Whimsical. That’s the vibe currently taking over kitchen decor and tabletop design. Delicate patterns and sunny hues that were once relegated to the kitchens of the 1960’s and ’70s are being reinvented. Take, say, a dash of the micro-florals seen in Little House on the Prairie. Add in pops of colour that say “child’s playroom” more than “dining area.” Finish the space off with strong silhouettes and gleaming chrome. It’s a retro-fuelled aesthetic that is effortlessly chic.
We’re taking this hot whimsical kitchen design trend and incorporating it right into our homes. From polka-dotted egg cups to Christmas tree-shaped bonbon containers, whimsical decor brings a sense of joy and play into your daily life. It aims to put a smile on your face from the moment you walk into the door. That’s what makes it so powerful.
Shop playful picks for a joyful kitchen
Squiggle Pitcher
Have you ever seen a more stylish way to serve drinks? Made from mirror-polished stainless steel, it features a unique softly waving handle fashioned after a ribbon. Fill up with your drink of choice or use it as a statement decorative vase.
Price: $195.00shop now
Multi-coloured Glass Ice Cream Spoons
Perfect for bringing some colourful retro energy to your at-home ice cream nights. These two-tone contrast ice cream spoons are made from borosilicate glass. Each pack comes with six, perfect for sharing a pint with your friends and family.
Price: $35.90 for pack of 6shop now
Oli Wine Glass
Mouthblown with 50% recycled glass, this unique drinking vessel has mesmerizing bubbles in the surface. The Copenhagen-based brand hoped designed the Oli wine glass to fit effortlessly in your hand for everyday living.
Price: $41.95shop now
Deluxe Oval Trivet
Now presenting: an elegant way to serve your casseroles and stews right at the table. This gorgeous enamelled cast iron trivet will protect your countertops from direct heat, and doubles as a stylish accent piece.
Price: $140.00shop now
Pomponette Egg Cups
Cheekily decorated with golden yellow droplets, these egg cups will help you start your day with a smile. It is handblown with 100% Borosilicate glass. The Australian brand, Maison Balzac, is known for their cheerful tableware and decor.
Price: $130.00 for set of 2shop now
Camelia Yellow Napkins, Set of 2
Made from 100% cotton in India, these dainty reusable napkins will be the perfect addition to any tablescape this Spring. They feature a bright floral hand block print with a pink-striped outer edge.
Price: $30.00shop now
Coco Cup Set
Shaped like little trophies and crafted with a dainty lace edge, using these cups will have you feeling like a king. Allow them to be a throne for your boiled eggs in the morning, an extra-special shot glass or a micro salt cellar by your stove.
Price: $210 for set of 2shop now
Stoneware Baking Dish Oven Tray
We love this darling baking dish, which comes in a trendy butter yellow colour. The rounded edges gives it an extra-cute charm. This size is perfect for making smaller servings of lasagna, baked pasta, stews and more.
Price: $18.90shop now
Delight Bonbon Container
Designed by Nika Zupanc, this playful candy jar certainly lives up to its name. It is a subtle re-interpretation of a Christmas tree; from the organic shape to festive colour palette. Unusual, extravagant and offers the perfect touch of whimsy to your tablescape.
Price: €80.00shop now
Rice Pot
This enamelled cast iron pot is a playful and practical tool for making rice, couscous, quinoa, risotto and more. The steam vents on the stoneware lid prevent boil-overs, and the ergonomic handles allows for it to easily transfer from stovetop to tabletop.
Price: $269.00shop now
Oriente Italiano 3-Tier Serving Stand
Part of the Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano collection, the Iris blue 3-tier porcelain stand features gold threading and the iconic carnation motif. Perfect for displaying savory bites or small desserts, it adds stylish dimension to entertaining and comes in a luxury box for gifting. Made in Italy.
Price: $1029.00shop now
Whimsical Cocktail Charms
Anthropologie does not disappoint with their sets of quirky cocktail charms. From wiener dogs and martinis to to rhinestone pretzels and hamburgers, there’s a memorable pair of cocktail charmss for everyone.
Price: $16.00 set of 2shop now
Sardine Cocktail Napkin Set
Still loving the sardine trend? Bring it to your giftee’s table or bar cart with this adorable napkin set. Made
from 100 percent linen, the fishy items are great to serve with snacks or as conversation-starting coasters. Also fun: The four-piece set is boxed in packaging that resembles a fish tin.
shop now
Mafalda Oval Platter
An elegant 100% ceramic earthenware platter from the NYC design studio who says “every meal is an occasion for ‘the good plates’ and tableware collections are handed down from one generation to the next. Made in Portugal.
Price: $90.00 USDshop now
Rainbow Knife Magnet
This brand is widely known for their colourful confetti cutting boards, which are made with food-safe recycled plastic and upcycled waste from solid-colour cutting board production. This snazzy knife magnet is made of the same materials and spans 12 inches.
Price: $75.00shop now
Bump Espresso Cup Set
From the famed British luxury design brand comes these eccentric and minimalist espresso cups. They are double walled in two different colours for a unique contrast, and handcrafted from premium borosilicate glass.
Price: $155.00 for set of 4shop now
Bon Bon Espresso Cup
This delightful espresso cup features a glossy candy-like sphere as the handle. Each piece from the cult-favourite designer Helle Mardahl is hand-blown and unique, made in bright colours and fun shapes.
Price: $280.00 for oneshop now
Large Budino Cake Candle
With perfectly piped decorations and topped with sugary fruit, this showstopper of a candle will elevate any tablescape. It is just as elegant and indulgent as the classic Italian custard-like treat it is named after.
Price: $173shop now
More kitchen decor inspiration
Looking to change up your kitchen? Explore more stories from ELLE Gourmet:
- 5 Tips for Stylish Yet Sustainable Kitchen Design: Interior designer Crystal Bueckert shares her top tips for achieving a carbon-neutral kitchen. For instance, switching to an induction cooktop.
- Inside Rebecca Wolfe’s Montreal Kitchen: The co-founders of Mandy’s Salads speak to the minimalistic approach of their home kitchens compared to their colourful restaurant design.
- Unique Food-Shaped Candle Gifts: Let your decor do the talking with these adorable food-shaped candles, from a show-stopping cake to an entire corn on the cob.










