Time to get quirky

Sharmila Chand

Why settle for the ordinary when you can spruce up your home with stunning out-of-the-box designs, eye catching wall papers, exciting ceiling hues, accessories and a vibrant colour palette. The trend is to break away from the traditional, the customary and the predictable. 

The same way as for life, a home is not meant to be monotonous and tedious. But one has to be careful in not getting overboard with the theme. “Out of the box home décor and quirky designs will jazz up your interiors in a meaningful way but knowing how to handle the theme is important,” says Raseel Gujral Ansal, Founder and Creative Director at Casa Pop & Casa Paradox. Here are few pointers that you can put to use for adding a quirky elegance to your decor:

Create drama 

How about placing an antique rickshaw meter in your living room? Or painting one of the main doors of your home in a bold, bright, eye catching colour? Do not fret at these ideas as these are considered forward- thinking approach and go very well as 'trendy quirky interiors' theme. 

“If done correctly, pop coloured doors can make a huge impact and add a strong sense of personality to an otherwise straightforward room,” says  Mumbai- based interior designer and home styling expert, Ekta Khialani, founder of brand, Casa Novo. “It is important to be dynamic and take risks. Keep quirky elements changeable, and not permanent,” she adds. 

Ekta does not stop there in giving ‘whimsical’ ideas. Why only a door? She recommends “Bold & bright ceiling colours too are fun. Add instant quirk to your space by painting one of the ceilings in a pop colour that complements the interiors, yet stands out. This works best for longer hallways, or the kitchen ceiling, or even bathroom ceilings, for that beautiful splash of drama.” 

Happy vibes 

When Ekta created a custom print of a 60s pin up girl on the bespoke chair in a bachelor’s studio, her client was over the moon. “It brought an instantenous smile on my client’s face,” the designer recalls.  “Home décor should always generate happy vibes, whether the style is conventional or out of the ordinary. Stay true to who you are, and incorporate elements, ideas and colours that truly inspire you and make you happy, keeping in mind the utility and creativity suited to your needs,” emphasises Ekta. 

“Identify designs that allow you to channel your energy towards happiness,” says Raseel. It could be an accent furniture piece in bright colour or a statement wall-art item that will wow your guests everytime they look at it. Ultimately, it will give you lot of pleasure.  

Reflect your personality  

Pick your favorite colours and textures before making a big commitment. Take time to think about what kind of aura you want to create. Ask yourself many questions before you begin, about whether you prefer light or dark spaces, whether you prefer spacious minimal interiors, or do you like cozy fuller spaces. Do they go with your personality? 

“Does it reflect the client’s personal taste?”, is the thumb rule that Ekta follows while implementing décor ideas, especially if these are out of the ordinary. 

Likewise giving example of their Meraki collection Madagascar — a jumbo print that transports one to a larger-than-life space, Akshay Jaipuria, Partner, VAYA Home adds, “Recreate an experience or your dream space. It is all about you. Maybe you want your living room to feel like a tranquil garden, or your kitchen to feel like sunshine. If a theme escapes you, pick a feeling and pick elements that inspire those feelings in you.” 

Should enhance the décor 

Adding quirky elements just for the sake of it, never works. “When I added bicycle curio on a bookshelf and a vintage camera, both the pieces added that perfect cool vintage vibe to the space,” tells Ekta illustrating examples from her collection. Likewise Raseel’s  ‘Shanghai Pop’ is perfect for adding that zing in your space. It’s a story painted in a potpourri of chromatic colour hues. “A collection conveys Mr and Miss POP’s oriental sojourn and an unapologetic confession waltzed on her lips, Shanghai POP is the drug for your quirky and addict soul,” she adds. 

Striking a balance 

A well thought out sense of balance is what works best. Over cluttering a space with colour and print can also go wrong. A fine balance between pieces and elements that make noise and the subtler elements that support them is what works the most effectively. “Do not underestimate the simplicity of breathable space. It is recommended to avoid adding too much noise and too many elements to open spaces,” says Raseel. For Akshay Jaipuria, balance is the key. He says, “Whether your style is minimalist or maximalist, traditional, contemporary, or modern, all the elements need to come together to form a cohesive picture.”

Quick Tips  

Whimsical Wallpapers: Whimsical, quirky and offbeat playful prints in otherwise basic rooms can instantly infuse a dose of much needed quirk and fun into spaces. 

Quirky objects: Often times, interesting objects, that have no utility or purpose, but create a quirky conversation piece, are a very interesting and out of the box addition to interior spaces. 

Statement prints: Incorporating prints and patterns, colours and textures into your choice of fabrics can make an instant difference and get quirk levels soaring high. Custom prints make your space even more unique and one of a kind.

Recycling: Don’t be too quick to discard otherwise disconnected objects and interesting older pieces at home. You never know when inspiration strikes, and you could be reusing elements to later on to create wonderful new objects and quirky little corners!

Have fun: Enjoy taking risks. Don’t fear being bold. Interiors can be just as exciting as fashion, and you do not have to commit to design for a lifetime, so have fun with it!