Interiors Trend Alert: Whimsical Decor
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5 months ago
The joyful design style you need on your radar
Summer may not really have landed in the UK just yet, but you don’t need blue skies and sunshine to bring some joy into your home – try the whimsical decor trend instead. Here’s the rundown.
What Is Whimsical Decor?
As you might expect, whimsical decor is all about playful spaces brimming with colour and personality: think botanical prints, quirky vintage furniture and bold lighting, not to mention plenty of charming trinkets. Right off the back of the dopamine decor trend, this feel-good design style is sure to bring some happiness into your home.
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The trend also emphasises experimentation and fun. Helen Ashmore, Laura Ashley’s head of design, describes it as a way of ‘capturing the essence of nostalgia and charm’, while Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director of furniture company OKA, views it as ‘an open invitation to curate your interiors in a way that speaks to your personality,’ allowing you to choose objects which ‘make you smile, rather than simply because they “fit in” with the rest of your space.’
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How To Get The Look
Whether you’re starting small with patterned cushions and accent walls or you’re jumping straight in with statement furniture, the sky’s the limit when it comes to whimsical decor.
Interior designer Laura Gonzalez (known as the Queen of Colour) often focuses on ‘handpicked vintage furniture and artisanal decor pieces’ for a ‘cozy, nostalgic atmosphere’ – which you’ll spot in her recent project at Hotel Byblos, St Tropez.
Suite designed by Laura Gonzalez at Hotel Byblos, St Tropez. (c) Stephen Julliard
Mismatched objects and curious antique finds are also key to achieving a whimsical look. Jamie and Lou Graham, owners of homeware retailer Graham and Green, recommend adding ‘decorative accessories such as personal trinkets, quirky finishing touches and zoological ornaments.’
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According to the Pinterest Summer Trends Report, searches for whimsical decor have increased by 4690 percent – and Graham and Green has cited the trend as the most popular interior design style of 2024 so far. Feeling inspired? Here’s our pick of the best whimsical decor.
