Eclectic interior design green flags

I recently shared my list of interior design propaganda I will not be falling for... so I thought it’d only be right to share what I am falling for!

Here’s a bunch of my interior design green flags 👇

✅Upcycled furniture

Not only is upcycling furniture good for the planet, it’s also a great way to showcase your personality through your home ♻️

A home with upcycled furniture tells visitors that the owner values creativity and sustainability. No matter how polished or imperfect the final piece is, each has a unique story behind it, rather than mass-produced sameness.

✅Irregular rugs

^{Pictured: Flowing Illusion Rug by Maia Homes (use MISMATCHEDHOME for 10% off)}

Life’s too short for perfect edges! 〰️

Rugs with irregular shapes break up rigid lines, while adding unexpected interest, organic movement, and of course, plenty of personality. Bonus points if you layer one over something more standard!

📖 READ: 6 reasons why rugs make the room

✅Mismatched dining chairs

Who said your dining chairs have to match? 🪑

Mixing it up just makes things more interesting. If you’re worried about the chairs clashing, choose chairs with a common thread, like colour, material or style.

✅Bookshelf wealth

Bookshelf wealth is a maximalist interior design trend that describes shelves filled with books and objects that reflect the owner’s personality, likes and interests 📚

A home full of books feels layered, lived-in, and intellectually rich… and by adding all your quirky collections in the blank spaces, your shelves can tell the story of who you are.

✅ Painted ceilings

Look up! The fifth wall deserves some love too. ⬆️

Painted your ceiling a bold colour draws the eye upward, adding drama or coziness, depending on the colour choice.

Especially when paired with white walls, a painted ceiling can do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to colour, allowing you to pare it back in other places.

✅Built-in cabinetry

Built-in storage is chic and smart all at once 🤓

If you’ve got the budget, then adding bespoke storage is the perfect way to make the most of your space while giving the room a tailored, high-end finish.

✅Statement lighting

Pendants and chandeliers are like jewellery for your ceiling 💡

Statement overhead lighting acts as functional sculpture, setting the tone and personality of a space and adding interest to the fifth wall.

✅Ceiling roses

A ceiling rose is like a little crown for your light fittings 👑

They’re not as common in modern homes… but I think we need to bring them back! Just like other decorative mouldings, ceiling roses add timeless architectural detail to a room while enhancing the beauty of your pendant or chandelier.

✅Vintage furniture

Every room needs something a little old in it! 📺

Antique and vintage furniture have stories built right into the wood grain. Not to mention the craftsmanship in these pieces is unlike anything you’ll find today at an affordable price. So if your great uncle ever offers you a historical hunk of timber, hear him out!

✅Intentional clutter

Intentional clutter is the kind of mess that feels like a hug 💞

Minimalism is so ten years ago. Today, we love a home full of curated art and objects that tell a story, making your space feel warm and personal… but not messy.

📖 READ: How to make intentional clutter work in your home

✅Display ledges

I’m all for an easy switcheroo! 🖼️

Display ledges give you a flexible styling zone, allowing you to rotate art or décor without committing to permanent changes.

✅Wallpaper & wall panelling

^{Pictured: Blossom Grace Rug by Maia Homes (use MISMATCHEDHOME for 10% off)}

Wallpaper paired with wall panelling is a timeless, layered design move that adds depth, texture, and elegance.

Plus, it gives you endless options to play with colour and pattern. Or, you could just keep it classic; it’s still a much better option that a plain white wall.

✅Peg rail

Peg rail walls are pretty, practical, and very Pinterest-y 💙

They’re both charming and practical, offering storage and display opportunities in small or busy spaces. The peg rail in our playroom is perfect for hanging all the random kid stuff, like Polly Pockets, personal cameras and more.

✅Floor-to-ceiling curtains

I’ll let you in on a secret. You can totally fake a high ceiling just by adding curtains 🤫

Floor-to-ceiling curtains elongate walls, giving you the illusion of higher ceilings. Plus, they make your windows feel grand while adding texture to a room.

📖 READ: Just add CRAP (the key to a cosier room)

✅Fun tile

2025 is the year of not playing it safe 🤘

An unexpected colour or pattern on your laundry, bathroom or kitchen floor can instantly inject personality into a space.

Fun tile turns a functional surface into a design feature that makes you smile every time 😄

✅Whimsical kids rooms

Reminder: decorate your kid’s room for them, not you 🧒

Whimsical and colourful kids interiors help encourage creativity and play, while making childhood memories feel magical.

So give them a playful playroom and let their imaginations run wild (without interrupting the aesthetic in your rooms).

📖 READ: Our Eclectic Kids Playroom

✅Statement weird/ugly item

Every room needs one WTF moment 😕

Adding something weird or kinda ugly is the conversation starter your room needs. Quirky pieces keep interiors from feeling too safe or predictable, making them memorable and more fun to be in.

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