Unleash your creativity with these quirky home ideas

You know you've hit decor success when someone exclaims in delight: "Where did you get that?". And to make it happen, quirky home decor can definitely help to earn those compliments.

Embracing the unconventional, the whimsical, and the downright unique can breathe life into your living space. And it doesn’t need to be strange or offbeat; decor that is colourful, unusual, or used in innovative ways has plenty of appeal. Quirky home decor injects personality, amuses, makes your home memorable, and can be done without breaking the bank.

Your property inspiration

The quirky home decor style can be tricky to get right. But, this five-bedroom in Serengeti Lifestyle Estate in Kempton Park adds charming details thoughtfully to create a space that delights. The bird-themed carpet in the lounge brings nature inside with soothing grey, blue, and beige hues. Moving into one of the bedrooms, your eyes will be grabbed by a letter-and-number-themed wallpaper, which adds a dash of imagination. Don’t miss the fox-themed comforter and polka-dotted rug that speaks to the owner’s love of animals and cheery shapes.

How to make your home look quirky

Whether you’re bored with your beige aesthetic or want to add some flair, quirky details can help you stand out.

Work on your walls: Drawing inspiration from the Serengeti Lifestyle Estate, you can let your walls highlight your favourite colour or tell a story:

• Paint a feature wall in a bright or unusual colour
• Choose a wallpaper in a quirky pattern or print
• Add a daring decal or wall sticker
• Play around with paint patterns and textures

Add intrigue with your furniture: Strategic furniture choices can make any room into a showstopper. Mix and match furniture shapes, colours, and patterns for a touch of eclecticism. Different sizes feel unconventional but can present an eye-catching look. Also, think about styles: a vintage armoire, with intricate detailing, could be a poignant nod to the past, or a kitschy mirrored side table could conjure up a modern whimsical feel.

Experiment with patterns and textures: Unexpected choices will make your rooms come alive. Pair polka dots with stripes and mix florals with geometrics — the key is to create a visual feast that gives visitors a reason to pause. There are plenty of areas to consider such as rugs, scatter cushions, throws, and curtains, but the trick is to ‘quirkify’ your space sparingly and give these details room to breathe.

Curate a gallery wall: This is the perfect opportunity to share your quirky perspective and the options are endless. Put up vibrant artworks, framed quotes, sculptures, photographs, and mirrors. Don’t be afraid to add some humour to your wall. For example, featuring a printed joke or comical scene from your life will make guests feel comfortable and bring a smile to your face whenever you see them. To rein in the chaos of a gallery wall, consider using symmetry to create a balanced and harmonious feel.

Make your lighting works of art: Besides making your home feel spacious and functional, lighting is a great opportunity for bringing in character. Consider pendant lights shaped like animals or geometric chandeliers. Even lights made from unconventional materials such as colourful umbrellas, driftwood, vintage birdcages, or repurposed kitchenware will give any room a creative boost.

 Let storage be statements: Going beyond the practical, storage solutions can also bring some much-needed pizzazz. You can use vintage suitcases as bedside tables, stack wooden crates for open shelving, or repurpose an old ladder into a unique bookshelf. Even standard hooks can come in different shapes, whether you like flowers, animals, or cartoon characters.

Become a plant parent: Houseplants with unusual leaves or vivid flowers can heap on the wow factor. Flamingo flowers dazzle with red blooms, snake plants intrigue with their height, and cactuses thrill with their prickly shape. Your choice of planter can deepen the effect: think of using teacups, vintage boots, or colourful buckets for unconventional plant homes.

Your home should inspire you

Your choices will help you put together a home that feels personal and full of life. And when it comes to selling your home, some thoughtful touches can show the pride you’ve taken to curate your space. Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty has marketed all manner of properties with quirky details, from quaint beach cottages, modern penthouse apartments in the city, to rustic farmhouses. We have the know-how to help you realise your goal whether you’re in the market to sell or rent out your space. Get in touch with our team of property professionals today.