Playful decor: 10 ways to spell happiness at home

Channel feel-good vibes with showy shades, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

These bright and colourful accessories will jazz up your space (Lust Home/PA)

If you love to clash colours, feel inspired by form, patterns and trimmings, and don’t shy away from diverse decos, then a striking aesthetic is the easiest way to switch up your space.

Not only can it solve decorating dilemmas, such as how to breathe new life into a room that’s bland and lacklustre, but there’s joie de vivre in veering towards the unexpected – with some jazzy touches to pique your interest…

1. Lilac Gingham Wooden Serving Tray, £16, Talking Tables

(Talking Tables/PA)

Think a sweet cupcake party – and this is the platter to proffer those fancy buttercream toppings.

2. LSA Folk Collection: Wine Glass in Black, Blue & Green, Set of 2, £75; Tumbler, Set of 2, £60; Bowl in Green, Orange & White, £50, LSA International – available from January 26

(LSA/PA)

When you want to up your wine game, these swanky glasses set the scene for a tip-top tasting – and will make a mid-week red feel like you’ve pulled out all the stops.

3. Checkity Check Check Wallpaper in Retro Tones, Multicoloured, £55 per roll, Lust Home

(Lust Home/PA)

With flashes of blush, peach, lilac and olive green, this kaleidoscope of colour is enriched by the feeling of motion and is geared towards a Seventies party vibe. Designed to complement retro furnishings, it doesn’t get groovier than this.

4. Elsie Striped Fabric Cocktail Chair, £99, Dunelm

(Dunelm/PA)

It’s all in the detail, and the candy floss stripes highlight the cuteness of this accent chair… did someone say Happy Hour?

5. Sunrise 21821 Multi Rug, from £74.99 (80 x 150cm Rectangle), Rugs Direct

(Rugs Direct/PA)

Give this geometric print the green light by placing it in the heart of your room, space allowing; or under a glass coffee table for maximum impact.

6. String Museum Side Table, Orange, £249.05 (was £293), available from beginning February, Utility Design

(Utility Design/PA)

Available in five colour options, we’ve singled out this Scandi hero piece for its fiery sunset hue… radiating warmth, energy and cheerfulness.

7. George Home Happy Stripe Frill Cushion, £10, Direct.asda

(Direct.asda/PA)

This fun, frilly scatter cushion creates a sense of contentment.

8. Tufted Brights Geo Throw, £45, (130cm x 170cm), Dunelm

(Dunelm/PA)

Rather than draping this funky throw across a sofa, how about kicking it up a notch and hanging it as wall art? Tactile textiles are trending big time, they conceal unsightly holes or marks, and make an eye-catching statement.

9. Zig Zag Dinner Candles – Wavy Candlesticks, £9.99 each, Eli + Things

(Eli + Things/PA)

Lots of fun, these zig zig candles in sunny shades will spark up the conversation. The wavy trend is tailor-made for tablescaping, and complements a chevron print table runner dotted with colourful glass bud vases.

10. Retro Floral Ocean Blue Teal Large Fleece Blanket/Throw, £32.50, Enamel Happy

(Enamel Happy/PA)

It’s no secret designers love daisies, and with a nod to dopamine décor, these punchy petals make a joyous addition to a snug chair or day bed.

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