Variety is the spice of life – go eclectic

Mixing old with new in my kitchen

Eclecticism is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories and styles.

If anyone asks me what my style is I say – eclectic. Eclectic is easy, you just use what appeals to you personally – believe me, it works and is huge fun. My kitchen is a prime example. I mix old with new – one has to in an age of labour saving devices.

My Philippe Starck collection of utensils

My cottage is around 400 years old but I am not a slave to its age. Philippe Starck plays a huge role in my kitchen.

Not an LED display in sight

I have a Dualit toaster because it is simple. No buttons wth every shade of brown known to man. I just pop my tost in and set the timer. It is an ageless classic.

My bathroom with its Lit Bath from Italy

My bathroom is a mix of old and new. Not the expected claw foot bath but a modern design from Italy that has lights inside the double skin. When it is full of hot water it softens so is like lying in a giant sponge. Bliss! Bathrooms look best when you mix your styles.

A great example - antique meets modern in this fabulous bathroom

I love to mix it up. I broke this huge bust and instantly saw a use for it – in went my paint brushes. Always a talking point when we have visitors.

A broken bust becomes storage for my paint brushes

The French do eclectic brilliantly. They have such a huge choice of antiques and also have the most amazing super stores selling innovative modern designs, they mix it all up and end up with an enviable look.

A great idea in this french room - why not hang a chair on a wall?

So many points of interest in this french living room

Anything goes really. Flea market finds sit alongside family heirlooms and modern classics. I never cease to be amazed at the way the French put together a room. So many people would walk away from this lamp thinking they would have nowhere to put it, but by placing it over a table the problem is solved.

A fine example of an eclectic interior

A classic Louis fireplace is a wonderful focal point, and by placing design classics and recycled junk around it you instantly have a quirky and interesting scene.

Design classics and recycled junk

There are no boundries. Who would have thought to put gates in their bedroom? The result is stunning.

I would love to have a gated bedroom

Eclectic is a way to show your personality to the world, it is part of you, your beliefs, your sense of style and more importantly it creates a place where you feel totally at home.

Whenever I need an eclectic fix I am fortunate enough to live not far from RE, an amazing shop based in Corbridge, Northumberland. It is stuffed full of every style you can think of.

Inside RE's Northumberland shop

New and quirky, old and worn, revamped and gorgeous it’s all there – and now RE have opened a store in Liberty in London, lucky Southerners can have a bit of it also.

RE now in Liberty, London

Open your eyes to eclectic, it is so simple and will give you the greatest pleasure as there are no rules. Just go with the flow!