Traditional Design Can Be Fun

Source: images.google.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

How does one add a touch of whimsy to their design scheme if they tend to like a traditional more classic look in their home?

This is a question that I recently had to address since one of my design resolutions is to add a touch of whimsy to my home in 2013.

If you look up the definition of whimsy you will find some interesting adjectives used:

whimsy, whimsey [ˈwɪmzɪ]
n pl -sies, -seys
1. a capricious idea or notion
2. light or fanciful humor
3. something quaint or unusual

Since we are talking about design in our homes I like to think of it as:



1. Unexpected

2. Fanciful

3. Unusual

4. Fun/Happy, makes me smile

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

(Notice the light touch of whimsy by placing a scattered display of butterflies on the bed post of this traditional bed.)

Personally I prefer a room that has a classic base with just a touch of whimsy. Nothing that is too heavy handed, but just a light touch of the unexpected.

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

(If you are a dog love this is a fun, and whimsical way to show your love for dogs in your home.)

At first when I started looking for examples of a light handed touch of whimsy, I was having difficulty finding rooms that had applied this look in a tasteful manner.

I realize that what is tasteful to one might not be too another, after all design will always be subjective.

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

One of the first things we will need to come up with is which elements would we use to create a whimsical look. 

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

(This is a bit over the top for me, but I find it so fun, and creative. I had to share it with you all.)


You will notice that I also added  items I like for each of these categories. This will give us a good direction when looking for the additions to add to our homes. Your list may look  very different from mine.

Since I want a light touch I will be choosing elements in one, or more of the following categories: 

• Color: Adding touch of bright colors, or a mix of black and white.

• Patterns: Checks, checkerboard, bold stripes, polka-dots or scallops.

• Artwork: Fanciful subject matter, over scaled, bold in colors,  or Folk art.

• Area rugs: colorful, and patterned in one of the above patterns mentioned.

• window treatments: possibly using a colorful pattern, fanciful shape, or trims.

• Lighting: Whimsical shapes and/or colors.

All the above elements are items that I would feel comfortable adding a light touch of whimsy to in my home.

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Often times we can add a touch of whimsy with a collection of items that we enjoy looking at. By using them en masse, or by using them in an  over sized scale, or a bright color they will have a whimsical look.

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I am not a collector of any particular item, but I do think it can be very effective to use a collection to set a mood of whimsy.

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

With keeping this in mind  the next step for me was to make a list of items that I could possibly use to make a   display en masse, or to use one  over scaled piece.

My list consist of:

• Signs, words/numbers, or monograms

• Silhouettes

• Globes/maps

• Chalkboards 

• Plates

• Trays

• Keys

• Clocks

Once you, or I have these two list the fun begins!! Now we can go looking on line for inspiration, or even shopping if you have zeroed in on the look, and the element you want for your home.

I am now going to show you some images that feel whimsical to my own design aesthetics, and some that I just thought might be inspiring to you, my readers.

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Color blocking  the books in your bookcase will give you  a touch of whimsy. It is also a way of introducing some fun colors to your basic color scheme.

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

It is always easy to add a touch of whimsy to a child’s room. The above image shows some fun and unique ways to add a whimsical touch. Notice the teddy bear heads with their cute bow ties. For some reason the bow tie make is cute rather than a bit macabre.

The scalloped book cases on each side of the brightly red painted desk is fun and fanciful. The over sized ceiling fixture and the large red balls in the room are another fun addition. The round element is repeated in the over scaled dots on the headboard. This whole room is a great study in whimsy.

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

When a simple item like a mirror is done en masse it can become more whimsical, or unexpected.

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This image has a very light hand of whimsical touches. Notice the clocks, the letter on the wall and on the pillow. All are fun and a bit whimsical.

Since I tend to love a more classic, traditional looking room there is another way of adding a touch of whimsy. If you paint a classic piece of furniture a fun color it will take on a whole different feel……..

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Someone has taken a classic Queen Anne table, and added a fun bright green paint. It now reads as  a fun light hearted piece rather than just a classic traditional piece. The fun look is furthered by the modern Lucite legs on the chairs which are covered in a bold patterned  fabric.

Source: decorpad.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

There are so many options in adding whimsy to a room and it is going to vary from person to person. I am finding fun and exciting ideas for possibilities in my own home by writing blog post for you all.

I am looking forward to finding more fun and inspiring ideas that I could possibly use in the future.

I hope that this post has given you all a few ideas to explore for your own homes.

“Enjoy The Process!” Of:

Adding a little fun, and whimsy to your home.

Kathysue