In fashionable interior design circles these days, “eclectic” is one of the most sought after looks. And no wonder, given today’s informal lifestyles and self-assured consumers who fill their homes with a pastiche of things they love.

Eclectic design is increasing in popularity. People have gained more confidence in their own taste, and have been standing up for it with their designers. The idea is: Be true to yourself.

Traditionally, interior decorators and their clients alike looked for things that went together when they put together a room. Now, though, theme design and precise adherence to any one historically correct style is considered a tired concept. In its place comes the layering of varied, sometimes opposing, design elements. There has been a growing movement toward what I call ‘ Ditching the Joneses,’ getting away from ‘matchipoo’ syndrome and instead filling the room with things that you love. And those things don't necessarily come from the same period of time or from the same place.