3 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Decor More Playful

I love Pinterest. My favorite board to pin to is my "For the Home" board. I find myself more and more drawn to really bright, light, cozy rooms. Many of which are kid's rooms, or if not, could easily be mistaken for them! The 3 things that make these rooms are: the bright and bold colors, the eclectic accessories, and the not-to-tidy, lived-in aspect of them. Here are some favorites:

This beautiful kid's room is from the blog Aesthetic Outburst. I love it so much because we have these three elements: color, eclectic accessories, and a casual feel. The color combo of the bedspread, the pom-pom garland and the dolls on the bed and so cheery. The awesomely odd dog painting and the cat lamp demonstrate a sense of fun and an eye for the slightly strange. And the toys on the bed look like they were lined up by the little occupant of this room herself. Perfection!

The piano with the sheet music at the ready, the little pops of color in the nesting doll collection, the framed city planning charts. Lived in, bright color, eclectic: check, check, check! (From http://www.thebowerbirds.com/)

This living room incorporates large pieces in neutral colors, with really bright accessories and bits of comfort. I really like this tidy, business-like couch paired with a rainbow pillow and handmade blankets. The yellow dining chairs and bright-white cart with a rainbow of books on it are just gravy. (from http://bitsandbobbins.com/2012/02/22/our-living-space/)

This last picture is from my own home (from my Instagram feed! Follow me: @henandchick). I think the denim blue walls are a great backdrop for the colors of the books and the embroidered wall hangings. (The Alphabet and Numbers wall hangings were embroidered by my Grandma Eleanor for my sister and I when we were babies. Staring at them during nap time was how I learned my numbers and letters. Now my son gets to do the same!) The little tin collection and sailboats are my dash of eclectic, and if that unmade bed isn't lived-in, I don't know what is!

So...

1. Color. Be brave. Don't be afraid of clashing or going against your current color scheme. The more unexpected, the better!

2. Eclectic accents. The next time you are at a flea market and that strange portrait painting calls to you, or the estate sale 70's throw pillows sing to you, don't think twice, get 'em.

3. Lived-in look. Keep cozy blankets draped over chair backs. Leave a stack of your favorite poetry books on the side table. Keep a cork board by your door with colorful cards from family and friends. Keep your pretty and loved things close!

Your home will be more playful in no time!