Why every room needs a little quirk.

Growing up, I remember my mother’s living room being the epitome of harmony. Every colour, every texture, every piece of furniture felt like it belonged to a perfectly curated set. It was calm, tasteful, and coordinated to a tee. But one day, after reading an article on design, she had a revelation: her space needed an element that didn’t fit. Something offbeat, even ugly. The article insisted that a touch of the unexpected could add personality and interest to an otherwise uniform space. So, my mother set off on a mission to find her “ugly” addition.

She scoured local shops and flea markets, and eventually found a tapestry cushion featuring a pug, a slightly disgruntled-looking pug, at that. It was, by all accounts, appalling, and she absolutely loved it. The pug cushion earned pride of place on the navy sofa, a bold splash of quirkiness in an otherwise perfectly balanced room. And, surprisingly, it worked. That cushion added a little mischief, a touch of humour, and a layer of charm that transformed the space.

This experience taught me an invaluable design lesson: harmony is lovely, but a touch of surprise makes a space come alive. Here’s how adding the unexpected, whether it’s a clash of colours, patterns, or a single unusual piece, can breathe new life into your home.

Unexpected colours

The case for a pop of red.

Introducing a surprising colour can elevate a room instantly. Picture a space filled with muted tones, soft greys, whites, or earthy neutrals. Now, imagine adding a burst of red through a vintage lamp, a single chair, or even a small accent pillow. That unexpected pop of colour draws the eye and energises the space, adding vibrancy without overwhelming the harmony.

Of course, any colour can be used as an unexpected splash, but brighter hues naturally stand out more. A bold yellow, a vibrant teal, or a striking orange can all have the same effect as red, bringing warmth, excitement, or a sense of playfulness to your space. When used in small doses, these pops of colour create just the right amount of contrast to keep things interesting.

Unusual textures and patterns

Mixing it up.

Layering in different textures and patterns can make a room feel like it has a story to tell. But here’s where the unexpected comes in, dare to mix things that might not seem like an obvious match. Picture a luxurious velvet sofa (like the deep blue one in my mother’s living room) paired with a quirky, patterned tapestry cushion. Or imagine the patina of an old, well-worn wooden chair sitting next to the sleek surface of a stone tabletop. These contrasts create visual interest, adding depth and dimension to your space.

Unexpected textures and patterns also engage the senses and encourage touch. They make a room feel tactile, inviting, and a little bit adventurous. Remember, the goal isn’t necessarily to make things clash but to create layers that feel personal and rich with character. When done thoughtfully, these elements work together like notes in a song, each bringing out the best in the others.

A living room moodboard of mine that plays with tactile sensations and patterns.

Quirky, unconventional decor

The beauty of the “odd” piece.

Sometimes, an “ugly” piece or something not conventionally beautiful becomes the star of a room. Take my mother’s pug cushion, by most accounts, it was a little odd and out of place. But that’s precisely why it worked. It broke up the perfection and made the room feel lived-in, comfortable, and real. A room with a touch of imperfection or a quirky item feels more approachable, like it has a personality all its own.

Adding a single unexpected item, whether it’s a vintage find, a piece of art that feels a little eccentric, or even a “flawed” piece, can make your space feel authentic. It shows that the room isn’t just a catalogue page; it’s a place with character, quirks, and stories to tell. So, next time you’re styling a room, consider adding a piece that might not “fit” perfectly. It just might become the thing that makes the whole room feel uniquely yours.

Weirdly enough I now have my own “ugly” pug.

So, go on, find that quirky item, that bold colour, or that “ugly” little piece you love.

It may not fit with every other element in the room, and that’s the point. Embrace the beauty of the unexpected and watch how it transforms your space into a home filled with personality and charm. You might just discover that a little bit of “offbeat” is the secret ingredient that brings everything together.

Until next time.

Vera x

The power of the unexpected