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Labubu interiors have arrived! 11 ways to embrace ‘cutecore’ in your home
So far 2025 has been the year of the Labubu. Whether they’re dangling from designer bags or from the phones of celebrities (Rihanna and Dua Lipa to name a few), the mischievous little creatures have sparked a cult following that borders on obsession, particularly when it comes to the bag charms.
Don’t believe us? Collectors of the cutesy charms recently queued for hours outside Harrods for a limited-edition release, while a signing event with Perfect magazine at Dover Street Market in London, saw some attendees arriving with pets dressed in Labubu-themed outfits.
But the craze isn’t stopping at fashion because Labubu fever is making its way into interiors too. From plush toys styled on shelves to colour palettes inspired by their playful, pastel world, the trend is tapping into a collective love for the whimsical.
“There’s a real cultural appetite for joy right now and people are craving comfort, fun, and a touch of nostalgia,” explains Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors.
“The Labubu trend taps into that childlike wonder we all secretly miss. It’s playful, cheeky, and entirely unserious, but it’s also clever.
“Fashion has embraced it wholeheartedly, and interiors are following suit. People want their homes to reflect more personality and light-heartedness, without compromising on style.”
As fashion continues to influence the way we style our homes, Labubu interiors offer a dose of character, comfort, and childlike joy in an increasingly serious world.
What’s more the trend encompasses a move away from more pared-back décor we’ve seen gracing homes recently.
“After a few years of minimalism there’s been a shift toward interiors that feel more joyful and expressive,” explains Victoria Robinson, product manager and trend forecaster at Hillarys.
“Labubu, with its wide-eyed charm and playful design, really taps into that mood.”
As style-savvy homeowners look to bring a bit of that mischief indoors, Labubu is fast becoming the unofficial mascot of maximalist joy.
But there’s a fine line between nostalgia and naff. From pretty pastel hues to statement plushies, we got the lowdown from interiors experts on adding cutecore charm – without slipping into soft-play aesthetics.
Play with a sorbet colour palette
Think soft pastels, mint, lilac, peach, baby blue, with occasional pops of candy pink or lemon yellow.
“These colours echo the sweetness of cutecore and mirror the whimsical hues of Labubu figures and their fashion crossover,” Kunal explains.
He suggests keeping your base palette neutral in either warm whites or pale oat.
“Then layer with sorbet tones in smaller doses: velvet cushions, a powder-pink accent chair, or pastel ceramics on open shelving,” he adds.
“If you’re bolder, try painting an internal door in a sherbet tone; it’s unexpected but very now.”
Curate kitsch like an art collector
Display nostalgic or novelty items such as figurines, plush toys or cartoonish ceramics with intention.
“Labubu thrives on the collectible, almost gallery like world of toys, meets pop culture,” explains Kunal. ”Displaying these items taps into that without veering into clutter.”
In order to curate your collection Kunal suggests using glass cloches, perspex plinths, or floating shelves to elevate objects.
“Limit it to one ‘moment’ per room, perhaps a styled bookshelf or cabinet, so it feels editorial rather than accidental,” he continues.
“Balance the cuteness with clean lines or luxe materials like marble, brass, or walnut.”
Interiors expert Kate Conrad, founder of Madison & Mayfair agrees that Labubu and similar collectibles can find a home in adult spaces and says it’s all about presentation.
She suggests styling in odd numbers (groups of three or five), and mixing with neutral vases, books or candles for balance.
“Floating shelves or acrylic box frames let figures shine as art, not toys,” she adds.
“And glass cabinets with interior lighting can elevate even the most playful figures into stylish focal points.
“Display Labubu like you would any other piece of design,” Kate continues.
“The figure itself has texture, character, and charm – so treat it with the same curatorial care as a vase or a sculpture.”
Choose playful patterns with restraint
Opt for patterns such as doodles, cartoon florals, scalloped edges, and smiley motifs.
“These echo the carefree, joyful aesthetic of cutecore but still feel grounded when used sparingly,” Kunal explains.
He suggests adding a cushion in a doodle-style print or a rug with scalloped edging to a more classic space.
“Pair with grown-up textures such as bouclé, linen, or wood, to stop it feeling too saccharine,” he adds.
Kate says cutecore thrives on nostalgic, quirky patterns – but it doesn’t have to feel like a kids’ room.
“Stick to illustrated florals, retro checks, and storybook-style prints that add a hint of nostalgia without tipping into tacky,” she adds.
Accessorise with whimsy and intention
Quirky table lamps, squiggle vases, ceramic toast racks shaped like animals are fun pieces that make you smile.
“Accessories are where cutecore really comes alive. It’s about injecting charm without commitment,” Kunal explains.
One easy way to give a nod to the trend is swapping out standard knobs on drawers for novelty ones.
“Use a playful vase for fresh flowers, or add a squishy, oversized cushion to a lounge chair,” Kunal continues.
“Think conversation-starter meets comfort object.”
Keep it grounded with one ‘serious’ element per space
Labubu interiors will work best when there’s contrast – a bit of grown-up restraint keeps the look elevated, not juvenile.
Kunal says this could be via a visual anchor or an heirloom piece, structured sofa, gallery-style lighting, or quality rug.
“In a room with cute prints or plush toys, use a sleek coffee table in walnut or a classic Eames-style chair,” he explains.
“This juxtaposition is what makes it feel styled, not themed.”
Use unexpected touches in transitional spaces
Hallways, powder rooms, or utility spaces are perfect for a little whimsy.
“These areas don’t require the same longevity as a living room or kitchen, so you can lean into playfulness,” Kunal explains.
“Try wallpaper with a cartoon-style motif in a loo or hang a gallery wall of framed toy photos in your hallway.
“Even a pastel-hued laundry basket can bring joy in daily routines.”
Channel the character’s colour-schemes
Kate says Labubus’ character colourways are a masterclass in mood-driven styling, with each tone bringing a distinct feeling into a space.
She has suggested some tones that work particularly well for cutecore interiors.
Toffee – “Warm up a minimal room with boucle armchairs, tan leather accents and teddy-textured throws. Think ‘grown-up nostalgia’,” she says.
Soymilk – “Cream-on-cream schemes with linen layers and curved silhouettes give a gentle, Japandi-style calm,” Kate explains.
Green Grape – “Add energy to workspaces or kitchens with leafy plants, rattan, and light woods,” she adds.
Lychee Berry – “Velvet cushions, vintage art, and warm lighting make this ideal for introspective spaces like reading nooks,” Kate suggests.
Sea Salt Coconut – “A perfect base for beachy bathrooms or airy lounges. Pair with driftwood, ceramics, and soft grey tones,” Kate recommends.
Sesame Bean – “Urban spaces shine with this neutral,” Kate says.
“Try with matte black, concrete, or metallics for structure with soul.”
“The trick is not to overdo it,” she adds.
“Pick one or two Labubu-inspired colours and build texture and contrast around them. It keeps things playful but polished.”
Layer it up
Think printed throws over clean bedding, or a quirky rug grounding sleek furniture.
“Then mix in tactile touches – boucle or teddy fleece throws, velvet cushions, and ceramic character mugs or vases that double as décor,” Kate suggests.
“If you want to go bolder, add pastel lamp shades, kawaii-style wall hooks, or a cute clock that makes you smile.
“Top it off with Labubu art prints or wall decals for a hit of personality that still feels curated.”
Balance cute with calm
The key to stopping the Labubu look tipping over into tacky is to get a balance of cute and calm.
“I love mixing in natural textures like wood or rattan to ground the look,” explains Victoria.
“It stops things feeling too sugary and makes the whole space feel more grown-up, while still keeping that sense of fun.”
Add in some Labubu-esque art
Believe it or not Labubu isn’t a standalone character – she’s part of a larger group called ‘The Monsters’, created by Hong Kong artist and author Kasing Lung.
And though the bag charms are taking over the world, Lung is also making serious inroads into the art world.
His original illustrations have fetched up to HK$330,200 at auction.
While you might not be able to afford a Lung original, you can certainly channel the look by introducing art with a similar whimsical feel.
“The Labubu trend is all about embracing playfulness, so when you are choosing artwork for your space, stick to a pale colour palette, abstract rounded shapes and fluid lines,” suggests Kate.
“These will help to bring together the cuteness of the trend in a more timeless way.”
Labubu and then some…
Playful objects that evoke feelings of nostalgia are the perfect addition to your space when incorporating the trend, but it’s not only Labubus making their debut as home décor.
“People are embracing all areas of their childhood at home from Barbies and Furbys to cuddly toys and beanbags,” explains Ally Dowsing-Reynolds.
“Take the trend as an excuse to embrace playfulness and bring a sense of joy into your home.”
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at 9 style lessons we can learn from And Just Like That… interiors. or 11 small interior ‘tweakments’ that will have a big impact on your home
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