Kitsch Decor - Everything You Need to Know

Kitsch is a German word, that is generally used to describe objects that are considered tasteless or common while aspiring to high art. The word Kitsch roughly translates to the English “tacky”. For many people, kitsch decor is overly bold and garish, there are others who find it a fun and attractive style.

For the most part, the Kitsch style ignores the usual principles of interior decor – balance, moderation and harmony. Instead, this style is all about incorporating as many elements as possible, with no prior planning, or organisation.

In short, the only rule is to incorporate anything you like. You have to be willing to explore your creativity, with no limitations or restrictions.

How to create Kitsch decor

Eye-catching and full of energy, Kitsch decor is more commonly found in stores and businesses than homes. In this next section we’ll show you how to create the perfect Kitsch decor for your business.

1. Incorporate a whole range of different colors

If you want to create authentic Kitsch-style decor, it’s important to use a wide range of bright colors. While the most popular are yellow, magenta, fuchsia, turquoise, bright green, and purple, you can also use other colors. You could even use a mixture of pastel tones and strong colors, or combine a range of matte colors with brighter shades. There really are no rules.

As well as color, you can also use textures to achieve more unique and original results, creating a look unlike any other.

2. Kitsch decor – mixing accessories

When it comes to complementary items and accessories, you can never have enough. Don’t just limit yourself to normal decorative elements; the weirder and more wonderful the better. You can use all kinds of strange objects, toys and other paraphernalia. If you’re ever in any doubt about which elements to choose, try to use items that reflect one particular theme.

3. A Kitsch treasure hunt

Kitsch style decor can become almost like a treasure hunt for curious visitors. For example, you could incorporate “hidden” items, which, if found, reveal some secret meaning.

For example, some people display elements relating to their favorite book or movie. These could include anything, from quotes to objects.

4. Decorate the ceiling

One of the best examples of Kitsch decor is the Unicorn Cafe in Bangkok, Thailand. The owners have used a rainbow of colors, glitter and hundreds of unicorn-inspired elements to create this incredible decor. It has been an instant success, with both adults and children. In short, fans are crazy about this look.

Empty space has no place in this unusual cafe. Every inch has been decorated, right down to the ceiling, which has been covered with a rainbow of spray paint, hanging unicorns and winged horses.

So, if you want to create the ultimate Kitsch decor, you can’t forget about the ceiling. Everywhere you look, you should find some new and interesting item to explore.

You can use anything, from spray paint, to wallpaper and even chalkboard paint, which will allow you to draw, erase and redo your decor whenever you want. Alternatively, you could divide your ceiling into different sections, and use all these techniques at once.

Things to consider

Needless to say, Kitsch is the opposite of minimalism, so you can simply let your creative juices flow. Be daring, and combine anything and everything that catches your eye. There doesn’t need to be any logical order to it: joy and creativity are all that matter.

Remember, your kitsch decor doesn’t need to be permanent – you could simply use it on special occasions. Mardi Gras is a great time to let your creativity run wild, using all the decoration and color you want.