The word 'whimsical' seems to be having a bit of a moment. Searches for terms like 'how to add more whimsy to your life' and 'year of whimsy' have skyrocketed since the start of 2026. And while it's fun and playful to romanticize your life in this way, I think it has some solid lessons for how to decorate your home, too.
So, how do you make your home feel more whimsical? And I am not talking about the fleeting coquettish trend for all gingham everything and ruffles galore (although there is a place for both of these things), but changes that will last and make your rooms feel more lived-in, more layered, and more loved.
I spoke with designers about how they bring whimsy into spaces in a way that's timeless and tasteful, and feels natural rather than just chasing an interior design trend.
1. Statement Wallpaper
Leslie Kramer of Lighthouse Home & Design says, 'Wallpaper is the easiest way to add whimsy to your home. There are endless prints to choose from that can completely change the room's personality. For extra whimsy, try a fun print in a surprising location, like flying birds on the ceiling.'
A fully-committed take on decorating with pattern, a truly whimsical home would not be complete without some form of vibrant wallpaper. Lover of color and pattern, Annabel Grimshaw says, 'I am all for a bit of whimsy in interiors if it means something that is surprising, playful or makes you smile. I would opt to do this with a playful wallpaper – especially in a small space or somewhere that is usually thought of as fairly uninspirational.'
She adds, 'I used a Svenkt Tenn wallpaper in the tiniest of utility rooms recently – it’s an explosion of colour with oversized flowers in a fairly small space. It feels almost circus-like with the bright orange tiles and the striped curtain, too. When you open the pocket door into here, it’s a real surprise. Certainly, never a dull moment when doing the washing here.'
A charming pattern perfect for cheering up a powder room or a home office, Gable is an irresistible choice that's hard not to smile at.
Whether you're revamping a bedroom or adding some charm to one of your living room walls, a sea of indigo dandelions printed on a cream background is always a good idea.
Classic yet whimsical, the Bibury Striped wallpaper is an easy choice for almost any room in the home, able to gently uplift without compromising your other pieces.
2. Punches of Paint
Pops of unexpected, bolder colors are another way to make your home feel more whimsical. Katie Kiser of Katie Kiser & Co. explains, 'While I think color is having a particularly good five-year run, for some of us, whimsy is not a trend but a way of life. As a young mother who primarily designs for other young families, a priority of mine is making sure that my clients fit within their own homes.'
Katie adds, 'Visually, I do not want a fire truck or a bright pink princess costume to completely disrupt the aesthetic that we’ve worked so hard to achieve. And there is no denying that color, pattern, vibrant art, and whimsical lighting bring joy. You simply cannot walk into a yellow breakfast room and have a bad day.'
Even the smallest flourishes of color can create a sense of playfulness, particularly when applied intentionally to create contrast. Introducing color in an inventive way is a fail-safe way to make your home feel whimsical. Take the painted bookshelf in this nursery; it's playful without feeling overdone. The power blue paint (much like Farrow & Ball's Yonder) gives the characterful alcove an entirely new look and feel.
3. Playful Furniture
While furniture always needs to be practical (remember, comfort above all else), it's a bonus if it's pretty, too. Whether it's a desk chair painted in a bold cherry red or an entryway bench upholstered in an unexpectedly striking fabric, furniture trends have the power to bring excitement into your everyday.
Fear not if you'd rather keep your minimalist color scheme, you can invite whimsy into your space through shape as well as color. Interior Designer Sarah Tract says, 'An easy way to bring a sense of whimsy into your home is by leaning into playful colors and unexpected shapes. Consider sculptural furniture, curvy silhouettes, or a pop of color that feels intentional rather than overwhelming. Allow these statement pieces to do the talking and don’t overthink it; design should be fun.'
Whether you're embracing sofa trends and braving a singular statement like a mid-century togo chair or you're tucking some curvaceous bar stools under your kitchen island, furniture is an easy way to create contrast and a sense of sentiment.
Covered in a rich amber cotton, this skirted ottoman couldn't be more charming. Sophisticated but still unexpected, it's the ultimate blend of fun and endurance.
Add some contrast to your living room with this glass top end table. Made from sleek blue glass, it's a modern choice that will pair beautifully beside a plush sofa.
For a dose of nostalgia that feels fitting in the present day, try the Pippa Accent Chair. Upholstered in a blue gingham fabric, it exudes everything whimsical design is all about.
4. Cheery Window Treatments
Although whimsical and maximalist design share common ground, your home needn't be overtly flamboyant for it to feel playful. Even the smallest doses of whimsy can create an instant feeling of joy in a home. Ditching your old drapes for a more unexpected choice is an impactful way of bringing some cheer into a room. Interior designer Shani Core proves this with her inspired window covering in her home office (pictured above).
She explains, 'On the other side of my studio, you’ll see a custom pagoda-style window treatment with tassel trim. When clients visit, I want them to be able to imagine something unique in their own home, so I love to add fun, whimsical elements to my own (in this case, a window treatment)!'
Woven with a bold gingham print, these whimsical drapes are hard to resist, guaranteed to transform any window into an eye-catching display.
Neutral yet sophisticated, this pair of light-filtering curtains feels enduringly timeless. A pared-back way to embrace whimsy, the piped edges and added panel make them stylish and fun.
Featuring a block-printed floral pattern, the Evita cotton curtains couldn't be more elegant. Subtle but noticeable, they'll breathe life into any room.
5. Mixing Pattern
Decorating with patterns can feel a little courageous, particularly if several are involved, but it's hard to deny the impact of layering prints.
A way to spark joy as soon as you enter a room, clashing patterns can pack as much of a punch as a bold paint color. A method that creates contrast, a simple floral cushion paired with a block-printed throw, is an easy setup that automatically lifts a neutral sofa. Similarly, an entryway that dons a geometric rug and a more subtle striped stair runner feels instantly more alive and inviting.
Interior designer Isabella Ladd says, 'Whimsical design leans heavily on details. The idea is to create spaces that evoke curiosity, and oftentimes require a second look, just to catch all the nods to playful, unexpected details. This desk nook (pictured above), for instance, happily melds six different patterns, a cheerful parakeet lamp, and, upon closer look, an antique flower vase that nearly camouflages with the wallpaper!'
For a dose of whimsical nostalgia that instantly cheers up a bedroom, try this Jacquard Floral Coverlet Set from Quince. Woven in a familiar pattern, it'll transform your bedroom in an instant.
For a dose of both pattern and color, the Prairie rug is a clever choice. Woven in a deep aubergine thread, it'll add depth and warmth to a kitchen or entryway floor.
Small doses of pattern will instantly make your scheme feel more playful. Take the Antonine Tapered Shade designed by Pooky, it's noticeable yet easy to pair with other prints.
We think a little whimsy is what all our homes are missing in 2026. Whether it's a simple mix of prints on a sofa or a more lively use of wallpaper in a small space, whimsical design has caught on not just because of its pretty nature, but more for its ability to capture the heart of anyone who enters the room.
