Fun and Funky Home Decor Ideas for 2014

There is always the safe way of doing things when decorating your home and there is nothing wrong with a classic or traditional look.  Plenty of designers and home decor gurus who preach on tried and true classical pieces.  But some of us like to think a little outside the box with our home environment.  

Maybe we like to do things differently in general… maybe we like a little spark of the unusual… perhaps we dare to allow ourselves to be playful.   Well, for those that lean toward a bit of creative whimsy, this article is for you.  Take a look at some of these out-of-the-box design ideas and be inspired!

Unique Shaped Furniture

This is a real step in going against the norm and definitely for non-traditionalists.  If you are really adventurous, you can put a strange piece of furniture anywhere in your house but you must be willing to live with the piece.  Almost all one-of-a-kind designs and artisan made pieces are on the pricey side. 

Tables are a great place to start.  You can make a statement with a dining table crafted out of a tree stump or a coffee table made from an antique drum.  Strange and unusual tables can be found from artists and specialty stores online or you may just get lucky at an antique dealer. 

We have seen some marvelously fascinating tables in all shapes and colors, some that appear to be melting and others in the most bizarre shapes ( with “human” legs for example)! One completely off the wall idea is to have a “living” table with the top transformed into a plant bed with live grass.  The concept behind this design was to replicate the feel of a picnic.  How unique!

Another great place to exhibit your “wild” side is the bedroom.   Why not go to sleep in a dream-worthy land each night and wake up to inspiration.  We’re talking beds that resemble fairy-tale forests, with each post in the shape of a realistic tree!  Or how about a hammock bed?  

Certain designers have taken the hammock design to a new level with added comfort and on a larger scale.  This is great for that soothing feeling of weightlessness and the comfort of gentle rocking.  And to get even funkier, there are beds out there in a plethora of crazy shapes from coffins to canoes.

In this category, the sky is truly the limit.  It really depends on how far you’re willing to push the design limits and what statement you are desiring to make.  Some furniture out there is more a work of art or meant for shock value.  

How about a chair made to look like it was fashioned out of raw meat, or a coat hanger made of plastic doll limbs?  To each his own!  If you want your house to be full of conversation, take a chance with one of these ideas!


Vintage Restoration

This is a great way to go for the do-it-yourselfer or the bargain hunter with an eye for good bones.  If you already own an older quality piece of furniture such as a chair or couch, you can have it reupholstered with unique or funky fabric and bring it back to life.  Generally reupholstering will cost the same if not more than buying new furniture.  

However, with a very high-quality piece that has stood the test of time, it can be worth it.  The main benefit here is customizability.   You can create a look entirely your own with fabric and colors that cannot be found in ready made furniture.  If you want to make a statement piece out of an old chair, choose bright colors and unique patterns.

For non-fabric furniture such as dressers, tables and armoires, a good sanding and new paint job can do wonders.  Here is where the smart, thrifty shopper can really save some bucks.  There are many ways to acquire used furniture at extreme discount.  

If you have the time, check out thrift stores, resale shops, and estate sales for some good finds.  Then do a little bit of research or youtube surfing and enjoy your project.  There are some fantastic whimsical paint ideas out there and many are quite easy to do.