Embracing Eclecticism: How Personal Style Reflects Our Ever-Evolving Selves

Choosing a style can feel like trying to fit into a single box when your tastes and inspirations are constantly shifting. This year, the struggle to define a clear style led to a realization: personal style is complex and ever-changing. It reflects moods, seasons, and experiences. Like many people, my style is eclectic, blending different influences across my home, wardrobe, art, and even my food preferences. This post explores how embracing an eclectic style can be a true reflection of who we are and how it enriches our creative expression.

Finding Beauty in Contrasts

For years, I admired the simplicity and clean lines of Scandinavian design. Its minimalism and focus on function appealed to my love for order and calm. Yet, I never felt confined to this style alone. I also found myself drawn to contemporary stained-glass art, with its bold geometric shapes and colors. These two styles seem worlds apart, but both speak to different parts of my creative spirit.

This mix of influences shows that style is not about strict rules or categories. It’s about what resonates with you at any given moment. Sometimes, I want the quiet elegance of Scandinavian style. Other times, I crave the vibrant energy of stained-glass pieces that play with light and color. Both styles coexist because they reflect different facets of my personality.

Nature as a Constant Inspiration

Nature has always been my biggest passion, and it flows through almost all my creative work. Six years ago, during the COVID epidemic, I became a Master Gardener through my county. This experience deepened my connection to plants and flowers and gave me practical knowledge to improve my backyard garden. Gardening became more than a hobby; it became a source of inspiration and joy.

I love growing unique and rare flower seeds suited to our climate—plants you don’t see every day. This process involves trial and error, much like art. Sometimes a seed doesn’t sprout, or a flower doesn’t bloom as expected. Similarly, in art, you try different techniques and ideas, and it may take many attempts before you achieve the desired result. This patience and persistence are part of the creative journey.

Landscapes That Shape Style

Living in the Rocky Mountain region has shaped my aesthetic preferences deeply. The rugged mountains, crisp air, and freshwater lakes create a landscape unlike any other. I also admire the Southwestern United States, especially New Mexico, and further north to the Black Hills of South Dakota. These regions share a connection to the mountains but offer distinct colors, textures, and cultural influences. You might notice touches of Southwestern or Native American-inspired styles in my work, reflecting my love for that region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

The Joy of Eclectic Style

Eclectic style is about freedom. It allows you to mix and match elements that speak to you without worrying about fitting into a single category. This approach can be seen in:

• Home decor: Combining Scandinavian furniture with colorful stained glass accents and natural elements like plants and stones.

• Wardrobe: Wearing clean, simple lines alongside bold, geometric patterns or accessories inspired by nature.

• Art: Creating pieces that blend minimalism with vibrant colors and organic shapes.

  
  

This style reflects life itself—complex, layered, and always evolving. It encourages exploration and personal growth. When you embrace eclecticism, you give yourself permission to change and grow without losing your sense of identity.

Practical Tips for Embracing Your Eclectic Style

If you feel stuck trying to define your style, here are some ways to embrace your eclectic nature:

• Start with what you love: Identify a few styles or elements that consistently attract you. Use these as a foundation.

• Mix thoughtfully: Combine pieces that complement each other through color, texture, or theme, even if they come from different styles.

• Let nature guide you: Incorporate natural materials, plants, or colors inspired by your favorite landscapes.

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things in your art or style. Mistakes are part of the process.

• Reflect your mood: Change your surroundings or style elements with the seasons or your current feelings.

  
  

Embracing Change as Part of Style

Style is not static. It grows as you do. What you loved last year might not feel right today, and that’s okay. Your style should be a living expression of your experiences, passions, and personality. By embracing eclecticism, you allow yourself to be authentic and creative without limits.

This approach also applies to art and stained glass, where combining different influences can lead to unique and meaningful creations. Whether you prefer the clean lines of Scandinavian design or the bold shapes of contemporary stained glass, your style can evolve while staying true to your core inspirations.