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2026 trend: Unserious interiors – 10 ways to get the look at home
The last few years may have been dominated by demure decor and disciplined colour palettes, but 2026 is about to take a turn for the daft.
According to trend forecaster WGSN, the biggest trend of 2026 is being unserious and as well as our clothes, food and tech, unserious interiors are set to define the year ahead.
So what does being unserious actually look like at home?
Despite how it might sound, this isn’t actually about bringing on the chaos, but more about expressing confidence – mixing patterns, unexpected details and out the box colour combinations, all overseen by some thoughtful editing.
In place of more restrained, pared-back decor comes wavy silhouettes, punchy colour pairings and accessories chosen purely for the joy they spark.
“When we hear the word unserious, it is easy to think that interiors might be chaotic or childish,” explains Lisa Jones, editorial design manager at Dunelm.
“Instead the focus should be on creating interiors that are about embracing mood-boosting pieces and expressing personality and joy through the home.
“An unserious interior might include bright colours, layered patterns or eccentric shapes – it’s really those little touches that feel like you.”
Why are unserious interiors proving so popular in 2026?
According to Kate Butler, head of design at Oliver Bonas there’s more of an appetite for being unserious at the moment as an antithesis to the current world and political climate, as well as the pressures of the continuing cost of living crisis.
“When things feel heavy outside the home, people naturally want their interiors to offer a sense of lightness and joy,” she explains.
“There’s also a pushback against the increasingly digital world and the rise of AI.
“Tangible objects, craft and creativity are becoming more meaningful, and people want to surround themselves with pieces that feel personal and uplifting.
“Unserious interiors are about celebrating creativity and craftsmanship and bringing moments of joy into everyday life.”
From getting playful with pattern to introducing fun with accessories, we spoke to the interior experts about how to introduce a little unserious style into your home without it feeling like a soft play centre.
Start small
If you’ve not quite made your mind up about whether unserious interiors are for you, Lisa suggests starting small as it allows you to experiment.
“Give yourself 10-20% of a room to play around with while the rest can remain familiar,” she suggests.
“The unserious element could be something like a playful ceramic lamp or a boldy patterned rug, which can transform a room without feeling too drastic.”
If you find that you enjoy the look of those playful elements, you can then allow yourself more of the room to experiment with and start building your unserious interior.
Play with pattern (with restraint)
Clashing stripes, oversized florals or cartoonish motifs can energise a space, but scale and editing are vital.
Keep patterns within a defined colour family, or confine bold prints to one zone, a window seat, a hallway runner, a headboard, so the scheme feels curated rather than chaotic.
While pattern drenching may sound chaotic (and a little scary) at first, when it is done well it creates a cohesive and characterful space. But Lisa says there is a trick to getting it right.
“Rather than scattering lots of unrelated prints, take a classic element, such as stripes, and layer various sizes and colours,” she advises.
“This way you can create harmony instead of disorder.”
If you’re not quite ready to go maximalist with pattern, Annika O’Connor, founder of Fynd Homeware, recommends using different prints in unexpected ways and places.
“Use fabric samples and left over wallpaper to mount pictures in frames or line drawers and the inside of cupboard doors with a fun patterned paper,” she suggests.
“I’m also a big fan of a wallpapered ceiling.”
Introduce an unserious ‘hero’ piece
Statement furniture is one of the most powerful and effortless ways to embrace unserious interiors as it gives a room a real personal flourish.
The best part? There are so many ways to introduce it.
“You might experiment through colour or material,” Lisa advises.
“You can also utilise sculptural silhouettes.
“The same way that an interesting bag or bold pair of shoes can elevate an entire outfit, one standout piece of furniture can completely transform a room and allow you to embrace the more unserious side of yourself and your home.”
Create an unserious mood board
As unserious interiors are rooted in joy and individualism, there is not a strict limit.
However, if you are worried about your spaces feeling overwhelming, Lisa suggests creating a moodboard or colour palette as a foundation to ensure that your vision feels cohesive.
“Then, you can introduce one item as a focal point and gradually build from there over time,” she adds.
“Brightly coloured striped curtains, or a floral patterned side table are small elements that make a big impact, which you can build a space around.”
Introduce fun via accessories
Accessories are the lowest-commitment way to experiment.
A few sculptural pieces in unexpected forms can lift a neutral room instantly.
“Small accessories are your safest entry point; wavy candlesticks, humorous salt and pepper shakers or playful hooks,” Annika suggests.
“This is where you can really have fun and if you tire of it, you can swap it out.”
Kate suggests anchoring an unserious scheme with one confident accessory to act as the focal point.
“I collect ceramics and have lots of beautiful, handcrafted bowls,” she explains.
“When friends come round, I love serving food in a mix of them, they don’t match, but each one has its own story.”
Adopt an unserious colour palette
Pastels are evolving into something punchier and paired in an unexpected combination: pistachio with cherry red, lilac with tangerine, sky blue with chocolate brown.
“Think slightly sugary tones that are more playful than neutrals without being too overpowering; buttery yellow, powder blue, plaster pink,” advises Annika.
“And use them to drench your space – walls, woodwork and ceilings.”
If dousing the entire room feels like too much of a commitment, Kate suggests introducing bold colours you love on a smaller scale.
“Accent paint is an easy way to introduce a playful twist on a more sedate scheme,” she explains.
“You might keep your walls neutral but paint a door in a bright colour or highlight skirting boards or shelving. Small, unexpected details can add a lot of personality.”
Kate says accessories like cushions, throws or smaller decorative pieces are another great way to experiment with different hues and make a statement without a big investment.
Curate your clutter
Style shelves or consoles with a sense of narrative.
Mix sculptural ceramics with novelty objects, art prints with curved frames.
Groupings should feel intentional – repetition of colour, material or shape will keep things cohesive.
“Collect and display things that bring you joy,” adds Annika.
“Display cabinets and open shelves are having a moment and are the perfect spot for trinkets and knick-knacks.”
Have fun with art
Art is one of the best ways to express your personality and introduce a light-hearted element to your home.
“While art can sometimes feel serious, it’s also a chance to play, experiment with colourful frames and mounts, mix prints, or create a gallery wall,” explains Kate.
“It doesn’t have to be expensive either, simply framing a print you love can have a really uplifting effect.”
Annika says anything can be put in a frame to create personal artwork.
“A tea towel that you love.
“A hand written note from your five-year-old.
“These all deserve to be framed and displayed on the wall and they are often more fun to look at than serious art,” she explains.
Embrace what brings you joy
The key, according to Kate, is not to worry too much about trends.
“Bring things into your home that speak to you personally – objects, colours and artwork that spark joy and connection,” she explains.
“That’s what ultimately makes a space feel uplifting.”
Avoid the nursery effect
No one wants to be sitting in a living room that resembles a CBeebies set, but the interior experts say scale, materiality and negative space are your safeguards.
As is balancing playful elements with more grown-up finishes – marble, smoked glass, chrome or dark-stained wood.
“Ground your scheme with natural materials; wood, marble, linen, antique brass,” suggests Annika.
“To avoid primary colour overload, lean into muddier, chalkier versions instead.”
It also helps to introduce contrast through tailored upholstery or structured lighting.
And above all, edit. A little absurdity goes a long way.
Unserious interiors aren’t about abandoning taste; they’re about expanding it.
And if our home decor makes us smile each time we walk through the door, that’s actually pretty sensible, no?
Want more inspiration? Read: Wuthering Heights interiors: 8 ways to get the romantic gothic look at home or Heritage maximalism and 7 other interior trends set to dominate 2026
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