Do you consider yourself a rebel? If you like bending the rules, you’ll love the kitsch decor style! Here are tips to make the most of this quirky style.

Sometimes you just want to ignore everything others are saying and go with your heart. If that sounds like you most of the time, you may be a lover of kitsch! Kitsch has been around in other areas like fashion, and it’s also quite popular when it comes to decor styles.

Decor Styles 101: Kitsch

Kitsch is actually a German word, and it was used to refer to the mass produced items towards the end of the 19th century. It was used as a derogatory term, in the context of tacky, uncultured and garish. Kitschy items were mainly used by wealthy businessmen who didn’t have the taste of the nobles or royalty, but still wanted the same kind of opulence in their homes.

However, as time passed, kitsch came to be used as a way to express rebellion, as a movement against classism. Many other people actually enjoyed the freedom the style offered, especially since it wasn’t expensive. Today, kitsch is a decor style in its own right, whatever the origins may have been!

Nowadays, kitsch is also quirky, fun, bright and cheerful. It creates a happy atmosphere and is often used in cafes and boutiques. There are no rules and no limits; you can do whatever you like! If this sounds too confusing, let’s go over a few characteristics you’re likely to find in a kitsch styled space.

Characteristics of Kitsch Style

• Kitsch is mainly identified by a good use of colors, not necessarily in a specific scheme
• Animal figurines and animal art are a main feature, especially in anthropomorphic forms
• Kitsch often features porcelain objects as decor
• The kitsch style is maximalist, and has many items on display
• There is a mix of many other decor styles like bohemian, eclectic and desi
• Large prints are often seen, especially florals

7 Ways to get the Kitsch Style in your Space

1. Go Crazy with Color

Love colors? Well, the kitsch style is where you can go all out! Yes, kitsch doesn’t have any boundaries with color, and neon shades seem to be the more preferred ones. However, you need to remember that you’ll have to live with these colors, and they can get overwhelming quickly. Instead, keep most of the large areas (large furniture, walls, floor) in neutrals, and add some color in the form of one accent wall, one arm chair or a colorful rug.

2. Alter your Furniture

Kitsch is not only in small elements – it’s prominent in large items like furniture. While you may not find a bright pink chair for sale easily, you can convert whatever you have to meet the kitsch aesthetic. Paint furniture, change upholstery, drape fabric or change drawer pulls and door knobs – simple ways to get the look you want.

3. Bring in the Animals

If you want to instantly give your space a kitsch boost, bring in an animal! You can use quirky crockery or coffee mugs in animal shapes, or animal figurines made of any material. You can also take it a notch further by getting in fabrics with animal prints, like a leopard print rug. Fake animal busts are also a great way to get the look you want.

4. Focus on the Ceiling

The ceiling occupies a good part of the spotlight in the kitsch decor style, and they’re often painted in bright colors or patterns, or have intricate moldings on them. Many spaces also have neon accents painted on the ceiling so anyone looking up is rewarded! Chandeliers are also common in kitsch, and you can get any style for your space.

5. Get ‘Rich’-looking Fabrics

Going with the original spirit of kitsch decor, get materials that look ‘expensive’. Fabrics with a rich texture like textiles: brocade, satin, velvet and faux fur are ideal to give that ‘pop’ that kistch needs. Use them in cushions, drapes, carpets and upholstery. Curtains in kitsch are generally heavy and dramatic rather than sheer.

6. Display Everything you Like

Kitsch is the prefect style for you to display all your favorite things – no matter how diverse they may be! In fact, the more different groups your collections belong to, the better it is for kitsch! It can be fun photos, small dolls, dishes, candle sticks or anything for that matter – you can display it all in any fun way you like.

7. Repurpose and Recycle

Kitsch is the perfect style for the bargain hunter or DIY-er, since you can simply follow the best deal or your imagination without having to worry about how it’ll fit into your space. It it’s kitsch, it will! Search flea markets or take anything your friends may be throwing out. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to turn trash to treasure!

When you have no rules or color schemes to stick to, it may appear like kitsch is the easiest decor style to implement. However, we all know that without boundaries, man can go crazy, and that applies here as well! In order to ensure that the space looks bright and cheery while also being inviting, you have to have some sense of balance and harmony even among the many disjointed items.

The best way to bring kitsch to your place is through trial and error. Experimenting a little with different colors and displays will help you find your goldilocks zone. Kitsch is a deeply personal style and what works for one person may not work for another. The space you have will be truly unique, truly you and nothing’s more beautiful than that!

This post is a part of the Blogchatter A2Z Blogging Challenge 2021.