Why ‘Unserious’ Design Is the Joyful Trend Interior Designers Are Embracing
In 2026, designers are taking a less serious approach. You can see it reflected in all the biggest design trends of the year so far – warmer, richer colors, ‘lived-in’ luxury, the comeback of so many nostalgic styles. The overarching theme is highly personalized spaces. The most stylish homes right now reflect the people who live in them; they are characterful and layered, and imperfect.
This isn’t a look that’s created in a weekend; it’s one that’s curated and built over time. However, there are small shifts you can make when decorating that will help you relax your style, take your interiors less seriously, and follow the trends and styles you truly love. Here, top designers share how to embrace a more joyful, less serious way of decorating.
1. Start with a Feeling
A warm color palette and vibrant patterns work in harmony in this joyous dining room designed by Justina Blakeney.
(Image credit: Jungalow)
No one does playful decorating quite like designer Justina Blakeney, and her first tip for more lived-in interiors is to ‘Start with intention. Decorating for joy is such a beautiful North Star – and actually kind of radical,’ she explains.
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‘Most people decorate for style, or for what looks “right,” but joy is different. You can feel joy in the body as tingles, or a floaty feeling, or as laughter, or as a bubbly sensation.’
‘Before anything else, I think a space has to let you exhale,’ she continues. ‘Your nervous system needs to slow down first so you can actually feel joy. So I always ask myself: Does this room give someone permission to relax? That’s the foundation everything else builds on.’
Sentimental touches are an important part of the ‘unserious’ trend, too. ‘Once you create your intention, and know what kinds of sensations you are trying to call in, bring in what personally makes you feel that way. Maybe that’s a ginormous framed photo of your baby making a silly face, your dog in their Halloween costume, a quirky face planter with a maidenhair fern for hair, a sofa built for cuddle puddles. Trust what lights you up. It’s a feeling you recognize when it arrives. Pay attention to it and design toward that.’
2. Decorate with Life
An eclectic living room comes to life through its layers of texture, color, and print. The leafy potted plant brings a grounded touch to the room, matched by the botanical wallpaper.
(Image credit: David Hunt Lighting)
A classic Feng Shui principle, decorating with plants brings a sense of serenity that playful design is all about, bringing balance and contrast. Justina says, ‘Then I like to layer in the life. Literally. Plants, bunches of flowers, and greenery that keep us connected to the natural world. I love a good pop of pattern for visual music. Things made by human hands. And always natural light and fresh air: a skylight, a big open window, a door that swings out to the garden. I think of it as designing spaces in conversation with nature, porous and alive, not sealed off.’
3. Highlight Pieces That Have a Story
A framed folk-style print adds a lived-in feel to this country-style dining room, injecting life and story into the space.
(Image credit: Future)
Whether you’re decorating with art or collecting vintage trinkets, meaningful objects that spark sentiment will make your home feel eclectic and personal rather than staged or overly serious. Something as simple as a unique vase will bring joy and personality to an empty corner.
Interior designer Kelly Zerbini, Principal of Dunnam Zerbini Design, says, ‘I often think joy in interiors comes from the small, subconscious reactions we have to objects. You might walk up to a piece of art and find yourself smiling without quite knowing why, or be drawn to a textile that immediately makes you want to touch it. I try to create those moments through tactile fabrics, interesting furniture details, and layers that invite curiosity. A big part of my work is curating the client’s world into the home. That means weaving in the art, objects, and collections that reflect their life and experiences. When those personal elements are thoughtfully integrated into the design, the result feels authentic, and that authenticity is where the real joy comes from.’
Rachel Sherman, Principal of Rachel Sloane Interiors, says, ‘I do feel design has taken a turn for the overly prescriptive ‘way things should be’. I love integrating whimsy into my interiors. Usually, handmade items that show imperfections, a unique color combination, or something that just feels like a conversation starter (i.e. stand out) are the pieces that feel personal and bring a sense of joy, whimsy, or soul to the space. Something that looks like there might be a story behind how it was made, or how it arrived in the home, are the pieces that usually bring a smile to those that live there.’
4. Design Spaces That Have a Natural Flow
This moody dining room features a simple yet unbeatable layout. The eating area sits at the center of the scheme, allowing the characterful decor and furniture to shine without overwhelming the room.
(Image credit: Little Greene)
While creating a playful home is all about the details, it’s not just decorative elements that can transform a space; how a room flows and is balanced brings harmony and alignment to your home. A serious home follows a traditional format that may not align with your day-to-day, a joyful one acknowledges its occupant and makes daily routines easier.
Interior designer Noha Hassan says, ‘Joy in a space isn’t only visual. It’s also about flow and how a space feels to move through and live in. I’m a big believer in principles like Feng Shui because layout and balance can really influence the energy of a room.’
Noha continues, ‘Start with a solid foundation. Pay attention to the layout, the scale of the furniture, and how the space actually functions – especially lighting and acoustics. If those things aren’t right, even beautiful pieces won’t feel as good to live with. I also like to work with the existing bones of the home and highlight or improve the architectural features. From there, you can introduce a few unexpected elements, such as statement furniture or lighting pieces, or bold artwork – something with personality and quality that elevates the space. Living with well-made pieces and thoughtful detailing makes a space more enjoyable to live in every day.’
5. Always Add an Element of Surprise
A whimsical color palette, layers of pattern, and plenty of romantic skirting bring a light-hearted playfulness to this living room.
(Image credit: Appreciation Project)
Interior designer Mindy Kelson O’Connor says, ‘Ultimately, it is never going to be only the design elements themselves but rather the way people interact with them. Joyful spaces are usually comfortable, not too serious, a little whimsical somewhere, and always very attuned to the inhabitants.’
An element of surprise is always important, too. A striking wallpaper like Katie Kime’s abstract stripe wallpaper or a bold floral fabric such as House of Hackney’s Floribunda Magna is perfect for injecting life into unexpected places.
Mindy adds, ‘Then little decorative and quirky details can further spark joy within those big moves – surprises in the inside of cabinetry with different finishes, wallpaper, or millwork cutouts and patinated handles. Avid readers or introverts might find joy in quiet reading nooks and upholstered areas to read or nap – maybe in the same room as others, but set apart. A gorgeous but soft and durable fabric, piping or trim details, clever positioning and a unique lamp can make that cozy corner something more special.’
6. Incorporate Plenty of Meaningful Objects
A delightful mix of old and new, this transitional living room proves the power of personal decorating through layering art, furniture, and preloved trinkets.
(Image credit: Design by Cave Interiors / Photography by Paul Massey)
Whether you’re decorating with vintage or hanging meaningful photographs around your home, always incorporate elements that tell a story, reminders of happy memories, or things you love.
Rachel adds, ‘Let’s try not to make everything so prescriptive and to trust your instinct when you like something that feels a little “out there”. As long as the whole home isn’t all over the place, those “out there” moments are the ones that bring the personality into the home. Buy that tapestry on vacation, that weird vase in the beach shop, or display your whacky aunt’s art – if it makes you smile or brings you back to a different time or place, it’s worth it. Your home is for you, stop trying to make it for anyone else.’
Natasha adds, ‘It’s about striking the right balance and creating a space that’s for real living. Mixing contemporary with vintage pieces and above all making sure if feels like home and not a hotel room. Feel free to add in a crochet blanket or a toy you may have saved from your childhood. Give the room some light relief and personality.’
7. Have Fun with Color
In this charming living room (designed by Appreciation Project), the moody burgundy paint (much like Deep Reddish Brown by Farrow & Ball) is balanced by whimsical patterns and touches of powder blue.
(Image credit: Appreciation Project)
Plenty of thoughtful additions make a home feel more personal, but a color palette can make a room feel instantly more uplifting. Embracing happy colors will spark positivity and set the tone of your home.
Interior designer Lila Malone says, ‘A lot of people seem afraid to use color in their everyday spaces, but to us, color makes a home feel inviting and full of life. Even small moments of color through textiles, upholstery, or accessories can completely shift the mood of a room. We also love incorporating pieces clients already have and love or that have been with them for years, because those personal elements make a space feel comfortable and authentic.’
It’s not just primary colors that can make a home feel joyous; deep tones can bridge the gap between clinical and characterful. Natasha Lyon, Co-founder of Appreciation Project, says, ‘Take the time to consider your color schemes, what brings you joy? Have you managed to capture that in the space? Perhaps it’s a certain color that immediately gives you a lift, maybe bathe the room in it, or is there a fabric that fills you with happiness? If so, have your sofa reupholstered in it.’
‘Don’t be afraid to wallpaper entire rooms and match the curtains and blinds, if not the sofa too! Adding in the unexpected, whether that’s a papered ceiling or a bar hidden behind a piece of art. Make your home totally unique to you!’
6 Joyful Decor Pieces
Addison Ross
Sage Green Small Round Scallop Tray
Add a touch of whimsy to your coffee table with the Addison Ross sage scallop tray. Perfect for housing a candle or your go-to reading rotation, it’ll uplift simple objects in an instant.
Lulu & Georgia
Ingleman Table Lamp
Inject a dose of serene blue to your nightstand or bookcase with the Ingleman table lamp. With its angular shape and powder blue finish, it’s an adorable accessory that’s hard to resist.
Give meaningful photographs even more power with IKEA’s TRIVIALSKOG frame. Featuring a rattan border, it’s perfect for adding some character to your walls.
Threshold x Studio McGee
Ruffled Slipcover Dining Chair in Kale Gingham Taupe Cream
Inject a dose of whimsy into your eating space with the ruffled slipcovered dining chair designed by Studio McGee. Featuring romantic skirting, it’s a charming piece of furniture that feels playful in the best way.
Rugs USA
Folk Floral Kilim Handwoven Jute Rug
Featuring a folk-inspired pattern, this joyful kilim will transform the floors of a living room or bedroom, bringing warmth and a lived-in feel.
Lulu & Georgia
Bibbs Hand-Painted Tray
Uplift your nightstand or entryway console with the Bibbs tray. Hand-painted, it’s a charming little vessel that’s perfect for miscellaneous trinkets like jewellery or keys.
As Kelly Zerbin rightfully says, ‘Joyful interiors rarely come from following a formula. They come from thoughtfully layering elements that feel personal, curious, and a little unexpected.’
A design movement that couldn’t be further from a fleeting trend, it’s a mindset we can all take inspiration from, making character and joy the frontrunning theme of our homes.
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