Every so often, readers reach out asking for advice on creating an eclectic mix of styles at home. It’s a fair question—pulling together a room that feels intentional yet unexpected can be intimidating. How do you make a space look layered and interesting without crossing into chaos?
Luckily for me, I have access to one of the very best resources on this subject: my mom, Judy Aldridge. You may know her as @atlantishome on Instagram, where she documents her ever-evolving house full of bold patterns, unexpected pairings, and fearless design choices. Over the years, her home has taken on many different lives, but one thread runs through them all: eclecticism with confidence.
Recently, we sat down to talk about how she approaches decorating, and what tips she’d give anyone wanting to try their hand at creating a one-of-a-kind, personality-filled home. Here’s what I learned.
Start with What You Love
The cornerstone of eclectic style is personal connection. Instead of asking what matches, Judy advises asking what resonates. “A home should be built around the things that bring you joy,” she says. That could be a vintage armchair you scored at a flea market, an oversized piece of modern art, or a quirky lamp that makes you smile.
When you fill your space with items you genuinely love, the mix naturally starts to feel cohesive—because it reflects you. This eliminates the pressure to conform to one rigid aesthetic and instead allows your home to tell your story.
Play with Contrast
One of Judy’s signature moves is juxtaposition: the thrill of placing opposites side by side. Think: a delicate antique rug paired with a sleek glass coffee table, or a minimalist sofa under a gallery wall of ornate gold frames.
The secret here is balance. If you’re adding a bold element, ground it with something quieter. A clash of eras or styles works best when each piece is given room to breathe. “The tension between old and new, rough and polished, is what makes a space come alive,” Judy explains.
Layer, Layer, Layer
An eclectic home is rarely about restraint—it thrives on layers. Textures, colors, and patterns all play together to create depth. Throw pillows against patterned upholstery, stacks of books on side tables, and collected art hung salon-style on the walls all contribute to that curated, lived-in feel.
But layering doesn’t mean piling on everything at once. Judy stresses editing as part of the process. “You don’t have to show every single piece you own,” she says. Rotate objects in and out to keep the room dynamic, and let certain pieces shine at different times.
Think Beyond Furniture
Eclectic style isn’t just about what you sit on—it’s about atmosphere. Judy often brings in unexpected elements like large-scale art, bold lighting, or even sculptural objects that feel more like museum pieces than household décor. These details elevate a room, turning it from simply furnished into truly styled.
Textiles also play a huge role. Rugs, curtains, and throws add both texture and warmth, softening the more striking elements. Don’t be afraid to mix materials—velvet next to linen, leather against wood, or glass alongside stone. The variety is what makes it feel layered and personal.
Trust Your Instincts
If there’s one piece of advice Judy emphasizes above all, it’s to trust yourself. Eclectic interiors often push against the traditional rules of decorating, and that can feel uncomfortable at first. But leaning into your instincts—choosing the painting because you love it, not because it matches the sofa—is the heart of this style.
“Eclecticism is about freedom,” she reminds me. “It’s not about breaking rules for the sake of it, but about creating a space that’s uniquely yours.”
Let It Evolve
Perhaps the most encouraging tip of all is that eclectic style is never really done. Judy’s own home is constantly evolving, shifting with her interests and inspirations. Rooms are living things—they should change as you do.
This means you don’t need to have it all figured out at once. Start with a piece you adore, add to it slowly, and allow your home to grow into its personality over time. The beauty of eclectic style is that it welcomes change.
Final Thoughts
Eclectic decorating can feel intimidating if you think of it as clashing for the sake of clashing. But Judy Aldridge shows us that it’s actually about creating harmony through contrast, layering with intention, and above all, following your gut.
A home built on these principles is never cookie-cutter, never boring, and always personal. It’s a reflection of a life well-lived, full of collected stories, textures, and memories. And really, isn’t that what we all want our homes to be?
So if you’ve been tempted to dip your toe into eclectic waters, take Judy’s advice: start with what you love, layer with confidence, and trust that your instincts will guide you toward a home that feels unmistakably yours.
