Adopt a Little Eccentricity ... Just for the Fun of It
Lift your decorating game with quirky and unexpected details and accessories sure to raise an eyebrow or two
It’s easy to go for tried and tested schemes, but giving your home an offbeat twist is so much more fun. If you’re new to adventurous interiors, or don’t want to commit entirely to the look, dip a toe in the water by focusing on making your little details pack a punch. And these schemes, full of surprising and creative ideas, should inspire you to devise your own eccentric touches.
Go for quirky shelving
Who says shelving has to be horizontal? These unusual box shelves are designed to be mounted at an angle. Or why not go for V- or L-shaped shelves to display your books? There are so many offbeat and beautiful designs available these days as an alternative to the standard bookcase – so dare to be different.
Who says shelving has to be horizontal? These unusual box shelves are designed to be mounted at an angle. Or why not go for V- or L-shaped shelves to display your books? There are so many offbeat and beautiful designs available these days as an alternative to the standard bookcase – so dare to be different.
Mount your favourite pieces
A feature wall doesn’t have to be just about wallpaper. This homeowner has gone one step further by mounting a collection of vintage radios on the wall. Create your own 3D feature wall from old cameras, musical instruments, hats, framed cutlery – just make it something you’re committed to collecting and that you will really enjoy looking at day after day.
A feature wall doesn’t have to be just about wallpaper. This homeowner has gone one step further by mounting a collection of vintage radios on the wall. Create your own 3D feature wall from old cameras, musical instruments, hats, framed cutlery – just make it something you’re committed to collecting and that you will really enjoy looking at day after day.
Make clothing into art
A beautiful vintage tea dress, a pretty kimono or a tailored suit can instantly become art – just add a glass panel that can be fixed to the wall like a splashback. You could also have it mounted inside a box frame by a professional. It’s a wonderful way to add interest to an alcove.
A beautiful vintage tea dress, a pretty kimono or a tailored suit can instantly become art – just add a glass panel that can be fixed to the wall like a splashback. You could also have it mounted inside a box frame by a professional. It’s a wonderful way to add interest to an alcove.
Choose cheeky wallpaper
Add some fun to your hallway and set the tone with some Bond Girl wallpaper, or pick a risqué burlesque design. Alternatively, wallpaper designed for kids can look effective in a grown-up context. Fancy hot-air balloons or foxes in the hallway? Why not…
Take a look at more creative ways to use wallpaper
Add some fun to your hallway and set the tone with some Bond Girl wallpaper, or pick a risqué burlesque design. Alternatively, wallpaper designed for kids can look effective in a grown-up context. Fancy hot-air balloons or foxes in the hallway? Why not…
Take a look at more creative ways to use wallpaper
Mix traditional and retro
Playful design is often about an unexpected juxtaposition. Disco balls are not, of course, authentic decor for a medieval priory with a beamed ceiling, but quirky finishing touches like this will really set your home apart.
Playful design is often about an unexpected juxtaposition. Disco balls are not, of course, authentic decor for a medieval priory with a beamed ceiling, but quirky finishing touches like this will really set your home apart.
Carry it through to artwork
Urban art looks great in a traditional period home, particularly above an elegant fireplace like this, which accentuates its subversive edge. Likewise, mixing traditional oil paintings or Old Masters – try Surface View – into an ultra-contemporary scheme will really make them stand out.
Urban art looks great in a traditional period home, particularly above an elegant fireplace like this, which accentuates its subversive edge. Likewise, mixing traditional oil paintings or Old Masters – try Surface View – into an ultra-contemporary scheme will really make them stand out.
Banish the white ceiling
Most homes have white ceilings so as not to overpower the flooring, walls, furniture and accessories. But what if you decide to turn the rules upside down and make the ceiling the star of the show? Ornate tiles can look amazing – simply keep the floor and walls plain instead.
Most homes have white ceilings so as not to overpower the flooring, walls, furniture and accessories. But what if you decide to turn the rules upside down and make the ceiling the star of the show? Ornate tiles can look amazing – simply keep the floor and walls plain instead.
Get nostalgic with Lego
Bring a bit of your childhood back through Lego bricks. Use them to jazz up a dividing wall, turn them into small-scale shelving – or what about a fun splashback for the kitchen to liven up simple white units? Surely incorporating toys into your interior is the ultimate in playfulness?
TELL US
Please share your ideas for playful decor in the Comments.
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Bring a bit of your childhood back through Lego bricks. Use them to jazz up a dividing wall, turn them into small-scale shelving – or what about a fun splashback for the kitchen to liven up simple white units? Surely incorporating toys into your interior is the ultimate in playfulness?
TELL US
Please share your ideas for playful decor in the Comments.
MORE
British Houzz: An Old English Lovely Restored to its Former Glory
So Your Style Is: European
Retro Rewind: Cute and Quirky Vintage Ideas for Kids’ Bedrooms
We get so used to seeing neat arrangements of accessories – perhaps a tasteful trio of table lamps, or a mid-sized vase and a smaller votive candle – that we think that’s how it must be done.
Start to play around with expected perceptions of scale, though – such as this oversized flower arrangement that dwarfs a small side table – and you can elevate your scheme into another realm. Take this playfulness onto other surfaces, such as mantelpieces, shelving and dining tables. Experiment and have some fun.