I love rooms designed with a playful, light-hearted touch or a subtle quirky element. Whimsy brings character and personality and helps a home feel joyful rather than pretentious or overly serious. As we grow older we can lose a bit of childhood wonder, so while some prefer a very grown-up aesthetic, others choose to keep a sense of youth and delight in their surroundings.
Sometimes whimsical details are obvious at first glance; other times they are small surprises you discover as you look around a room. Both approaches can make a space feel more personal and engaging.
Whimsical decor isn’t for everyone, but I find it fun. Over the years we’ve added playful touches to each home—splashes of happy color, lively patterns, and charming accessories. Below are a few examples from past homes and a peek at our decorating plans for the current house.
One of my early favorites was a DIY map wallpaper in a small hallway. It was a spur-of-the-moment idea, and often those impulsive choices become the most charming details. Overthinking a whimsical idea can make you abandon it—sometimes it’s best to just try it.
I’ve carried these colorful patterned curtains through several moves because they feel so joyful and whimsical. I haven’t found their perfect spot in our current home yet, but they’ll likely appear in an upstairs bedroom or hallway—whimsy has to earn its place.
Bringing a childlike sense of fun into a home is another great way to add whimsy. I adore animals, so our homes often include animal figurines, lamps, drawer pulls, and artwork. Even without children at home, we don’t aim for a strictly serious adult aesthetic—there’s room for playful touches. We do use restraint, choosing pieces that feel polished enough to blend with our overall style.
A bunny door knocker on the front door of a previous house was a quirky detail I loved—it made the home feel distinctly like me. Small personalized accents like that tell a story about who lives there.
I like decor that suggests a scene, such as animals in a meadow or an enchanted garden. Imagining that setting while choosing accessories makes styling more playful and cohesive. Recently acquired whimsical artwork perfectly captures that storytelling spirit.
Coastal influences also inspire me. Living by the sea has made coastal art and motifs a natural part of our homes. The idea of a quaint house by the shore fuels how I imagine and layer decor.
Scalloped patterns feel subtly whimsical to me. A scalloped rattan tray and a blue-and-white scalloped pitcher are small touches that add charm. Little details like a whale-tail spreader tucked into a pitcher can make you smile each time you notice them.
We’re finishing a remodel of our current home and haven’t started decorating in earnest yet, but I’m excited to layer in whimsical touches. We chose a traditional, timeless backdrop so accessories and seasonal styling can evolve. Some whimsical elements will be obvious, and some will be quiet details that only we understand. What matters most is how a home feels to the people who live there.
We’ve already chosen a key fabric to set the tone: a whimsical print featuring our palette of blues, greens, golds, whites, and a soft blush pink. That fabric will guide accessory choices and seasonal updates as we style each room.
Do you enjoy whimsical decorating? What are the things you love?
Whimsical Decor:
Sources: Meadow print, whale platter, neutral floral rug, bunny wallpaper, scallop pillow, animal dessert plates, accent chair, blue table lamps, star light sconce, scallop rattan tray, polka dot basket, spiral candle.
2 Mood Boards for Our Home (with a touch of whimsy):
Sources for the mood boards are available from our product lists.
More Whimsical Decor (click images for details):
Related Posts:
5 Whimsical Happy Rooms: Sunday Strolls & Scrolls
Bunny Accessories I Love
How to Decorate to Bring Happiness to Your Home
Inspired By: Scalloped Patterns in Decor and Furniture