From folklectic to cottagecore, we've seen plenty of rich, bold decorating trends take hold in recent years.
The latest? The eccentric aunt aesthetic – a look that embraces personality, whimsy and a healthy disregard for playing it safe. Think vibrant patterns, quirky collectibles, treasures scored on globe-trotting travels, and vintage finds that spark conversation.
But what exactly is the eccentric aunt aesthetic, and how do you shop the look for your home?
To find out, we turned to two vintage experts who embody the eccentric aunt in both their personality and their penchant for whimsical finds: Stacy Harvie, owner of Capitol Vintage Charm, and Anna Weaver, owner of Anna Weaver Interiors. Their advice proves that creating an eccentric aunt-inspired space is less about following rules and more about collecting pieces you genuinely love. As Stacy puts it, “I am so glad I am finally having my moment in decor!”
Below are the seven tenets of treasure hunting to attain the eccentric aunt aesthetic, whether you go full throttle or pepper it in here and there.
Embrace the drama (literally)
"An eccentric aunt is going to treat her home like an inherited and well-travelled piece of theatre, with little pieces that bring her delight and drama," says Stacy. Don’t shy away from looking for the velvet curtains or the gilded antiques. If something seems a tad too dramatic, it might actually be perfect.
What to Read Next
For a bit of inspiration, Stacy suggests planning a night to sit down and watch the 1958 film with Rosalind Russell, Auntie Mame. That vibe? That’s what you’re going for, in decor form.
Cast off perfection
Anna says, "Being an eccentric is rooted in embracing imperfection." Vintage and antique furniture and decor have an inherent patina, which is part of what makes them interesting. Nicks and scratches only enhance the charm. "An eccentric aunt has an imperfect home that is ready to welcome anyone; no need to remove your shoes," Anna adds. She’s fun and free-spirited, and her home reflects that.
Collect pieces with stories
Have you ever been to someone's house and found that you can't comment on an item without inviting a 10-minute origin story that outlines how they found it during a one-month sabbatical in Portugal where they studied ceramics and took cooking classes while also falling in love with the local baker? This is peak eccentric aunt.
On your next holiday, don't hesitate to pick up a souvenir in the form of home decor when the feeling strikes. "The eccentric aunt is someone who slowly collects objects and has a story behind each one," says Anna.
Lean into a range of styles
Anna suggests looking across eras and styles, then mixing them up to nail that eccentric look. Whether it's a postmodern or Scandinavian find that grabs your eye, go for it. Bring it home, mix it with your classic colonial antiques or your Baroque art.
There are no rules, and the eccentric aunt wouldn't subscribe to rules even if they existed. She loves a chinoiserie secretary desk next to an Italian modern chair.
Mix, match, and mix again
An eccentric aunt is not worried about whether her new animal print accent chair pairs with her Art Deco rug. She buys what she loves and embraces the cacophony of colour and pattern.
As Stacy says, "How would you feel if I took a linear pattern layered on top of more linear pattern with a touch of leopard vibe?"
Anna, who might just be the queen of mixing rich tones, bold patterns, and even more colour, explains, "Don’t think about whether it will match something else you have, only consider if the piece speaks to you."
She suggests searching for pieces with varying wood grains, like burl wood or walnut, adding in a few rattan pieces, then layering in folk art, painted furniture, and decor to add an eccentric punch of colour and pattern.
Look for striking materials
As you're searching through Facebook Marketplace, throw in a few search terms that will infuse your space with rich, sumptuous colour and texture. The eccentric aunt always gravitates toward materials that look like they could have been plucked out of a historic mansion or a museum.
"Look for items to add extra texture, like a lacquered tray or velvet pillows; make a statement on a bookshelf, like a massive figural tureen, or pieces that bring extra pops of colour and pattern, like a malachite obelisk," says Stacy.
Remember, it’s chic, not kitsch
Lastly, for all her eclectic tastes, the eccentric aunt is intentional about curation. This isn’t haphazard. It’s about personality and style.
"The eccentric aunt trend can be easily misinterpreted. It isn’t clutter or kitsch. It is more of a ‘moment of drama,’” says Stacy, who suggests incorporating heirloom silver, thrifted hardcover books, and quirky finds from recent travels. "It doesn’t have to be expensive; it just has to have a personality... in a chic way."
Rustic Home Finds
Country Cut Flowers Small 15cm Rope Spring Wreath
The Wrinkly Elephant Company Natural Bar Soap - Juniper & Lime
Norfolk Hygge Hygge Soy Wax Candle
Miller Honeyman Courting Cake Organic Cotton Tea Towel
Picture Etherea Whispers - Golden Landscape Art Print
Linen and Rose Pretty Empire Lampshade in our own Ditsy design - 20cm
Heather Bien is a Washington, DC-based writer covering home, design, entertaining, and travel for the likes of Martha Stewart, Southern Living, Virginia Living, and more. She is an avid antiquer and novice gardener who spends much of her free time tending to the rose garden and the ever-growing list of projects at her cottage, Rosehill Cottage, which is located on the Rappahannock River near Urbanna, Virginia.
