Decor By Mood: Playful

Decor By Mood is a weekly feature dedicated to incorporating a desired "personality" to your space. Today's attitude? Playful!

St. Thomas Aguinas once said that "it is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes." Can we get an 'Amen, brother?!' Your home, much like your life, should reflect a level of playfulness to combat the many stressful interruptions we encounter on a daily basis. Create a playful haven in your own home. Use these spaces as inspiration: They mastered the art of playful decor.

For starters, nothing says playful like a fun, swinging piece of furniture in the center of a room. Whether you opt for an egg chair (top left) or a traditional swing (top right), your space will instantly transform into a playground worthy of conversation and joy.

If an indoor swing seems a bit far-fetched for your lifestyle, forgo the swinging chair and instead, have fun with pattern and prints by pairing unexpected combinations. Try a bold, patterned wallpaper as a backdrop -- one that coordinates with the room (I love the combination of teal and lime above!). Or, create an understated montage of elements in varying sizes, shapes and prints like those on top of the mantle (top right).

Florals add a sense of innocence to a room, like those in the above 70's-inspired bathroom. To keep the room lighthearted and balanced, sprinkle only a few modern florals throughout rather than showcasing a single, overwhelming pattern.

Lastly, get creative with your color palette. With an array of multi-colored chairs in the dining room above, the space looks less industrial, more inviting -- and a lot more fun. A bold blue accents the wall, drawing attention to the strategic color against an otherwise monochromatic palette. Brilliant (and playful!).

Inspired? Whether you choose color, pattern, florals or swingin' to liven up your space, be mindful and incorporate a few ideas at a time. Decorating should be fun, not forced, so exercise those playful muscles and enjoy the experience.

Happy decorating!

For more inspiration, check out our friends at Freshome, who refuse to take life too seriously!:
20 Unique Contemporary Coffee Tables
Amazing Pool Ideas for Contemporary Houses
Apartment Chalkboards: Creative or Messy?