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HHello there, it’s Courtney. I’m a little obsessed with quirky animals—real ones (except sloths, which I avoid) and the playful versions that appear in fabric, wallpaper, and home accessories. I especially love when animals are illustrated wearing sweaters. Call it strange, but it’s a guilty pleasure I know I’m not alone in: brands like Anthropologie, West Elm, Rifle Paper Co., and World Market often lean into this same whimsical aesthetic.
I grew up with a mother who always mixed a few humorous animal accents into her home. Those pieces took the edge off more formal decor and reminded us not to take everything too seriously. My mom and I share a similar sense of humor—we message each other silly animal photos and post ridiculous videos that make us laugh until we need the crying-laughing emoji. So it makes sense that our decorating choices mirror that lightheartedness. A home that makes you smile is a home that feels lived in.
One of my favorite examples is the quirky little deer head mounted in my mom’s office. I sit in that corner to work often, and the deer gives the space personality—without it, the chair and the whole nook would feel too serious. When we bought it, my mom joked, “If it’s wrong, I don’t want to be right.” That playful attitude is exactly the point: a touch of whimsy makes everyday spaces more enjoyable.
In what ways do you add lighthearted fun or humor to your decor?
Gather is a round-up of design inspiration and gift ideas by Courtney Michaels, creative coordinator and contributor for The Inspired Room.
Related Posts:
- Inspired Rooms: Add Some Fun and Whimsy
- Gather: Foxes
- Gather: Whales {Decor and Gifts}