Funky Living Rooms Are Trending—Here's How To Bring the Look Into Your Home
As we ease into fall , a fresh take at home is in order.
But this time, why not go beyond the expected (we're looking at you, maroon pillows and pumpkin spice candle ) and try something a bit funkier?
"I like to think of this funky style as both quirky and eclectic. It's a blend of modern and vintage pieces, but combined in a cohesive and elegant manner," explains Amy Tuntasood, the genius behind Salem Home Designs .
Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal interior designer at Planner 5D , says the look is somewhat nervy and not for the faint of heart.
"This style is very brave—it's a self-expression—because not everyone has the courage to mix bright details and styles in this way," she explains.
But don't go overly heavy on the boho-chic touches or veer too far into the '70s here. Instead, channel the cool funky style of, say, Lenny Kravitz, whose New Orleans home sports this chic mix of colorful pieces and patterns.
Create a colorful statementTuntasood suggests "bold accents or colors to make the space truly stand out."
Pick out a bright couch or "vibrant floral-patterned armchairs," she says. In the living room here, a tangerine settee is adorned with a variety of throw pillows in rose and teal.
Aim for balance in your funky space, she counsels, since the goal is to maintain cohesion.
"Along with the eclectic elements, add complementary details such as brown or leather accents if there's antique brown furniture or throw pillows that match the colors in the fabric," she says.
The accent pillows here pick up the wall color, carpeting, and the wavy psychedelic pattern on the ottoman.
For Juzėnaitė, balance means working in a few neutrals in a funky living room.
"Choose a bright red chair, but put a calmer rug and other decor next to it so that things don't compete with each other," she says.
Pump up your wallsWallpaper, however, can be a commitment. Instead, consider the peel-and-stick variety or go for smaller-scale removable decals.
Mix shapes and lightingMORE FROM REALTOR:Along with bright and bold furniture, Juzėnaitė urges homeowners to consider different shapes when placing pieces in a room.
"For example, a round table next to the long sofa with small tables around it is one way to go," she says.
And when it comes to lighting, be varied in your approach.
"I imagine a funky living room would include cozy lighting, with a retro lamp on the shelf, a modern floor lamp next to the sofa, and a bohemian pendant on the ceiling," Juzėnaitė explains.
Cozy lighting, by the way, is up 200%, according to Pinterest's Fall Trend Report for 2024.
Make it personalThe best way to change up any room's decor is to incorporate items and furnishings that tell a story, says Tuntsahood.
"Maybe add in an heirloom from your grandmother or try a vacation find from a vintage shop in Paris," she points out.
The detail can be as small as a poster from a flea market that you've framed or a larger piece, like the swirly coffee table, above.
Use lots of textureJuzėnaitė is a fan of leather, velvet, corduroy, and natural fibers like linen and cotton.
"The main thing is to layer it in your decor, using not just one pattern or texture for the whole room, but a combination of several, like floral print with geometric, and this way, it's unusual but interesting," she says.
Resist maximalismIt might seem like there's overlap between maximalism and funky decor, but it's best to separate the two in this case.
"Avoid overcrowding the space with random items as this can make the room feel more like a thrift store than a thoughtfully curated home," says Tuntsahood.
Remember, says Juzėnaitė, "maximalism is bright with lots of things, whereas funky is bright but playful and interesting."
Lastly, don't forget your own style sense above all, she says. If that unusual love seat hurts your bottom when you sit on it, it's a design fail.
"It's important to balance what you like and what will be comfortable for you, not because it's bright and beautiful," she says.
