Fun Fixes from a Happy Home Designer

Who said home design has to be serious? The best interiors are the ones that make you smile the moment you walk in. A splash of color here, a quirky detail there—sometimes all it takes is a few joyful tweaks to transform your space from meh to marvelous. If your home is feeling a little stale, it might be time to explore some fun design fixes that inject personality, charm, and a delightful sense of play.

Color Outside the Lines

Forget the rulebook. 2025 is the year of unapologetic color. One of the most effective fun design fixes is embracing unexpected hues in unexpected places.

Try a bold teal ceiling. Paint your hallway in sunshine yellow. Or go wild with mismatched dining chairs in vibrant shades. Color isn’t just decorative—it’s emotional. It sets the mood, lifts the vibe, and tells your guests, “Hey, we like to have fun here.”

Even smaller color pops—like magenta lamp bases or tangerine planters—can spark joy in an otherwise neutral room. The goal? Happy chaos with just enough cohesion.

Say Yes to Playful Patterns

If you’ve ever been afraid of mixing patterns, now’s the time to be brave. Combining florals, stripes, polka dots, and geometrics creates a sense of spontaneity that feels fresh and fearless.

Layer patterned pillows on a patterned sofa. Add a punchy wallpaper behind open shelves. Or lay down an area rug that contrasts (rather than matches) your curtains. These daring decisions are the cornerstone of many successful fun design fixes, giving your space a signature look that’s uniquely yours.

Quirky Lighting That Sparks Conversation

Lighting isn’t just functional—it’s one of the most underrated places to add personality. Swap that boring overhead fixture for a whimsical chandelier made of recycled glass or a neon sign that says “Good Vibes Only.”

Accent lamps shaped like animals, mushrooms, or abstract sculptures bring a smile to any room. Wall sconces with a retro or futuristic twist can serve as instant art pieces. Light isn’t just about brightness—it’s about character.

Furniture That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously

A bubblegum pink sofa. A coffee table shaped like a surfboard. A bookshelf that zigzags across the wall. These are the kinds of fun design fixes that shift a space from functional to fabulous.

It’s all about choosing pieces that bring joy. Designers in 2025 are leaning into furniture with curves, color, and charm. Look for items that double as conversation starters while still being totally livable. Remember: comfortable and cool don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Art That Makes You Laugh (or Think)

Gone are the days when wall art had to be solemn and serious. Happy homes are filled with art that reflects your sense of humor, personal interests, and creative spirit.

Try a gallery wall of vintage travel posters, framed board games, or cheeky typographic prints. Hang a giant canvas of your pet dressed as royalty. Or mix classic paintings with modern pop-art pieces for a high-low juxtaposition that feels fresh and unexpected.

Art is one of the easiest fun design fixes to update as your taste evolves—and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Funky Fixtures and Hardware

Want a quick refresh without a full renovation? Swap out your cabinet handles, faucet heads, or light switch covers for ones with flair.

Brass star knobs. Rainbow glass drawer pulls. Matte black taps with sculptural curves. These tiny details pack a major punch and can transform everyday tasks—like turning on the light or opening a drawer—into mini moments of delight.

Unexpected Decor Moments

Add a disco ball in your home office. Hang fairy lights in the bathroom. Use vintage suitcases as side tables. There’s no rule that says decor can’t be silly or surprising. In fact, it’s those little whimsical touches that give your home its heart.

Use what you love—even if it’s unconventional. A toy dinosaur on a bookshelf, a typewriter on the kitchen counter, or a rubber duck in the plant pot can all serve as charming, unexpected delights.

Bring Nature Indoors, With a Twist

Indoor plants are practically a design staple now, but the fun lies in how you display them. Think beyond terracotta pots.

Mount small plants in wall planters shaped like moons or faces. Create a hanging jungle over your dining table. Or paint plant pots in mismatched, funky patterns for a DIY touch that’s both playful and personal.

Plants breathe life into every corner—and when paired with imaginative styling, they become living art.

Home should be a place that lifts your spirits and reflects your individuality. With these fun design fixes, you can wave goodbye to boring and hello to bold, quirky, and completely delightful. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Make your space as joyful as your favorite song, as bold as your best outfit, and as one-of-a-kind as you are.