bold patterns that usually do not go together, and make it work. If you choose to mix a lot of bright and bold patterns, many interior decorators recommend keeping the walls white or a light color to act as a stable “base” and ground the colors from being overwhelming.
The same tips apply for textures. You can have a lot of fun with it, while being cautious of the design turning messy. Using textures that contrast each other and introducing them in small doses is the best way to achieve this style. There is so much that can be added to the look of the room by simply just playing around with different textures. Textures can be added throughout the room in the form of throw pillows, area rugs, blankets, and decor items.
Essentially, the eclectic or Shabby Chic home decor style is about having fun and making it your own. Adding statement objects and decorations is one of the last steps to achieve just that. Add what you think looks best and really like! This is your opportunity to add a touch of your personality to the style, where mostly anything goes.
BEST GIFTS FOR A “SHABBY CHIC” OR ECLECTIC HOME
WINDOW RAINBOW MAKER (MOMA DESIGN STORE, $40)
This gift is different from the typical Christmas gift, which is perfect for anyone you know who falls into the eclectic home style decor group. As explained earlier, this home style decor group is about curating many different style elements and making them all look great together. The window rainbow maker catches the natural light from outside and projects rainbows on the walls that shift as the source of light moves throughout the day. This is a unique way to add a funky decor element that guests will remember!
INVISIBLE BOOK SHELVES (WEST ELM CONCEAL SHELF, SET OF 3, $29)
In a shabby-chic style home, it’s important to add simplicity wherever possible to prevent the environment from overwhelming the eyes and mind. After all, visual clutter can add unnecessary stress to our lives. These trendy bookshelves are functional yet stylish, allowing you to keep your books organized and on display, while keeping the focus on the vibrant decor.
HIMALYAN SALT GLASSES (MINDFUL GOODS, $30)
Not only are these salt glasses functional, but they make for stunning decorations when not being used. Placing them on a countertop or bar cart is a practical way to add a touch of “natural” decor to an eclectic style home. Plus, Himalayan salt is known for its health benefits, even when incorporated in simple ways like this.
GEODE CRYSTAL JIGSAW PUZZLE (ZAZZLE, $17.90)
This puzzle is perfect for keeping busy while social distancing, and serves as a beautiful decoration when it’s finished. The colors range from light to dark blues throughout this puzzle, and the variety of blues give it so much potential to be used in an eclectic styled room. The puzzle if given as a gift can be used for fun and will not look messy if left out! Guests may think it is just acting as another decoration in the room, so it will not be a hassle if it is left out on the table. Or, frame it and hang it up as a piece of art!
FABRIC LUNCH BAG (WILLIAMS SONOMA, $44.95)
An insulated, portable lunch bag with plenty of room is a gift everyone on your list can appreciate! The fabric material and neutral colors make this bag always on-trend, and will match any outfit. It can be used for work, to pack snacks for the kids on a trip, for a picnic at the park or even just to carry drinks. Stuff it with little snacks or candies for an extra surprise inside!
FUNKY, LUXURIOUS BEDDING (FEATHER & STITCH NY, $38.99)
Give everyone on your list the best gift of all: a comfortable good night’s sleep! Made of 100% pure OEKO-TEX certified cotton, these striped sheets come in blue and gray and will complement any home decor style. And best of all — it’s extremely affordable, starting at $38.99 for a luxurious 300 thread-count that will keep you cool and cozy all night.