10 Unconventional Interior Design Details I’ve Been Loving Lately

A case for decorating with curiosity instead of convention.

If trawling through Pinterest were a recognised sport, I’d be on the Olympic training squad. I’m not ashamed to admit that a physical manifestation of my home inspo boards would look something like this:

I’m constantly collecting design inspiration, and when I scroll through the pins I’ve accumulated, I notice a pretty obvious red thread: there’s almost always an element of novelty to these spaces, despite their difference in style and aesthetic.

So for Sunday’s belated post, I thought I’d share a completely subjective list of unconventional design details that I’m drawn to like a magpie. Some of these might be a bit marmite, so I’m curious to hear your thoughts…

1. Painted details that spark joy

I recently came across a few examples of hand-painted suns around boring old ceiling lights, and I kind of love them - they can’t not make you smile! I especially like the idea of adding starbursts around bog-standard spotlights to add character to new-builds…

2. Painted accents on wooden floors

Sticking to the theme of painted details, I’ve been really into these lately…

As much as I do believe that beautiful hardwood flooring speaks for itself, and doesn’t need to be accesorized - hey, why not live a little. These examples really make me want to tamper with our newly laid flooring… I’m sure my partner would be thrilled 😏

3. Striped accent walls

And on the topic of patterned accents, I’m going ROUGE by announcing that I do, in fact, love an accent wall… at times. In recent years, accent walls have been deemed as interior design sacrilege, but I’m here to argue that they can look great in the right context. These striped accent walls are proof of concept…

4. Ceramic gallery walls

Gallery walls have also become a bit kitschy, and people nowadays seem to either love or loathe them. If a typical gallery wall doesn’t do it for you, perhaps a wall adorned with unusual handmade ceramics is the answer…

5. Glassware collections

And if one-of-a-kind ceramics aren’t enough, how about these amazing handblown/eclectic glassware collections 👀

These really make me want to ransack my local charity stores. In fact, what time do they close? 🤔

6. Painted geometric splashbacks

This next one is rather niche… I’ve always wanted to DIY a kitchen splashback with hand-painted ceramic tiles. When I say always, I mean since a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, the urge is strong.

7. Colourful glass accents

If the running theme isn’t obvious by now, here are some examples of glass accents that I’ve been obsessing over. I guess I’ve really been craving colourful details that provide a bit of a pick-me-up lately 🌈

8. Stainless steel sanitaryware

Now for a slight pivot - I honestly don’t know what it is about this trend that I’m so drawn to… I only ever see stainless steel toilets and washstands IRL in aeroplanes and public bathrooms. Perhaps it’s because these references prove that even the most utilitarian materials can look chic with the right styling and lighting - and I’m here for it.

9. Mirrored splashbacks

Another design feature in the same vein (at least in my opinion) is mirrored splashbacks. They carry that same cold, slick, modern appeal that I think works wonders in the right setting. I think they can be a great (albeit slightly unconventional) alternative for smaller kitchens and darker spaces.

10. Mirrored walls

To end this rather random list, I’ve been really into unapologetic, floor-to-ceiling mirrored walls as well. Why the fuck not. The last photo you’ll see in this article has been living in my mind rent-free for weeks now. I love the drama and the Art Deco steer of these references 👌

…And that’s a wrap! Which of these design details do you love/hate/are ambivalent towards, and why?