A home isn’t meant to be showroom perfect – it only needs to feel authentically yours. Whether eclectic tchotchkes, bold, vibrant colours or more subdued neutrals, or mismatched furnishings – a place where you can be creative and comfortable.
The things you choose say a lot about who you are – that's part of the fun in searching for unique household decor, shopping for one-of-a-kind finds.
Maybe you’ll find that fish-shaped rug or the door mat emblazoned with a caricature of a fox. Are you a dog or cat person - what about a cat lamp or a dog throw pillow; perhaps a writer’s mug to inspire your next best seller.
All these things instantly tell people something about you. They bring curiosity, humour, and joy in finding a little of the unexpected.
Why We like The Stuff We Like
If we’re honest, we don’t always pick stuff because it goes together. The oddity or comfy chair may not be practical, but they’re unforgettable. Decorating shouldn’t involve a checklist to get it done; it should take time in finding the pieces that speak to you.
A coffee mug that will bring a smile to your face as you get ready for work or inspire that first line on the page.
That’s why stores with a sense of panache – like Squirrel Gifts feels like a treasure trove of finds not only of home goods but something for everyone. What you stumble across you won’t find anywhere else and is sure to be a conversation starter.
When shopping, often people reach for items that seem somehow familiar. You may not understand why you must have the terracotta frog riding the tricycle, but he brings you joy in the garden.
The choices aren’t always logical and may not align with a central theme, but they are deeply personal; they come from instinct. Our environment is an extension of our personality.
Starting conversations with curious finds
Whimsical clocks in the shape of your favourite woodland creature don’t only tell the time but let your guest know you have a sense of humour. Unusual items make people stop and smile and then come and ask for the story.
Maybe it was tucked away in a little shop in London or perhaps you found it while at a market. Every item in a home should have its own tale after it comes into your home. The objects make your home memorable and clue people into your personality.
None of these items follow a design rule book; you just need a willingness to step outside the box, be open-minded.
Grownups love kids' stuff too
Kids love quirky toys and plush creatures, but adults are also fond of these whimsical items and use these in their decorating. Why not? Joy comes at all ages. Toys bring nostalgia and kick into an adult’s playful side. You may choose a rubber duck tub mat or jellybean silverware tray.
It gives you freedom to explore your childhood without being immature, a trend rooted in emotional comfort. The items come in bold, vibrant colours with unique shapes – ideal for injecting life into a minimalist space.
Going with a nostalgic decor gives adults a sense of rebellion. It pushes back against the notion that grownup must be boring and monochromatic. A kaleidoscope nightlight in the hall can be as grownup if it means understanding your personal style and the decor that makes you happy.
Intentional mismatching
Matching sets are less than fun; the magic happens when you mix it up. A vintage lamp paired with a modern vase, combining quiet neutrals with vibrant patterns, or tossing a dash of fire engine red in a room filled with sea green for a lively space.
Mismatching creates a unique rhythm and contrast. It makes the room dynamic, guiding the eye. The key is to toss the rulebook and follow what excites you. Clashing colours and textures is a risky venture but adds personality, invites guests into the room, something polished pieces can’t mimic.
An in honesty, no one remembers the showroom living space; they remember the homes that made them giggle.
For a peek into how different styles come together, Eclectic Design Principles and Tips for Inspired Interiors breaks down how to blend textures, patterns, and influences in a meaningful way. It’s a thoughtful deep dive into design choices that centre on personality and emotion.
Forget the rules, decorate with emotion
People have started decorating using the concept of what makes them feel good as opposed to worrying about whether the items in the space match - mood-based decorating.
It’s an increasingly favoured method that’s freeing design choices to be more colourful, playful and sometimes depending on your tastes, bizarre. They don’t have to pass the rulebook, make the checklist – only bring a smile and spark joy.
People are naturally drawn to pieces that emotionally speak to them. It may be a banana light in neon that triggers thoughts of summer or a lava lamp that feels like countless sleepovers. They are relatable, memories you want to hold onto, moods that make you feel good.
Emotional decor allows you to pick feeling over formality. A pace filled with contrasting colours and woodland animal-themed prints may feel more like home than any showroom. It’s less about making an impression with those who stop by and more being pleased each day when you open your eyes.
Let your personality shine
A home is more than just a space where you live – it’s a space that reflects your personality. It should spread joy and laughter. It probably won't match, the colours might contrast, and the patterns may contradict but it will present a curious and wonder-filled conversation.
For a broader look at the emotional and cultural side of quirky design, Eclectic Design: A Harmonizing Diversity explores how mixing influences brings meaning and warmth to our spaces—no branding, just thoughtful perspective.
The most honest part of your decor might be that creature=shaped throw pillow or the print that no one can figure out or maybe that odd desk lamp you couldn’t resist in the shop.
You should smile when you walk into each room in your home – and if it makes your guests smile too, well, that’s just the rabbit-shaped doorknob on top.
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