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We’ve had Japandi, Quiet Luxury, and Cottagecore. Now, interiors are entering their most enchanting era – yes folks, whimsical decor is here.
The data confirms it: Pinterest searches for ‘whimsical home aesthetic’ up 975 per cent over the past year.
But what does whimsical mean, really? A joyous antidote to grey and white homes with pillows uniformly hacked on sofas and beds (millennials know), whimsical style is all about embracing the unexpected, eccentric, and above all, having fun with your interiors. Think of it as the sister to dopamine decor. If it makes you smile or take a second look, you’re on the right track.
Playful, witty style can present itself in lots of ways, from a 70s-inspired mushroom lamp to a rug with clashing colours, or even kids drawings, mounted and framed for the wall like the contemporary artworks they are.
Keen to refresh your space with a touch of whimsy? The good news is that you can do it easily on a small scale. Think putting photos into zany frames, curating coffee tables or bookshelves with curios, or switching cupboard knobs for something quirkier. Even the smallest details can make a huge impact, especially if they’re put against traditional styles or in a neutral setting.
And it’s not a style mission you have to bankrupt yourself over either. Plenty of affordable homewares stores are spotlighting whimsical wares right now, whether you’re looking to go big or small.
Just look at Dunelm; its latest collab with designer Yinka Ilori is an excellent starting point. To prove it, find our favourite pieces to whimsymaxx your home.
Dunelm Pack of 4 Bistro Slogan Napkins
Slightly salty but perfect for dinner parties, this set of four 100% cotton napkins come with phrases every parent has surely said to their offspring around the table.
Use them to set the table for your next soiree, and reminisce together when your guests discover the details.
The machine washable napkins come in an easy-to-style monochrome colourway, so they’ll stay looking sharper for longer.
Yinka Ilori Bell Touch Dimmable LED Table Lamp
In the designer’s own words, this futuristic-looking lamp, with its transparent base and pop of orange is almost ‘post-modern in its design language’.
Its function as a light source feels almost secondary to the structural form and remix of vintage hues.
This is a piece that will look as good off as it will when it’s switched on.
Yinka Ilori Sweet Flows Bath Mat
Another big-hitter from the Dunelm x Yinka Ilori collection at a price that won’t break the bank.
This cotton mat is all about injecting fun to the bathroom with a bold palette and pattern that promises to bring colour and texture into a space that desperately needs both.
The high-low tuft makes the everyday ritual of bathing feel like a proper treat, and it’s part of a collection that includes matching towels, so you can go the whole hog if you like.
It’s machine washable too, so ridiculously easy to keep looking, feeling and smelling fresh.
Tinned Sardines Salt & Pepper Shakers
There’s a fine line between novelty and nostalgia, but if your childhood home was one that enjoyed a fish and chip dinner every week, this adorable set of S&P shakers will bring back treasured memories every time.
Two stoneware sardines are presented in a matching tin-style dish to add personality and decor to your table.
Dive into seafood, tapas, or your local chippy’s greatest hits in style.
Going to a housewarming? This will make the perfect gift.
Brooke Bobble Lozenge Oval Full Length Wall Mirror
We’ve noticed a surge of bobbin and bobbles across homewares – and we’re not mad about it.
What’s not to love about these jolly little orbs? Dunelm proves it can deliver the look with elegance in this full length wall mirror made with handsome dark wood in a curved lozenge shape.
We’ve seen similar at the likes of Soho Home, Westwing and Sklum for more than five times the price, so this is a steal.
Sophie Robinson Wiggle Petal Meadow Zest Easy Fit Pleated Lamp Shade
Lighting often takes a backseat when it comes to zhushing up rooms, but it’s one of the features that can have the most impact.
Switch over your boring lampshade for Sophie Robinson’s House of Hackney-esque look.
The designer also has a collaboration with Dunelm, and the gorgeous lampshades are high up on our wishlist.
Patterned with heavy florals and pleated for a luxe effect, you’ll never want to turn on the room’s Big Light more.
It comes in two sizes – 40cm and 50cm – so you can choose the one that fits your room’s proportions best.
I Can Boogie Cushion
Grandmacore collides with whimsical decor in this cushion, which will lift the mood of any room it’s in.
We love the nostalgia of the needlepoint paired with the disco-ready phrase and that delicate scalloped trim.
If you’re happy to let your soft furnishings do the talking for you, add this cushion to basket, stat.
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