15 Ways to Channel Your Inner Eccentric at Home

Eccentrics get a bad rap. What some see as odd, peculiar and bizarre, I see as unique, fearless and whimsical. The word brings to mind some of my favorite style mavens: Auntie Mame, little Edie Beale, Wes Anderson, Eartha Kitt, Diana Vreeland and Carrie Donovan. Style icons don’t follow trends; they march to the beat of their own drummers and set trends. They are true to themselves, appreciate the classics and don’t care what anyone else thinks. They make “eccentric” equal “fearlessly fabulous.”

So when you’re decorating, don’t worry about being right or wrong or about what’s in and what’s out; be true to yourself and embrace your inner eccentric. Here are some ideas to jump-start your own unique brain.

Embrace a bold floral. Lots of eccentrics know the exuberance and power of large-scale flowers. They can go modern, traditional, eclectic or collected. This room mixes it up with some British colonial furniture, a modern geometric rug, a traditional painting and contemporary lighting. Everything takes a backseat to the wonderful blooms all over the walls.


Keep a well-stocked bar cart in the living room or library. Fabulous eccentrics are usually sought-after hosts, whether the occasion is afternoon tea, a lively dinner or cocktail hour.


Give your grandparents’ wicker new paint and some wacky cushions. Woven furniture, like wicker and rattan, adds great texture to a room. Treasure hunter and homeowner Kathleen Wall has layered this chair with an animal print, bringing it to a level of wonderfully wacky, yet it’s still sophisticated.

See the rest of this house


While we’re on the subject, think of animal prints as neutrals. No need to go full-on Eartha Kitt, but yes, a little animal print, like this faux zebra rug, is a good base for more unusual touches and statement art.


Mix prints with wild abandon. There is no exact formula, but the key is to use prints in different scales, incorporating at least one large-, medium- and small-scale pattern. In this living room, bold accents and solid upholstery on the chairs keep things balanced.

Decorating Patterns: How to Layer Patterns Right


Appreciate the coziness of a quilt. Quilts are full of history and the spirits of those who crafted them. Plus, they make your bed extra warm on a cold night.

Quilts aren’t just for the linen closet or the bed; see more ways to display quilts around the house.


Learn the magic of overstuffed furniture. While current trends favor streamlined furniture, there’s nothing more comfortable than sinking into extra-thick cushioning or a pillow-backed sofa. Confident eccentrics don’t care about trends; they start them.

Peruse more comfy overstuffed rooms


Know that no frame is too ornate or too gilded. Try it with a traditional landscape, a portrait or a vintage botanical work.


Bring on the needlework. Needlepoint, crochet — heck, even macramé can bring out your inner eccentric. In photographer and blogger Ilaria Chiaratti’s home, crochet pieces she crafts herself add bright color and geometry that play nicely with her penchant for midcentury modern furniture.

See the rest of this house and its wonderful crochet pieces


Celebrate purple. You don’t have to be Prince to appreciate a good plum hue. Liven up a bathroom, bedroom, hallway, living room or even the inside of a closet with a deep eggplant, a lovely lavender or a royal purple.

Wall paint: Pelt, Farrow & Ball

Check out what goes with purple walls


Express yourself. A laundry room is just the spot for funny signs or quirky artwork. Patterned pink wallpaper and crewelwork on the window treatments bring new life to some of grandmother’s favorite things.


Prioritize your pets. Whether it’s a cat, a dog, a bird or some other favorite critter, give your pet a place of honor in the house.


You can also celebrate Sparky by putting his likeness on a pillow or making a silhouette of it.


Bring the trellis indoors. Whether it’s wood slats on the walls or a trellis wallpaper or fabric, a trellis pattern brings Edith Wharton–style garden panache inside.

See more of this condo


Curlicue it up. The fine details of vintage wrought iron pieces demand some attention and reverence for the past.

So Your Style Is: Loop de Loop


Drag some indoor furniture to the porch. A vintage dresser or side table and vintage mirrors or art add kooky charm to covered outdoor spaces.

How are you letting your eccentric flag fly around the house? Please let us know in the Comments section — and add a picture, of course!

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