Be brave and add a bit of whimsy to your home decor.

It's a refreshing and unexpected touch that connects you to family and friends.

 

What is whimsy? The Merriam-Webster dictionary says that it is the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful; or a fanciful or fantastic device, object or creation, especially in writing or art. Other words we can use to define whimsy in an interior design plan include:

• Quirky

• Funky

• Playful

• Unusual

• Unpredictable

• Unexpected

• Fanciful

• Clever

• Creative

• Even goofy, freaky, humorous or fantastical

 

Adding a touch of whimsy to your home requires a bit of courage and confidence; however, it ensures that your house isn’t a “vanilla” interior like everyone else’s. It also takes some imagination, which is what really adds your unique personality to the look of your home.

 

Whimsy is best when used in small quantities in interior design, and in a surprising way. If you use too much, your home could look like a carnival fun house. The whimsical element can stand out from among the rest of the design furnishings because it is different in style, color, design or scale – or is just totally unexpected!

 

Design elements that work well for adding a touch of whimsy include:

• Wall art or sculpture

• Stencils or murals on the wall, ceiling or floor

• Unusually shaped or colored furniture

• Unexpected wallpaper

• Surprising fabric on a chair or sofa (or slipcovers if you want to make a smaller commitment!)

• Unusually patterned, shaped or textured rugs or carpeting

• Decorative accessories such as throw pillows, bed linens or table linens

• Display of a collection that is unusual; for example, kitschy souvenirs or unusual photos

 

Don’t take yourself or your interior design plans too seriously. Be adventuresome and have some fun by adding whimsy!