Tired of cookie-cutter living rooms that feel like they’ve been plucked straight from a catalog? Do you crave a space that reflects your unique personality, your travels, your passions, and your ever-evolving style? Then it’s time to unleash your inner designer and dive headfirst into the wonderfully liberating world of eclectic living rooms!
Forget rigid rules and predictable formulas – eclectic design is all about celebrating individuality, embracing the unexpected, and creating a space that is as dynamic and interesting as you are. I’ve spent years helping clients incorporate Latin American aesthetics and artisanal elements into their homes, and I’ve discovered that the most memorable spaces are those that tell a personal story.
Ready to embark on a design adventure? Let’s explore 24 ways to transform your living room into an eclectic masterpiece that truly tells your story.
1. Master the Mix: Combine Furniture Styles Like a Pro for an Eclectic Vibe
Eclectic design thrives on the artful combination of different furniture styles. The magic happens when you bring together pieces that wouldn’t traditionally share the same space – like pairing a sleek, modern sofa with a vintage coffee table and a handwoven Moroccan pouf. The key is finding balance between contrast and harmony.
To avoid a chaotic look, focus on a consistent color palette throughout the room, or repeat specific shapes across different pieces. Material consistency, like using wood in varying tones, can create cohesion even with dramatically different styles. I always recommend an 80/20 ratio – 80% of your furniture in a dominant style and 20% providing contrasting elements. This creates enough visual interest without tipping into disorder.
Here’s where it gets interesting – try using upholstery as a bridge between eras. Reupholster an antique chair with a contemporary fabric, or add vintage-inspired pillows to a modern sofa. These small touches create a visual conversation between pieces from different periods.
2. Pattern Play: Unleash the Power of Clashing Prints in Your Eclectic Living Room
The beauty of eclectic design lies in its freedom to experiment, and pattern mixing is where you can really have fun. Successful “clashing” isn’t about creating visual chaos – it’s about finding unexpected harmony through thoughtful combinations. I’ve found that a shared color palette running through different patterns creates cohesion, even when mixing florals with geometrics or abstracts with stripes.
But how many patterns are too many? While there’s no hard rule, I typically aim for three to five different patterns within an eclectic living room. Establish a “hero” pattern that takes center stage, then layer in supporting patterns that complement it. Balance is crucial – incorporate solid-colored elements to give the eye resting points and prevent visual overload.
What complicates this is scale – mixing patterns works best when you vary the size. Try pairing a large-scale floral with a small geometric print and a medium-sized stripe. This creates visual rhythm and prevents patterns from competing for attention.
3. Texture Tango: Layer Materials for Richness and Depth
Texture is the unsung hero of eclectic design. It’s what transforms a space from flat and one-dimensional to rich and inviting. In my work with Latin American artisans, I’ve discovered that contrasting textures create the most dynamic spaces – the rough weave of a handcrafted textile against the sleek surface of a polished table, or the cool touch of ceramic beside the warmth of wood.
Effective contrasting textures create compelling visual and tactile interest. Try pairing smooth leather with rough wool, shiny silk with matte linen, or warm wood with cool stone. The scale of texture matters too – a chunky knit throw on a sleek velvet sofa creates an inviting contrast that begs to be touched and experienced.
The tricky part is knowing when to stop. Use a dominant texture as your foundation, then layer in accent textures strategically through smaller elements like pillows, blankets, or decorative objects. A muted color palette can handle more textural variation, while a bold palette benefits from fewer, more impactful textures.
4. Global Gathering: Infuse International Flair with Decor from Around the World
Bringing global elements into an eclectic living room adds depth and worldly sophistication that can’t be achieved through any other means. The secret lies in curation and balance – you want to evoke a sense of travel and cultural appreciation, not create a space that feels like a souvenir shop. Focus on selecting high-quality pieces that speak to you and complement your existing decor.
The possibilities for global decor are endless! Here are some of my favorites:
- Moroccan poufs or intricately patterned rugs for warmth and texture
- Turkish Kilim cushions for vibrant color and unique designs
- Japanese shoji screens for serene minimalism
- Handcrafted Latin American ceramics for earthy authenticity
- Indian block-printed textiles for beautiful patterns and craftsmanship
- Mexican Otomi embroidery for folk art charm
Think of it as painting a picture of your personal journey through life. When I design spaces with Latin American influences, I always incorporate one statement piece – perhaps a hand-painted ceramic vase from Mexico or a vibrant textile from Peru – then support it with subtler global elements that create a harmonious narrative.
5. Storytelling Showcase: Display Your Treasures and Travel Souvenirs with Pride
In an eclectic living room, showcasing personal items isn’t just decoration – it’s weaving your life story into the fabric of your space. These treasures act as the common thread that ties everything together, reflecting your experiences and history. They transform a generic room into a curated reflection of you, making it feel lived-in, authentic, and deeply personal.
Items that evoke memories and tell stories are ideal for a storytelling showcase. This includes travel souvenirs like unique pottery or vibrant textiles, inherited heirlooms that carry family history, collections that display your passions, handcrafted items that add artistic touch, and even sentimental objects from childhood. The key is choosing items that resonate deeply with you and have a story you’re excited to share.
My breakthrough came when I realized that grouping items thematically or by color creates visual harmony within displays. Use varying heights when arranging items on shelves or tabletops to add interest and leave some empty space around objects to allow each piece to breathe. This prevents the visual overwhelm that can happen when too many treasures compete for attention.
6. Color Confetti: Dare to Go Bold with Unexpected and Vibrant Hues
Color is where eclectic living rooms truly come alive! Think beyond traditional or safe color palettes and dare to experiment with unexpected combinations. Some of my favorite bold pairings include teal with mustard yellow and coral, emerald green with hot pink and burnt orange, or vibrant purple with grassy green and sunshine yellow. The key is finding colors with similar intensity, even if they seem initially contrasting.
Incorporating bold colors doesn’t mean your living room has to become overwhelming. Balance is crucial – use vibrant hues strategically and with intention. Consider a bold accent wall, or introduce colors through easily changeable elements like throw pillows, artwork, and rugs. Ground the space with neutral furniture pieces to provide visual anchors. I often recommend the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant neutral color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color for those vibrant pops.
“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” – Wassily Kandinsky
This quote perfectly captures why color is so important in an eclectic living room – it’s not just visual, but emotional. The colors you choose set the mood and energy of your space.
7. Pop of Surprise: Inject Unexpected Color Accents for a Playful Touch
In an eclectic living room, a ‘pop of surprise’ through unexpected color accents serves as a powerful focal point and conversation starter. These deliberate color surprises prevent the room from feeling predictable and inject personality and playful spontaneity into the design. I love watching clients’ faces light up when they discover these little unexpected moments in their spaces.
An ‘unexpected’ color accent is one that deliberately deviates from the room’s primary palette but works harmoniously to create visual excitement. This could be a vibrant jewel tone boldly contrasting with neutral creams and grays, or a subtle pastel against a backdrop of earth tones. The key is choosing a color that feels intentional, not random or jarring.
Do you see how huge that is? These surprise elements become the moments that visitors remember and comment on. They’re what make your eclectic living room distinctly yours rather than something that could be found in any design magazine.
8. Vintage Voyage: Uncover Timeless Charm with Antique and Retro Finds
Incorporating vintage and retro pieces adds character, depth, and a sense of history to an eclectic living room. Antique items (generally over 100 years old) offer genuine glimpses into specific historical periods, while retro items (typically from the 1950s-1980s) embody mid-century modern or pop culture aesthetics. Together, they create a rich tapestry of styles and eras that new items alone cannot achieve.
The key to blending vintage finds with modern elements is creating visual harmony through thoughtful contrasts. Use a unifying color palette to connect pieces from different eras, and balance ornate antiques with clean-lined modern furniture. I’ve found that the most successful eclectic spaces boldly juxtapose textures and materials – a sleek modern sofa complemented by a richly patterned vintage Persian rug creates an exciting visual dialogue between old and new.
The game-changer happened as I worked with a client who inherited her grandmother’s ornate wooden sideboard. Rather than trying to match it with similar pieces, we surrounded it with contemporary items in complementary tones, allowing the antique to shine as the star. This approach transformed what could have been a heavy, dated piece into a cherished focal point with personal significance.
9. Handcrafted Harmony: Embrace DIY Decor and Unique Artisan Pieces
Incorporating DIY decor and unique artisan pieces injects soul and authenticity into an eclectic living room. These elements move beyond mass-produced items and create a space that truly reflects individuality and appreciation for craftsmanship. As someone who works closely with Latin American artisans, I’ve seen how handcrafted pieces bring warmth and character that factory-made items simply cannot match.
The key to balancing DIY projects and purchased artisan goods is curation and intentionality. Don’t overwhelm the space with too many small, disparate pieces. Instead, focus on a few statement items that complement your existing color palette and aesthetic. Mix high and low elements – perhaps pair a handmade ceramic vase with a sleek, modern coffee table to create interesting contrast.
It’s similar to composing music – each handcrafted piece adds a unique note to the overall composition of your eclectic living room. The beauty comes from how these individual elements harmonize to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
10. Green Scene Stealers: Bring Nature Indoors with Lush Plants
Bringing nature indoors with lush plants adds life, vibrancy, and a sense of calm to an eclectic living room. The best plants mirror the eclectic philosophy – diverse textures, shapes, and sizes that create unexpected combinations. Large statement plants like Fiddle Leaf Figs or Monstera Deliciosas serve as dramatic focal points, while hanging plants add visual interest at different levels and soften corners.
Botanical accents extend beyond living plants to fully immerse your space in natural elements. Consider framed botanical prints, leaf-patterned wallpaper on an accent wall, cushions with floral designs, or dried flowers in artistic arrangements. Even small details like leaf-shaped coasters or botanical-scented candles contribute to the theme. In my designs, I often incorporate pressed flowers from significant locations or events in my clients’ lives – turning nature into personal mementos.
The heart of the matter is balance – start with a few key plants that complement your existing furniture rather than crowding the space with greenery. Distribute botanical elements throughout the room to create visual flow, and vary heights and textures when arranging plants to create interest without clutter.
11. Artful Assembly: Curate a Gallery Wall of Eclectic Art and Photographs
A gallery wall in an eclectic living room is more than just hanging art – it’s creating a visual tapestry that blends different styles, mediums, frames, colors, and subjects. What makes it truly “eclectic” is the deliberate juxtaposition of diverse elements: vintage portraits alongside modern abstracts, black and white photography with vibrant illustrations, ornate gilded frames beside minimalist ones. The beauty emerges from these unexpected combinations.
While celebrating variety, cohesion prevents a gallery wall from looking haphazard. Achieve balance through a unifying color palette that subtly connects disparate pieces. Consider using consistent spacing between frames regardless of their size or style – this creates rhythm and intentionality. Before hammering any nails, lay out your arrangement on the floor to experiment with different compositions until you find one that feels balanced.
- Include personal photographs alongside professional art
- Mix horizontal and vertical orientations
- Incorporate unexpected 3D elements like small sculptures or textiles
- Vary frame styles while maintaining some connecting element
- Leave room for growth – a truly eclectic gallery wall evolves over time
Let me paint you a picture of what makes this work: in my own home, my gallery wall includes a traditional oil painting from my grandmother, black and white travel photographs I’ve taken, a contemporary abstract from a local artist, and a framed textile from Peru. What connects them isn’t style but rather a subtle color thread of blues and earth tones that runs throughout each piece.
12. Lighting Layers: Mix and Match Lamps and Fixtures for Ambiance
Layering lighting is transformative in an eclectic living room. In a space filled with diverse textures, patterns, and furniture styles, thoughtful lighting brings cohesion and prevents the room from feeling flat or disjointed. It allows you to create visual interest, highlight specific areas, and set different moods within the same space.
When planning your lighting layers, incorporate three distinct types:
- Ambient lighting – provides overall illumination (chandeliers, pendant lights, recessed lighting)
- Task lighting – illuminates specific activities (reading lamps, desk lamps, under-cabinet lighting)
- Accent lighting – highlights features or creates atmosphere (spotlights for artwork, wall sconces, uplights behind plants)
The missing piece in many eclectic living rooms is successful mixing of different lighting styles. Find a common thread that subtly ties diverse fixtures together – perhaps a similar metal finish across all pieces or a recurring geometric shape. Don’t be afraid of contrast! Pairing a vintage chandelier with a sleek floor lamp creates striking juxtaposition. Just maintain visual balance so one fixture doesn’t overwhelm others.
13. Reimagined Relics: Repurpose Old Items into Stylish Decor
Repurposing old items adds character, history, and unique charm to an eclectic living room. It perfectly complements the eclectic aesthetic’s embrace of individuality and unexpected combinations. I’ve found that repurposed pieces often become the most compelling conversation starters in a room – they tell stories that brand-new items simply cannot.
Before diving into repurposing, consider an item’s structural integrity and safety for its new use. Evaluate how its original function can be creatively adapted and how it will blend with existing elements in your space. The beauty of repurposed items often lies in their imperfections – the patina of age adds authenticity that can’t be replicated.
Things took an interesting turn when I discovered an old wooden ladder in my grandmother’s barn. Instead of discarding it, I cleaned it, sanded rough edges, and mounted it horizontally on a wall as a unique bookshelf. The worn wood and slightly uneven rungs added character that no store-bought shelf could match, and it became a beautiful focal point in my eclectic living room.
14. Rug Rhapsody: Anchor Your Space with Bold and Patterned Statement Rugs
Rugs are the foundation of an eclectic living room – they ground disparate furniture pieces and prevent the space from feeling disjointed. A bold, patterned statement rug instantly creates a focal point and injects personality into the room. It acts as a canvas upon which the rest of the design is built, defining the seating area and establishing the overall tone.
When selecting a statement rug for an eclectic setting, consider patterns that reflect your personal style while complementing existing elements. Geometric patterns add structure and graphic energy. Floral patterns introduce whimsy and organic beauty. Tribal or globally-inspired patterns inject a worldly feel and cultural depth. The key is choosing something that resonates with you and enhances your color palette.
The stumbling block is often size – a too-small rug makes the room feel disjointed, while an oversized one can overwhelm the space. Ideally, all furniture in your seating area should sit completely on the rug. A practical compromise is having just the front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug. Always measure carefully before purchasing to ensure proper proportions for your space.
15. Textile Tapestry: Weave Unique Fabrics into Your Eclectic Palette
Textiles are the soul of an eclectic living room. They offer an incredible range of colors, patterns, textures, and cultural influences that can be layered to create visual depth and personality. Unlike walls or furniture, textiles are easily swapped out, allowing for seasonal updates or style refreshes. This flexibility makes them perfect for experimenting with eclectic design.
The beauty of eclectic design lies in its freedom to experiment with fabrics. Luxurious velvet, relaxed linen, elegant silk, and versatile cotton all bring different tactile experiences to your space. I’m particularly drawn to globally-inspired textiles – Moroccan kilim rugs repurposed as throws, Indian block-printed fabrics, African mudcloth, and Latin American handwoven blankets all add cultural richness and visual intrigue.
My experience went like this: I once transformed a client’s ordinary living room by introducing a collection of textiles gathered during her travels – a handwoven blanket from Guatemala draped over the sofa, embroidered pillows from Mexico, and a vintage silk scarf framed as art. These personal textile treasures created a space that told her unique story while achieving the layered, collected-over-time feel that defines great eclectic design.
16. Sculptural Statements: Introduce Art Forms Through Furniture
Sculptural furniture and accessories elevate an eclectic living room beyond mere functionality. These pieces possess inherent artistic merit in their form, texture, and materials, blurring the lines between furniture and art. They serve as captivating focal points, drawing the eye and injecting unexpected visual interest into the space.
Sculptural elements contribute to the eclectic aesthetic by providing intentional contrast and dynamic visual interest. They introduce unexpected shapes, forms, and textures, preventing the room from feeling too uniform or predictable. By juxtaposing artistic, sculptural pieces with more traditional elements, you create a richly layered environment that reflects a curated, personalized style.
Picture it this way: a coffee table with a biomorphic shape made from reclaimed wood becomes more than a surface for books and beverages – it’s a functional sculpture that anchors your seating area while making a bold design statement. These unexpected forms become the visual bridges that tie together different styles and periods in your eclectic living room.
17. Cozy Corner Creations: Design Inviting Nooks for Reading and Relaxation
Creating a cozy corner in your eclectic living room isn’t just a design choice; it’s an invitation to slow down and nurture well-being. A truly cozy corner engages the senses through soft textures – plush cushions, knitted throws, perhaps a sheepskin rug underfoot. Warm, gentle lighting from a floor lamp or fairy lights creates a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, a comfortable seat – whether a generous armchair, bohemian beanbag, or window seat – provides the perfect spot to curl up with a book or simply unwind.
Incorporating eclectic style into a cozy reading nook requires balancing visual interest with functional comfort. Focus on quality over quantity when selecting decorative elements. Choose a few statement pieces that contribute significantly to the aesthetic – perhaps a vintage velvet armchair paired with a modern geometric throw pillow and a hand-woven rug. Maintain visual cohesion through a color palette that subtly ties disparate elements together, and leave ample negative space to prevent visual overwhelm.
What many people overlook is that these intimate spaces often become the most used and beloved areas in an eclectic living room. They offer a retreat within your home – a personal sanctuary that reflects your unique style while providing functional comfort for everyday living.
18. Mirror Magic: Expand Space and Light with Strategic Placement
Mirrors are powerful design elements in an eclectic living room – they add depth, expand space, and reflect light to brighten even dark corners. In eclectic settings, mirrors offer opportunities to introduce visual interest through diverse sizes, shapes, and frame styles. A vintage ornate mirror creates beautiful juxtaposition against a modern sofa, while a collection of small, differently framed mirrors can form a dynamic gallery wall that doubles as art.
Strategic placement maximizes mirrors’ impact. Consider what each mirror will reflect – position them to capture pleasant views, artwork, or plants, effectively doubling these positive elements. Avoid reflecting cluttered areas. Place larger mirrors at eye level to create a sense of expanded space, and angle mirrors slightly when positioned near windows to reflect more natural light into the room.
You might be wondering about the best approach for your specific space. In smaller eclectic living rooms, a large statement mirror can dramatically increase the sense of space. In larger rooms, multiple mirrors strategically placed can create intriguing reflections that add depth and visual conversation between different areas of the room.
19. High-Low Harmony: Blend Designer Pieces with Budget-Friendly Finds
Mixing high-end investment pieces with budget-friendly finds is a smart approach for creating a balanced, authentic eclectic living room. This juxtaposition adds depth, visual interest, and personal style while preventing the space from feeling sterile or prohibitively expensive. It demonstrates that true style is about thoughtful curation, not just budget.
‘High’ items might include a designer sofa with impeccable craftsmanship, a hand-knotted rug, original artwork, or a statement lighting fixture. ‘Low’ items could be vintage treasures from flea markets, affordable throw pillows, mass-produced side tables with good lines, DIY art projects, or upcycled furniture. The key to harmonious blending is finding complementary elements in terms of color palette, texture, and general style.
The ripple effects are enormous when you master this high-low mix. Your eclectic living room becomes more approachable and livable while still maintaining visual sophistication. It allows for greater creative expression and reflects a more authentic version of your personal style – one that values both quality and resourcefulness.
20. Design Disruption: Break Free from Traditional Rules
In an eclectic living room, ‘design disruption’ means intentionally challenging established interior design norms and embracing the freedom to experiment. It’s about breaking free from rigid stylistic rules and creating a space that feels deeply personal and authentically ‘you.’ Design disruption celebrates individuality and transforms traditionally ‘wrong’ choices into bold, intentional statements that add character and intrigue.
The secret to successful design disruption is maintaining cohesion even while breaking rules. Establish a unifying element – perhaps a consistent color palette, a recurring pattern, or shared materials – to anchor your diverse elements. Balance is crucial: for every bold, rule-breaking element, include a more grounding feature to provide visual equilibrium. Consider scale and proportion carefully to maintain overall harmony, and don’t be afraid to edit ruthlessly if certain elements don’t contribute to your vision.
This changes everything, doesn’t it? When you embrace design disruption in your eclectic living room, you free yourself from the pressure of following trends or adhering to conventional design wisdom. Instead, you create a space that truly reflects your personality, experiences, and the way you actually live – not the way a design magazine says you should.
21. Beautifully Imperfect: Celebrate Character in Vintage Items
In an eclectic living room, embracing imperfections in vintage and found items adds authenticity, personality, and rich history to your space. These imperfections aren’t flaws but subtle visual narratives that tell a story of an item’s journey through time. They provide a necessary counterpoint to more polished elements, preventing the overall aesthetic from feeling too precious or staged.
When curating vintage pieces, look for imperfections that enhance visual appeal – subtly chipped paint revealing layers of color, a slightly warped wooden frame showing age and craftsmanship, or gentle wear that speaks to an item’s history. However, avoid flaws that compromise structural integrity, safety, or usability. The goal is to celebrate character while ensuring functionality.
Let that sink in for a moment… In our mass-produced world where perfection is often the goal, there’s something refreshingly human about embracing the beautifully imperfect. These lovingly worn items bring soul to an eclectic living room that no amount of carefully curated new pieces ever could.
22. Personality Palette: Let Your Decor Reflect Your Unique Style
An eclectic living room should be a visual autobiography – a space that authentically reflects your unique taste, passions, and personal story. Without this personal touch, it risks becoming just a generic collection of mismatched items lacking soul and character. Infusing your personal style ensures the room feels genuinely “yours” – a true extension of who you are.
If you’re unsure about your decorating style, start by analyzing what already draws you in. Look at your wardrobe for color preferences, notice what artwork captivates you, reflect on travel souvenirs you’ve collected, and pay attention to forms in nature that appeal to you. Create mood boards of spaces you love and analyze why they resonate. Experiment with small changes in your existing space to see what feels right.
Avoid these common mistakes when personalizing your eclectic living room:
- Being too literal or thematic (subtlety is key)
- Fearing design rule-breaking (eclecticism thrives on unexpected combinations)
- Cluttering with too many personal items (curate thoughtfully)
- Following trends instead of your genuine preferences
- Rushing the process (the best eclectic spaces evolve over time)
The breakthrough came when I realized that authentic eclectic style isn’t something you can create overnight – it develops organically as you collect pieces that speak to you, experiment with combinations, and allow your space to evolve alongside your life experiences.
23. Focal Point Fireworks: Command Attention with Statement Pieces
Every successful eclectic living room needs at least one show-stopping element that commands attention and anchors the space. This focal point could be a vibrant piece of artwork, an architectural feature like a fireplace, a bold piece of furniture, or even a dramatic lighting fixture. It serves as the visual center around which the rest of your design revolves.
Creating an effective focal point is about contrast and proportion. Make sure your statement piece stands out through color, size, shape, or placement. Position furniture to naturally direct attention toward it, and keep surrounding elements slightly more subdued to prevent competition. In an eclectic space, your focal point can be the element that ties everything together – perhaps a colorful rug that contains all the hues used throughout the room, or a piece of art that inspired your entire color scheme.
The potential here is enormous – a well-chosen focal point doesn’t just anchor your eclectic living room; it sets the tone for the entire space and creates an immediate impression on anyone who enters. It’s the exclamation point in your design statement!
24. Layered Luxury: Build Depth with Multiple Design Elements
Layered luxury in eclectic design creates visual and tactile richness through thoughtful combinations of diverse textures, patterns, colors, and materials. It’s about building depth and interest by incorporating multiple elements that harmoniously coexist to create a sophisticated yet inviting living room. Think of it as curated maximalism, where every element contributes meaningfully to the overall aesthetic.
The key to achieving this without creating chaos is intentionality and a cohesive color palette. Start with a neutral base for larger elements like walls and primary furniture. Then introduce layers of color, pattern, and texture that complement each other. Use varying scales of patterns to create visual dynamism, and apply the ‘rule of three’ when grouping decorative objects. Most importantly, declutter regularly and edit ruthlessly – sometimes removing an element strengthens the overall composition.
You can think of it as composing a symphony – each layer adds another instrument to the orchestra. Individually, they’re beautiful, but together they create something transcendent. The true art of eclectic design lies in knowing exactly which notes to play and which to leave out.
Your Eclectic Oasis Awaits
Congratulations! You’ve journeyed through 24 dynamic ways to design your eclectic living room, transforming it into a space bursting with personality and soul. From mastering furniture combinations to layering textures, embracing bold colors, and showcasing treasured finds, you now have the tools to create a truly unique space.
Remember, the beauty of eclectic design lies in its freedom – there are no rigid rules, only guidelines to help you curate a space that authentically reflects who you are. Trust your instincts and let your living room evolve naturally over time, collecting pieces that speak to you and creating combinations that bring you joy.
Your beautifully unconventional, utterly captivating, and deeply personal eclectic living room awaits. All that’s left is for you to begin.
