Surreal Sanctuary: Embracing Whimsical Art for Inspired Home Décor
Life can be serious—and right now, a whole lot serious—so with a lot to say, there’s a time and place for some whimsy (and totally bonkers). In home décor, the strange and unexpected are the top stars. Our aim at The Dryden is to spark joy, ignite minds, and nourish fresh ideas with our titles to please and partake. We believe in word power, and the pleasure of finding inspiration and ideals, whether you’re combing a crossword, finding a pep, or just want to jot down some thoughts.
Surreal Décor Appreciée
The last few years have been a little, well, weird. Dealing with a global pandemic, many of us turned to the strange—the bizarre, the off-kilter, the nightmarish—for comfort. And that change of perspective has extended to our living spaces.
Surreal home décor is on the rise as décor-savvy homeowners and designers opt for the fanciful. Say goodbye to minimalist, monochrome interiors, and hello to an infusion of bold colors, unconventional shapes, and playful, dreamlike elements.
SURREAL
In surreal home décor, one of the recurring features is that embracing the unexpected. Whether it’s an upside-down bookshelf, a chair that looks like it’s floating, or one of those light fixtures that looks like something Dalí would have painted, these pieces are designed to stretch the limits of the mind and what we expect from a “normal” home.
“Surreal home décor is about breaking out of the box of traditional design,” says interior designer, Evelyn Henson. “It’s about making spaces that feel like they’ve come directly from our dreams — spaces that inspire wonderment, curiosity, and a sense of play.”
It’s not only the furniture and fixtures. Homeowners are introducing surreal aspects to even their wall hangings, their soft furnishings, and even their kitchens and bathrooms. The goal is to transform it into an environment with entirely unique, individual vibes—from (for example) abstract murals to (double example) sculptural light fixtures.
The Psychology of Surrealism
But surreal home décor isn’t purely an aesthetic choice. There’s something deeper going on, too.
“When you’re surrounded by the unexpected, it can have a significant effect on your emotional and mental health,” says psychologist, Dr. Lila Karpowitz. “Surreal design connects with our natural curious and wonder, that helps to relieve stress, increase creativity, and even uplift our mood.”
Moreover, research has established that interaction with surreal art and design can positively impact cognitive function, mitigating anxiety and depression, and even improving problem-solving skills.
The Whimsy Diet
And this trend of surreal design is not limited to adults. Parents are now introducing surreal elements into their children’s bedrooms and playrooms, acknowledging the therapeutic benefits of whimsy and imagination.
“Kids do best in spaces where they must use their creativity,” child psychologist Dr. Olivia Simmons says. “Surreal home décor can ignite their imagination and help them see possibilities, increase their sense of wonder, and even enhance their emotional regulation.”
From floating shelves to wall-mounted dinosaur skeletons, these unconventional design choices help build spaces that feel like mental playgrounds instead of traditional bedrooms or playrooms.
The Future Of The Surreal
With so much of the world facing the challenges of the present day, one thing is certain: The thirst for surreal home décor will expand. And rightly so—these whimsical, dreamlike spaces provide a haven from life’s everyday pressures.
“Surreal design is more than just aesthetics,” says Henson. “It’s about creating spaces that feed our soul, that challenge us to see to think differently, and that remind us of the importance of imagination.”
So if you just want a little garnish of whimsy in your living room or to turn your child’s bedroom into an actual wonderland, go wild, go surreal, go nuts. Because a little play can go a long way in a world that can sometimes be too serious.