7 Tips to Achieving Eclectic Style in a Down Economy

Follow these seven savvy solutions to a smarter, chicer and more personalized living space on a “shoe-string” budget.

Photography and Story by James K. Holder II - The Eclectic Rogue

ONE - Let There Be Light: God said it so it must be true. Lighting is the single most important component of a successful design. Go with an adjustable lamp like this for maximum versatility and ditch the shade for a contemporary industrial look.

Brushed Stainless Steel Lamp Free, salvaged from a moving yard sale

TWO - Dear Old Stockholm: When money is tight, don’t skimp on your dining experience. Choose white plates with rounded edges to make all of your culinary endeavors as visually appealing as they are delicious. Save the trip to Stockholm for your summer vacation and visit your neighborhood Ikea for all your Swedish wares.

China and glasses $17 per place-set at Ikea, Butcher Block Table top $10 from Ikea’s “as is” department & Silverware $35 for set of 4 from Target

THREE - Flora No Fauna: At times like this who can afford another mouth to feed? Forget the pets and grab a plant instead. The right one can add a splash of inspiration to any dull space.

Fuchsia and White Variegated Orchid, $9 at Ikea, Water and Sunlight Free

FOUR - Javaology 101: Save time and money by brewing your own coffee. In less time than it takes to wait in line at Starbucks, you can have and even better quality brew right from home with two simple rules.

1. French Pressed coffee is always the best coffee

2. The smaller the kettle the quicker the boil

Stainless Steel Thermos, Free with an order of office supplies. Bodum. Shin Bistro French Press $29.95 available at www.bodumusa.com, small Stainless Steel Kettle $2 at a yard sale

FIVE - Retro-Relaxation: Unless your living room is bedecked with gnomes, flamingos and Astroturf, leave the folding furniture for the lawn where it belongs. If you have to spend money, invest in quality seating. Material is God; think leather, wood, metal, and durable cloth. And don’t be afraid to buy used, once a good design… always a good design.

Eames Lounge Chair (replica) and Ottoman $200 from an Antiques store

SIX - Develop Your Collection: Leave the numismatics and taxidermy to the penny-pinchers and Palins. Instead, collect something that has meaning to you. Classic cameras are a great way to go whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner. Go for familiar brands of varying type and origin and most importantly, buy cameras that still work.

These are a few of the cameras in my collection, many were received as gifts and others were purchased abroad. Each one is unique and has it’s own story.

SEVEN - An Apple a Day Keeps the Dean Away: In this fledgling economy, the last thing anyone wants to hear is the hackneyed narrative of how you lost the big account or flunked a midterm because your computer crashed. Quit pretending that you are going to jump out of your 2^nd floor office window and defenestrate your paperweight (adorned with its opalescent Dell insignia) instead, then buy a Mac. I’ve been using the same 13” MacBook for three years, with no problems. If you have to purchase a new system, save money with Apple Student discounts or buy refurbished.

13” MacBook $1049 (2006), 15” MacBook Pro–Refurbished $1350