Whimsical home decor provides a fun, charming space where homeowners can explore their inner child and creativity. This style aims to express whimsy and add character to the home. Many who favor this style forgo what would be considered traditional, polite, and expected for quirky and slightly kitsch items that tell a story instead.
If the whimsical decorating style appeals to you, then we have just the tips you need to pull off this charming and playful aesthetic.
Play with color and pattern
If you want to add whimsy to your home for a magical and enchanting look, you’ll need to play around with color and pattern.
Stained glass windows
A trendy addition to many whimsical spaces right now are stained glass windows. Stained glass has made a resurgence thanks to its regal and enchanting aesthetic. Homeowners are adding both real and peel-and-stick stain glass to their entryways, kitchens, and bedrooms. Brightly colored pieces depicting flowers and roses are among the most popular choices.
Clashing patterns
Another way of adding a whimsical decorating style touch to your space is to use clashing patterns. Floral vintage furniture, quilts, crocheted blankets, and wallpaper help add plenty of pattern to your space. Vintage pieces are a must-have in this design, particularly if they depict nature themes.
To prevent your design from looking too maximalist or busy, consider making your patterned items features. For example, a room with floral wallpaper might do best with solid-colored furniture and a plain rug. Alternatively, a patterned rug and floral armchair will look good against a solid painted wall.
Lean away from neutrals
You’ll want to avoid neutrals in a whimsical design and instead lean into pastels or jewel tones. Baby blue, pale green, aubergine purple, and gold are great choices. Play around with your color palette and use neutrals as accent tones rather than a base. Clashing colors can also do wonders for creating the perfect childlike storybook vibe.
Feed your inner child
Whimsical home decor feeds the inner child. Often, homeowners who indulge in this aesthetic seek to find ways to reuse decor from their childhood bedrooms. Or, adults will invest in pieces they couldn’t purchase when they were young.
Animal figurines and forms
Many whimsical home designs feature animal figurines and forms on walls, prints, and shelves. Hang metallic animal shapes on the wall or stage animal figurines on your shelves. You might also use animal print on textiles or indulge in animal forms in wallpaper.
Plant motifs
Plant motifs are equally popular in the whimsical decorating style. The classic, vintage flower lamp can be found in many spaces. Floral prints, textiles, and shapes in rugs or on furniture are trending. Some homeowners also invest in plenty of plants as decor around the home.
Funky and kitschy pieces
You’ll likely find some quirky and slightly kitschy pieces in whimsical design. Teapots shaped like large strawberries, mushroom spoon holders for the stove, metallic bird-shaped hardware, cloud light fixtures, and other unique pieces add whimsy to the home. Invest in unusual design items like these for a fun touch.
Hand-painted designs
If you enjoy DIY, many whimsical design lovers create hand-painted works around the home. Painted vines along the hallway walls or a cloud ceiling in the bedroom can be inspiring. Some homeowners paint stars on the ceiling, while others paint fairies or unicorns in hidden spaces around the house.
Add whimsical spaces
One of the most notable parts of any whimsical design is the dedicated spaces that have inspired the style.
Create a book nook
Whimsical home decor draws inspiration from storybooks and fantastical tales. Dress up a small nook in your home to be a quaint library. You can add a small beach or fancy chaise lounge to the book nook, surrounded by your favorite reads, for a cozy and intimate setting.
Lofted beds are a must
Lofted beds exude the fond memories of childhood. What better way to feed your inner child as an adult than to create a lofted bed space? If you have high enough ceilings, consider lofting your bed or using hallway lofts for cozy nooks.
Add an indoor swing
Indoor swings aren’t just for kids. With the right equipment, you can add an indoor swing to your home purely for your own enjoyment.
Hidden doors are clever
Another clever, whimsical addition is the hidden door. Replace a door with a bookcase and create a secret room that can act as a den, home office, or mini library.
Whimsical home design is all about creating wonder and joy. It doesn’t follow the rules of traditional home design. Instead, it takes inspiration from movies, books, and fantasy settings to create a curious and cozy environment.
