12 Of The Best Places In Your Home To Indulge In The Kitsch Decor Trend

If you're in search of an antidote to the minimalism and colorless neutrals that have dominated home decor for ages, look no further than its polar opposite: kitsch. This fun approach to design rejects the "less is more" style and boring decorations that play it safe, replacing them with color and quirkiness. Kitsch decor has been on the rise for a while now and isn't going anywhere as it continues to trend into 2026.

There's no one right way to pull off the kitsch decor trend. The great part is that "kitsch" can be whatever you want it to be — whether that's 1990s memorabilia, or neon colors, or cheap little souvenirs from a favorite trip. Don't be afraid to go full-kitsch with bold decor throughout. Or, to make it feel extra chic, incorporate just a few pops of kitsch to give your home character rather than letting the kitsch totally take over your house. Those little kitsch accents can appear anywhere in your home — from the kitchen or living room to even your front door.

So what exactly is "kitsch"? According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, the word "kitsch" comes from the German verb "kitschen," meaning "to slap something (such as a work of art) together" or "to scrape up mud from the street." Used by German art dealers in the 19th century to describe popular yet cheap art, the term entered the English vernacular in the early 20th century. Today, it's used to describe decor, ornaments, or objects that are a little tacky yet cozy, corny yet nostalgic, and maybe a little gaudy yet playful — and perhaps most importantly, as designer Melissa Van Zee tells Better Homes & Gardens, there's "the knowing wink" acknowledging the gaudiness and loving it anyway. 

The term "kitschen" emerged on Pinterest to describe a stylish fashion for bringing kitschy decor into the kitchen, where maximalism and retro styles feel right at home. Unlike some other spots in your house, the kitchen isn't as easily overwhelmed by kitsch elements, and can still feel sophisticated and chic even with a ton of quirky pieces and color. From retro tiles on floors and backsplashes to bold-colored kitchen cabinets to vintage-style appliances that evoke 1940s or 1960s vibes, the kitchen is the perfect canvas for letting your love of kitsch go wild.

Kitsch is, by definition, all about playfulness and not taking life — or your home decor — too seriously, so where better to embrace whimsy and fun than in children's bedrooms or playrooms? This is another example of a place in your home where you don't need to stick to just a few kitschy accents; you can go all-out with the kitsch, and it feels appropriate. So let your kids' handmade crafts and artwork take center stage for wall decor that doesn't feel so curated, and bring in lots of color on rugs, curtains, and bedding, too.

All-white bathrooms are out, and bathrooms that embrace personality are in. That means not only can your bathroom color schemes reflect whatever kitschy hues you like (think: pastel-colored bathtubs and sinks that give 1970s vibes), but it's also a great spot to showcase some kitschy and weird wall prints or decorative objects. How that kitsch materializes is up to you, but don't shy away from things like tacky mermaid motifs, potty puns, or quirky-shaped soap dispensers, for example.

Guest rooms are intended to make visitors feel welcome and relaxed, like a mini home away from home. But since these rooms also tend to go unused most of the time, they can feel sterile and devoid of personality, which is exactly why a touch of kitsch makes sense as the perfect addition to just about any guest room. Add a cozy, funky quilt, or adorn walls with an offbeat painting that will elicit a little chuckle.

You probably spend a good chunk of your time at home in the living room or family room, or at least, it's probably the spot where you do the most lounging and relaxing. So it totally makes sense that the living room would be the perfect place to let your highbrow designer guard down and display some casual, cozy — and, yes, even kitschy — decor. Channel the dad from "A Christmas Story" and proudly display your own version of the tacky leg lamp, or stray from the norm and choose bright-colored couches and other furniture with interesting prints.

Bring back garden gnomes and big plastic flamingos! Lawn art may have passed its prime in the mid-20th century, but we believe it's more than entitled to a comeback. Your front lawn is the perfect canvas for displaying a kitschy statuette or two (or several) to add some personality and flair and show passersby that you don't take yourself so seriously. Plus, unlike many other additions to your garden, lawn art is easy to swap out when you're ready for a change.

Maybe you're afraid to display too much gaudy kitsch around the rest of your home, where it's up for scrutiny from visiting friends or family. If so, your own bedroom is an excellent spot to indulge in all your freaky design whims — including letting loose with all the silly, kitschy decor your heart desires. Display your quirky plastic doll or mug collection, hang up some Elvis memorabilia, and leave the colorful holiday lights up all year round in a place where you can enjoy them in peace.

All work and no play is no way to live, so bring a little fun and whimsy to your home office by incorporating some kitsch decor to brighten up what is often otherwise a serious space. Whatever colorful, nostalgic, or silly thing will bring a smile to your face during your workday, incorporate it somewhere in your home office where it's within eyeshot and can give you a little mood boost when you need it.

Everyone loves a kitschy restaurant. From offbeat Americana diners to kooky cafes with walls covered in old license plates, neon signs, and colorful vinyl booths, there's something homey and comforting about eating in a kitschy setting. Bring that quirky restaurant vibe to your own dining room with kitschy decor. Feel free to go full kitsch and replicate the Americana diner look from floor to ceiling, or get a bit of that cozy, kitschy dining vibe with just a few cheeky touches — like unique salt-and-pepper shakers or a loud, colorful tablecloth.

Don't forget all those hallways and spaces in between rooms that could use some sprucing up. Walls were made for decorating, so don't leave them empty, boring, and blah — and if you're trying to create the perfect gallery wall, adding a kitschy element or two can give whatever gallery wall aesthetic you're going for a bit more personality and style. For something a bit unexpected, try interspersing your regular gallery wall fare with a kitschy painting, retro pop art, or crocheted tapestry or other handmade crafts.

Nothing quite captures "kitsch" like extra-cheesy holiday and seasonal decor adorning a front door or porch. Use your entryway as an opportunity to indulge in all your favorite kitschy plastic ornaments and colorful wreaths, and swap them out regularly for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Independence Day, and any other events or holidays in between that tickle your fancy.

Few places feel more appropriate for kitschy decor than your own backyard. Tiki-inspired decor, including huts, bars, lanterns, and torches, is peak kitsch, so don't be afraid to go all out and make your outdoor entertaining space behind the house feel fun, casual, and playful. If you have an outdoor patio set, this is also a great spot to experiment with quirky outdoor dining sets in a menagerie of colorful, kitschy hues and patterns.