Confession: when I first think “playful interiors,” my mind jumps straight to neon beanbags and lava lamps. Not exactly the sophisticated vibe most of us want in a forever home.
But the truth is, “playful” doesn’t mean immature – it means energy, curiosity, and joy, wrapped up in design choices that still feel chic. Think bold art that makes you grin every time you walk by it, or a velvet chair that feels so good you can’t resist sitting down for “just five minutes” (and then staying for an hour).
But how do you actually bring that mood into your home without crossing into chaos? That’s what we’re breaking down today.
4 playful design tips (with personality woven in)
ONE. Embrace colour with confidence
Notice I didn’t say “paint the whole room in rainbow bright.” (Unless that’s your thing – in which case, go for it.) Instead, playfulness means picking one bold colour move – an armchair, a rug, a piece of art, and letting it set the tone. Think of it as the witty friend at the dinner party who tells the best stories, while everyone else listens in chic neutrals.
two. Mix Textures and Patterns
You know that friend who casually throws a scarf over her outfit and somehow looks perfect? That’s what mixing textures does in interiors. Don’t be afraid to mix and match a plush velvet sofa, a chunky knit throw, and a sleek metal lamp – let them play together. Just keep one common thread, like colour or shape, so it feels collected instead of cluttered.
three. Incorporate unique and curated objects
A playful home doesn’t come from a trip to a single big-box store. It comes from things you’ve gathered: the quirky vase from a Paris flea market, the painting your friend made, the sculpture that makes you laugh every time you see it. They all tell a story and make a space feel alive.
four. Introduce the unexpected
Rule-breaking is practically the definition of playful! Hang oversized art in a hallway, put a swing chair in your living room, or pick a sofa shape that looks more sculptural. It doesn’t have to be wild — just different enough to spark delight.
Pair these ideas with the playful mood board, and suddenly you’ve got a space that’s sophisticated, stylish, and… dare we say it… FUN!
Beyond the Board: Where we’re finding playfulness in real life (IRL)
Once in a while, our studio swaps Pinterest boards for real-life inspiration — and today, we’ve landed on places worth clearing your calendar for. Because playfulness isn’t confined to interiors. It shows up in skincare studios, paper furniture, and pastry counters too.
SKA City Thermal Spa — Beltline, calgary
Step inside Calgary’s only urban thermal spa. At SKA, the age-old ritual of hot + cold hydrotherapy gets a modern, city-friendly twist: saunas, pools, treatments, and serene spaces designed for true reset. Phones are tucked away so you can actually unplug, and the atmosphere shifts from hushed calm to a more social energy after 5 PM. Think of it as your passport to serenity—without ever leaving the city.
for the design-lover: molo’s paper furniture — Vancouver, BC (ships anywhere)
Yes, it's paper. yes, you can sit on it. designed by Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen for molo, these stools and benches transform with a flick of the wrist, like origami scaled up for real life. they are functional sculptures - light enough to carry under one arm, and strong enough to gather around for drinks. playfulness, engineered.
For Your Sweet Tooth (and Soul): Ola Luna Cake & Bakeshop — Cambrian Heights, Calgary
When a bakery makes you consider skipping lunch just to try two pastries, you know it’s doing something right. Ola Luna is one of those rare places where every detail matters — the buttery layers of their croissants, the artful swirls of a cake. It’s indulgence with intention, and honestly? That feels like design too.
Whether it’s a room that makes you smile, a stool made of paper, or a bakery croissant still warm from the oven — playfulness is about delight. It’s design that looks good, yes. But more importantly, it makes you feel alive.
photo credits:
all images featuring SKA thermal spa and have been shared with permission.
All images featuring the softseating in this blog are courtesy of molo and have been shared with permission.
all images featuring ola luna cake & baskshop and have been shared with permission.