Eclectic is a style in which elements from different styles, periods and influences are consciously combined. Instead of following one specific design style, eclectic design focuses on bringing together different styles, forms, materials, colours and ideas into a new and balanced whole. 

The word eclectic originates from the Greek word eklektikos, which literally means “to choose the best”. This meaning still forms the foundation of the style today. Eclectic design is not about randomly mixing different styles together, but about carefully selecting elements that complement each other and create a harmonious overall design. 

Eclecticism can be found across various creative disciplines, including architecture, art, design, fashion and interior design. In all these fields, the same idea applies: inspiration does not have to come from a single source. Designers consciously combine characteristics from different periods, cultures and movements to create something new and personal. 

Because eclectic design has no strict rules, it offers a great deal of freedom for creativity and personal expression. Classic and modern influences can exist alongside each other, just like minimalist and expressive designs. The result is a style that feels surprising, diverse and unique. 

Eclecticism is therefore not a separate design movement like Bauhaus or Art Deco, but rather a design approach in which different styles are intentionally brought together. 

The eclectic style emerged in the nineteenth century, a period in which architects, artists and designers no longer wanted to be limited to a single historical style. Instead, they began consciously combining elements from different periods and cultures. The result was a new design approach in which not one specific style was dominant, but rather the freedom to bring together the best elements from different influences. 

The word eclectic originates from the Greek word eklektikos, which literally means “to choose the best”. This principle still forms the foundation of eclecticism today. Designers did not simply copy existing styles, but consciously selected the characteristics they considered most valuable or suitable and combined them into a new whole. 

Eclecticism first emerged within architecture. During the nineteenth century, architects looked back to historical architectural styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism. Instead of completely following one style, they combined elements from multiple movements within a single building. This resulted in unique designs that felt both historical and innovative. 

From architecture, eclecticism spread to other disciplines, including art, furniture, lighting, product design and later interior design. Designers discovered that inspiration did not have to come from one specific period or culture. By combining different influences, new opportunities emerged for creativity, experimentation and personal design expression. 

Eclecticism was therefore not a short-lived design movement, but a new way of approaching design. The idea that different styles can exist alongside each other and even strengthen one another has had a major influence on the development of art, architecture and design and remains relevant today. 

An eclectic style can be recognised by the conscious combination of different styles, materials, colours and periods. Although there are no fixed rules, eclecticism is not about randomness. The balance between contrast and cohesion is what makes a design or space truly eclectic. 

The main characteristics of an eclectic style are: 

• A mix of different styles 
• Contrast between old and new 
• Variation in materials and textures 
• A personal and unique character 
• Balance between diversity and unity 
• A mix of different styles 

Within an eclectic style, influences from different design movements are combined. For example, Art Deco objects can be placed alongside Space Age designs, or Memphis design can be combined with Art Nouveau pieces. The result is a style that is not tied to one specific period or movement. 

Contrast between old and new 

An important characteristic of eclecticism is the combination of objects from different eras. Historical designs can exist effortlessly alongside contemporary pieces. It is precisely this contrast that creates an interesting and layered appearance. 

Variation in materials and textures 

Eclectic designs often make use of a wide range of materials. Wood, metal, glass, ceramics, natural stone and textiles are combined to create more depth and character. The contrast between glossy and matte surfaces, or between refined and robust materials, also plays an important role. 

A personal and unique character 

Because eclecticism does not follow strict style rules, it allows a great deal of room for personal preferences. The chosen objects often tell something about the taste, interests or experiences of the designer or owner. As a result, an eclectic style is almost never the same and every design gains its own identity. 

Balance between diversity and unity 

Despite the wide variety of styles and influences, an eclectic style is ultimately about balance. The different elements are carefully selected and brought together into one cohesive whole. This harmony ensures that an eclectic design or interior does not feel chaotic, but rather thoughtful, distinctive and full of character. 

Eclectic architecture is a style in which architects consciously combine elements from different historical architectural movements. Instead of following one architectural style completely, characteristics from styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism were brought together in new buildings. 

The style mainly emerged during the nineteenth century, when architects gained more freedom to draw inspiration from different periods. The growth of cities and the emergence of new types of buildings created a need for architecture that did not always fit within existing stylistic rules. 

Within eclectic architecture, the idea that the past could serve as a source of inspiration was central. Architects looked back at earlier architectural styles and selected elements that matched the purpose and character of a building. As a result, a building did not have to be entirely Gothic, Classical or Baroque, but could instead contain a combination of different influences. 

This approach resulted in buildings with rich façades, striking details and a mixture of different forms and ornaments. Architects combined, for example, classical columns with medieval elements or used modern construction techniques together with historical decoration. 

A well-known example of eclectic architecture is the railway station of Antwerpen-Centraal, which was built between 1899 and 1905 by Louis Delacenserie, with contributions from Charles Poupaert. The building was designed in an eclectic style, combining various architectural elements from earlier periods. Delacenserie himself described the approach as “Baroque-medieval eclecticism”. Many city halls, railway stations and other public buildings from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries also show this combination of historical styles. 

Although eclectic architecture was later criticised by some because it did not represent a completely new style, the movement played an important role in the development of modern architecture. The idea that designers can freely draw from different sources and combine them into something new remains an important principle in contemporary design.

Eclecticism changed the way artists and designers approached inspiration. The movement showed that a design did not have to be limited to a single style, period or tradition. By consciously combining different influences, it created more space for freedom, experimentation and personal expression. This allowed designers to move beyond strict rules and encouraged creativity, individuality and a stronger personal character within design. 

The idea of reinterpretation also became important. Designers did not simply copy existing styles, but gave historical forms new meaning by combining them with contemporary materials, production methods or functions. This resulted in designs that felt both familiar and innovative at the same time. 

The influence of eclecticism is still visible in contemporary design. Many modern designers do not work from one fixed style, but instead draw inspiration from different periods and movements. A modern object can, for example, contain influences from Art Deco, Modernism, Arts & Crafts or Postmodernism. 

Yes, the eclectic style is more relevant than ever. Especially in a time when designers and consumers have access to influences from all over the world, it has become increasingly common to combine different styles, cultures and periods. 

Where design styles were once often strongly connected to one specific period or movement, contemporary design is increasingly focused on personal choices and individual expression. Eclecticism fits perfectly with this approach because it allows people to bring together inspiration from different sources and create a unique identity. 

The influence of eclecticism can also be seen in contemporary design. Designers combine traditional craftsmanship with modern materials, historical forms with new production methods, and influences from different cultures. This creates designs that cannot easily be placed within a single style. 

The popularity of eclectic design shows that people increasingly value objects with character and a story. Instead of choosing a completely styled or uniform environment, many people prefer designs that express personality and bring together different influences. 

At Davinis, we recognise this philosophy in the way we approach design. Our collection consists of unique objects from different designers, materials and stylistic influences. It is not one specific style that determines what makes a design valuable, but rather the combination of a strong idea, exceptional craftsmanship and a distinctive character. 

The power of eclecticism therefore lies not only in combining different styles, but especially in creating new connections between different ideas. It shows that design does not have to be limited by rules, but can emerge by bringing different perspectives together.