What is Kitsch Interior Design?

Bold, expressive, and unapologetically fun, kitsch interior design embraces the unconventional, the colourful, and the nostalgic. It combines elements from different eras, cultures, and aesthetics to create lively spaces full of personality.

From velvet Elvis paintings to pink flamingo statues, kitsch has long been the art world’s playful rebel. It’s a joyful mix of nostalgia and novelty, where vintage memorabilia meets pop culture icons in a riot of patterns and hues. But how does one balance the fine line between artful eclecticism and chaotic clutter? Let’s kitsch things up a notch and find out.

The term “kitsch” is thought to originate from the German word “kitschen,” meaning “to make cheap.” Initially used to describe art considered to be in poor taste due to excessive sentimentality or garishness, the concept of kitsch has evolved into a celebrated design style that challenges conventional notions of beauty and taste. Kitsch interior design is characterised by its playful irreverence and its celebration of objects and styles that are often considered gaudy, tacky, or overly sentimental.

At its core, kitsch interior decor is about self-expression and the joy of surrounding oneself with items that evoke happiness, memories, or amusement, regardless of their perceived artistic value. It eschews traditional perceptions of art, mixing the refined with the mundane, the classic with the contemporary. By embracing mass-produced art, nostalgic memorabilia, and bold colour schemes, kitsch interiors create spaces that are both whimsical and thought-provoking. It invites inhabitants and visitors alike to explore the layers of meaning behind the eclectic collections and daring combinations.

One of the defining features of kitsch interior design is the use of vibrant and contrasting colours. Rather than adhering to subdued or monochromatic schemes, kitsch decor encourages the use of bold hues that energise and enliven a space. Incorporating colours such as bright pinks, electric blues, sunny yellows, and vivid greens can transform any room into a lively and inviting environment.

Walls painted in vivid colours or adorned with colourful wallpaper featuring bold patterns serve as an excellent foundation for a kitsch-inspired space. Furniture and accessories in complementary or contrasting colours add depth and interest. The key is to create a harmonious yet dynamic palette that reflects a sense of joy and creativity, embodying the essence of kitsch interiors.

Kitsch interior decor thrives on the unexpected combination of different furniture styles and periods. Instead of matching sets, an eclectic mix of pieces brings character and uniqueness to the living room. Pairing a mid-century modern sofa with antique Victorian chairs and a contemporary glass coffee table creates an ensemble that is both intriguing and visually stimulating.

This approach allows for personal expression and the opportunity to incorporate cherished pieces regardless of their style or origin. Thrift shops, antique markets, and flea markets are treasure troves for finding unique furniture that can be mixed and matched to achieve the desired eclectic look in kitsch house interiors.

Artwork plays a significant role in kitsch interior design, particularly pieces that feature pop culture references, vintage advertisements, or comic book imagery. Displaying framed posters, prints, or even murals depicting iconic figures, classic movie scenes, or retro advertisements adds a playful and nostalgic element to the living room.

These art pieces serve not only as decorative elements but also as conversation starters, reflecting personal interests and cultural touchstones. They bridge the gap between art and everyday life, embodying the kitsch decor philosophy of embracing the mass-produced and the popular.

Personal collections of figurines, memorabilia, or souvenirs can be proudly displayed to enhance the kitsch aesthetic. Shelves filled with eclectic items such as vintage toys, snow globes, ceramic animals, or travel souvenirs contribute to the nostalgic and whimsical atmosphere of the living room.

These collections tell a story about the inhabitants, adding a deeply personal touch to the space. The arrangement of these items can be as creative and varied as the collection itself, from organised displays to more chaotic groupings that invite exploration and discovery within kitsch interiors.

Layering different patterns and textures is a hallmark of kitsch interior decor. Combining floral prints with geometric patterns, mixing animal prints with stripes, or juxtaposing polka dots with plaids creates visual interest and a sense of organised chaos that defines the style.

This approach extends to upholstery, rugs, curtains, and cushions, allowing for a rich tapestry of textures and designs. The key is to find a balance that is visually stimulating without becoming overwhelming, using patterns to create depth and dimension within the space, characteristic of kitsch house interiors.

Lighting is both functional and decorative in kitsch interior design. Incorporating vintage or retro-inspired lighting fixtures adds character and charm to the living room. Options include lava lamps that provide a soft, mesmerising glow; neon signs that introduce bold colours and a touch of nostalgia; or chandeliers with unconventional designs that become focal points.

These lighting choices not only illuminate the space but also reinforce the kitsch aesthetic, blending function with whimsical form. They can be sourced from vintage stores or created as DIY projects, adding another layer of personalisation to the décor.

Unconventional and quirky accessories are essential in bringing the kitsch vibe to life. Items like oversized clocks, decorative plates hung on walls, novelty rugs shaped like animals, or even quirky bookends add elements of surprise and humour to the living room.

These accessories break the norms of traditional décor, encouraging a sense of playfulness. They invite visitors to engage with the space in a light-hearted manner, reflecting a design philosophy that values enjoyment over strict adherence to trends or conventions, central to kitsch interior design.

Developing a theme based on a specific era, movie, cultural reference, or personal interest can unify the kitsch elements in the living room. For example, a 1950s diner theme with chequered floors, chrome accents, and jukebox-inspired décor creates a nostalgic and immersive environment. Alternatively, a tropical theme with tiki statues, palm leaf prints, and vibrant colours brings an exotic and fun atmosphere to the space.

Themed décor allows for creativity and personalisation, providing a cohesive framework within which to incorporate various kitsch decor elements. It can be as subtle or as overt as desired, depending on personal preference.

Kitsch interior design often embraces the principles of upcycling and DIY, transforming ordinary or discarded items into unique décor pieces. Repurposing furniture by painting it in bold colours, adding decorative knobs, or reupholstering with patterned fabrics gives old pieces new life.

DIY projects such as creating collages from magazine clippings, crafting decorative garlands, or customising lampshades allow for personal expression and creativity. These elements add authenticity to the space, reflecting a hands-on approach to design prevalent in kitsch house interiors.

A distinctive feature of kitsch design is the blending of traditional art with mass-produced pieces. Hanging a classic painting next to a kitschy poster, placing a sculptural piece alongside a plastic figurine, or displaying fine china with novelty mugs creates a dynamic contrast that challenges traditional hierarchies in art and design.

This juxtaposition encourages viewers to question notions of taste and value, embodying the kitsch interior decor philosophy of inclusivity and open-mindedness in design choices.

A statement wall can serve as a visual anchor in the living room, drawing attention and setting the tone for the rest of the décor. This can be achieved through bold wallpapers featuring dramatic patterns or colours, murals depicting scenes or abstract designs, or an array of framed pictures and artworks arranged in a gallery style.

Statement walls provide an opportunity to showcase personality and creativity, becoming a focal point that encapsulates the essence of kitsch interiors.

Textiles play a significant role in adding warmth, comfort, and visual interest to the living room. Using throw pillows with quirky designs, colourful blankets with unique patterns, or curtains made from vibrant fabrics contributes to the layered and eclectic feel of the space.

These textiles can feature motifs such as animals, abstract shapes, or cultural symbols, further enhancing the kitsch vibe. Mixing and matching different textiles allows for endless possibilities in creating a cosy and inviting environment reflective of kitsch interior design.

Kitsch interior design is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and a joyful departure from conventional aesthetics. By embracing bold colours, eclectic mixes of furniture and accessories, and a playful approach to décor, a living room can be transformed into a vibrant space that reflects personality and happiness. Whether incorporating a few kitsch decor elements to add a touch of whimsy or fully embracing the style for a complete transformation, the key is to create a space that feels welcoming, expressive, and uniquely personal. Kitsch interiors invite everyone to explore the boundaries of taste and to find beauty and enjoyment in the unexpected and the unconventional.