Welcome to the house of fun: How FunHaus decor fills our homes with happiness
Wiggle red-stripe wallpaper, Photowall, above left; French Bedroom scented candle, below left; Teppich Harlequin Basketweave emerald/aquamarine, Traumteppich.com, right.
Big top, enormous personality. Roll up for the circus-inspired FunHaus home decor trend.
Looks like we all want to run away with the circus this year.
Searches on Pinterest for “circus interior” are soaring like aerial artistes — by 130% — while users of the platform have been so curious about “vintage circus aesthetic”, they've driven searches up by 70%, searches for “circus nursery” have doubled, and hunts for “striped ceiling” have jumped by 40%
So how do we know we've arrived in the FunHaus tent? We'll be surrounded by super stripes and sculptural silhouettes. We'll be reacting to cool, clever and creative cues rather than a clownish klaxon. The trick is balance: Pair punch-line patterns with pared-back palettes so the space feels elevated.
Spinning the carnival theme into the spotlight, the Pinterest Predicts 2026 report conjured up FunHaus among its 21 trends.
It’s in keeping with the platform’s other predictions — which cover not only home interiors but fashion, beauty and travel — think opera aesthetic, which Pinterest says will transform parties into dramatic productions courtesy of velvet drapes and cabaret vibes, and Throwback Kid, complete with retro and vintage themes.
Bold colour, clashing prints and a double dose of theatrical flair make FunHaus the antidote to quiet luxury, according to PressLoft, another platform where searches for stripes are hitting the highwire (up by 57%).
Wider stripes, richer colour pairings and fearless pattern mixing define the look. Think graphic bedding, statement cushions and a more-is-more approach, with not a neutral in sight.
I can relate. I’ve never strayed from a primary-school-aged self’s passion for primary colours. (OK, the less said about an antique headboard and a wondrous wave of inspiration with a set of permanent, and chunky, felt-tip pens, the better. Don’t try this at home, kids. Certain forms of creative expression don’t spark joy in the person who actually paid for the pre-modified piece.)
But no matter what your age, you’ll more than likely greet an invitation to board the merry-go-round of carnival fun in the spirit in which it’s offered. As Cork interiors specialist Phoebe Holland says: “FunHaus Interiors is synonymous with maximalist spaces, full of bright primary colours, bold patterns, and a slightly whimsical, almost circus-like energy. It’s a look that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet still feels considered rather than chaotic.”
Phoebe, the owner of Rugs.ie, recommends using a “blank canvas” as your starting point, as it makes that balance easier to achieve. Keeping walls, floors, and larger surfaces to one consistent tone gives the eye a place to rest and allows statement pieces to stand out instead of competing for attention,” she adds.
“From there, it’s all about layering. A bold, beautiful rug, an offbeat lamp, clashing cushions or unexpected artwork, each piece adds personality and builds the room’s story over time.
“The main thing is to keep it personal. Mix things that maybe shouldn’t go together, add a little fun, and don’t overthink it.” So why the surge of interest in nostalgic trends that transport us back to our childhoods? It’s because looking to the past soothes us, and right now, many people desire emotional comfort and belonging, according to Sydney Stanback, Pinterest’s global head of trends and insights. “They are craving simpler times with 52% of respondents saying they’re rewatching classic TV or films,” adds Sydney. “Nearly 4 in 10 are cooking or eating traditional comfort foods. Our study found that nostalgia is evolving into ‘reclamation’, fusing the past with the present to brace for a future unknown.”
Both showmanship and nostalgia are the hallmark of a literal “fun house” that has gone viral online, thanks to Instagram user The Daily Nelly last month, who gives her followers a peek at her brother’s gaff.
Our tour guide captions her post: "Watch out for the trap door! My brother's house is crazy.”
At first glance, it looks like a regular, grown-up living space — but it’s been transformed into every childhood fantasy, complete with secret rooms concealed behind panels and below trapdoors.
She ushers us through a hidden door masquerading as an accent wall and brings us straight into a replica of a vintage Blockbuster Video store. The owner has even curated favourite movies such as , , and .
We’ve both boomers and millennials to thank for the FunHaus aesthetic, according to Sydney. Because Pinterest is a uniquely visual platform, its trend analysis goes beyond search queries, according to Sydney. “We look at the complete picture — the colours, aesthetics, and styles people are drawn to.
“Six-hundred million people come to Pinterest each month to search and shop for the next big thing, which gives us unique insight into what’s soon-to-be-trending.”
Escapism, nonconformity and self-preservation drive that and all of this year’s trends, she adds: “The five-year plan is dead; most consumers can’t envision a future beyond 24 months. People are seeking grounded optimism in the present, with escapism as their emotional fuel.”
As the seasons change, Ikea’s Tjärlek collection is designed “to fill the home with vibrant colour”, while its new limited-edition collection Soluppgång was conceived to “make embracing nature incredibly easy and fun” says Karin Gustavsson, Ikea (Ikea.ie).
Tjärlek hanging decorations include golden spring sun designs, which can be suspended overhead.
Drawing inspiration from Nordic “friluftsliv” — the philosophy of open-air living — and the Japanese notion of “komorebi” — the beauty of sunlight filtering through leaves — Soluppgång invites people to enjoy small, meaningful moments in nature, whether it’s a park visit, a one-day trip to the beach, or outdoor cooking with friends and family, says Karin.
Anyone for a carnival in the backyard? From nature-inspired textures to mood-boosting colours and calming tones, the right rug can completely redefine a room, indoors or out, says Courtney McGuigan of Kukoon Rugs (Kukoonrugs.com).
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