Successful interior design is about much more than visual appeal; after all, it’s about how your home makes you feel. After years of pared-back, neutral, and minimalist spaces have dominated the trend cycle, homeowners and designers alike are starting to turn to design styles that inspire joy and excitement.
From dopamine decor to eclectic interiors, there’s been a noticeable rise in bold, colorful style this year. And sometimes they don’t follow strict interior design rules either: Experimental, unique, mood-lifting homes are becoming popular again, and designers aren’t holding back.
The latest trend is whimsical décor – a fun, playful approach to home design. Original designs and pops of color are at the forefront, and interior designers say the style is long-lasting. To find out more about the style and how you can incorporate it into any home, we consulted the experts. Here’s what the experts have to say about the latest interior design trend: whimsical décor.
What is whimsical decor?
(Image credit: Alexandra Gaiter, Photo: Carla Antonio)
Whimsical decor is about, you guessed it, whimsy, and a fun-first approach to design that extends to every feature of the home. Emma Berrill, a Brooklyn interior designer and founder of her eponymous design firm, says the trend gives people the freedom to try out “new ideas that they might have thought were ‘no’ in design or that might be a bit too much.”
“I love whimsical decor because it allows me to express my personality and create a playful space with large murals, floral patterns, bold color combinations, and quirky items like our popular toilet brush in cherry,” says Emma. “When you see a whimsical piece of decor that makes you smile or laugh, buy it. That way, you’ll have a collection of items that have that effect on you, and eventually a space filled with whimsical decor.”
If your home feels lacking personality, a touch of whimsy might be just what you need. Caroline Woolmer, head of product design at Lucy Annabel, says that embracing this trend all-in will “make your space feel less serious and more cozy.” She suggests incorporating pastel paint colors, quirky accessories, vintage treasures, and patterned wallpaper to express a whimsical decorating style.
(Image courtesy of Lust Home)
“Whimsical décor is lighthearted, playful and inviting and doesn’t take itself too seriously. By blending many aesthetics and adding elements of antique charm, like vintage plates or floral teapots, whimsical décor creates moments of playfulness in interior spaces,” adds Cynthia Tran, principal and founder of the San Francisco-based design firm Cynthia Lannan.
Whimsical décor can also be described as “embracing boldness,” which is a hallmark of many interior design trends that are surging in popularity in 2024. Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert at Etsy, said there has been a recent surge in searches for playful, expressive design features, from wildflower art to ruffled bedding.
“Featuring organic shapes, botanical and natural themes, spring florals are being reinterpreted as more shoppers bring the beauty of nature into their lives with delicately folded, floral bedding and ultra-feminine pastel linens, as well as jewelry, art and vintage tea sets featuring botanical motifs,” Dana says.
Why do designers favor the whimsical look?
(Image courtesy of Kevin Miyagi / Isabel Ladd Interiors)
“There’s a lot going on in the world, and our homes should not only feel like a safe haven, but also bring us joy. I also think it’s important not to take interiors too seriously; we all need a little whimsy in our world,” says Laura Jenkins, president and founder of Laura W. Jenkins Interiors.
“Whether it’s trendy or not, I always try to incorporate a little whimsy, especially if a room is feeling stuffy. We all have a sense of humor and whimsy, even if it’s buried deep inside, and adding quirky decor to your home is a great way to remind ourselves of that,” she continues.
Home should be a place where you feel happy, inspired, and ready for whatever life brings. Embracing the whimsical decor trend is an easy way to bring in a little lightness. A comfortable, characterful hideaway will lift your mood and reflect your personality to everyone who visits. Plus, Cynthia says the whimsical look brings a warm, welcoming feel to any room in the house.
“Personally, I love the whimsical decor trend because I think having these light-hearted accents throughout the home is really fun and lovely. It evokes a warm, cozy feeling – who doesn’t love that?” she added.
(Image courtesy of Sonya Winner Rug Studio)
Sonia Weiner, founder of Sonia Weiner Rug Studio, says whimsical touches can come in all shapes and sizes, and they can instantly make your home feel more intimate and cozy. She says incorporating whimsical decor into your home is a personal process, but for her, it’s a “celebration of full-on color and undulating, irregular shapes.”
“I love this trend because it’s fun, bold and experimental. Incorporating a vibrant rug into your decor can easily create a central focal point for your scheme,” says Sonia.
Whimsical décor can liven up any room in the home, but Anne Marie Cousins, founder and principal of AMC Design, says the aesthetic is especially well-suited for kids’ and nurseries.
“Whimsical interiors aim to capture the charm of years gone by by offering a sense of curiosity and playfulness,” says Anne Marie. “Fairy tale and woodland themes are popular for whimsical schemes, but it’s important to ensure your room designs are functional yet not too predictable so they’ll really last.”
How to bring whimsical decor into your home
(Images by David Patterson, Nadia Watts Interiors)
“There are so many ways to incorporate this trend into your home, from botanical wallpaper to floral cushions. I personally love using bold patterns and shapes accentuated with strong colours, and adding large furniture pieces and lots of accessories to tie everything together,” says Dana.
Whimsical decor trends look a little different for everyone, but there are some key principles that designers should keep in mind: Bold colors, eye-catching patterns, irregular shapes, and quirky accessories are musts if you want to freshen up your space with some whimsical inspiration.
“To create a whimsical aesthetic in your home, opt for colour over neutrals. Inject a playful splash of colour into your space with sugary pastels such as periwinkle, pink and lavender on your walls and decor accessories. If pattern is your thing, choose patterned wallpapers that feature mood-boosting motifs and unique, hidden elements,” says Caroline.
“When it comes to mastering whimsical style, more is more. Contrast quirky elements like antique books, novelty photo frames and vintage light fixtures with clean, patterned wallpaper for an eclectic, lived-in look. Incorporating unexpected pattern and colour combinations, filling shelves with personal trinkets, books and unconventional items and getting creative with wall art will help you achieve a playful style that is dreamy and inviting,” she continues.
Pink and orange wall print whimsical wallpaper
Acevedo Animal Print Roll
Arelios Peel and Stick Floral Roll
(Image courtesy of Lust Home)
It’s easy to go overboard with whimsical décor, but a space inspired by the style doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If an all-over splash of color isn’t your thing, incorporate the whimsical look in bite-sized pieces, says Cynthia. She suggests bringing in a little more whimsy with small accents like throw pillows and glassware.
“Shapes like scalloped edges on hand towels or glittery star-shaped robe hooks are adorable ways to add a little whimsy throughout your home,” she adds. Cathy Kuo Homeagrees that no matter how concerned you are about appearances, “a little whimsy” can infuse a home with “character and brightness.”
“It’s up to you whether you go all-in on a whimsical aesthetic – floral wallpaper, whimsical shelf photos and mixed prints – or opt for smaller amounts, such as whimsical cushions and wall art. Whimsical designs often include florals, pastel colours and quirky, unexpected touches, but can also include bird motifs, greenery and mixed textures,” says Cathy.
(Image courtesy of John Lewis)
“I almost always play around with my decor using attractive fabrics, unusual objects, furniture and artwork. For example, when I created a new family room for a family of four, I took inspiration from the family’s art collection,” says Laura.
Laura incorporated the character elements already present in her client’s space while adding more whimsy, like a unique “flying bird sculpture” over the fireplace and a velvet animal print ottoman. By combining these eclectic pieces with “more traditional pieces,” she was able to create a cohesive, livable space that still had plenty of character.
“To me, this isn’t a trend, but rather a goal that we try to achieve with each project,” she says.
Elin Ceramic Knob Set of 2
Floral Taper Candle Holder
Whimsical decor is perfect for spaces that need a little summer cheer, and there’s good reason why the playful, picturesque design style is all the rage: With eye-catching colors and charming details, the whimsical look is sure to last.
