Understanding Neotenic Interior Design
The concept of neotenic design is gaining traction among interior designers, who are increasingly asking their clients, “Why so serious?” This trend is characterized by the use of chubby furniture and tactile, almost interactive materials, which tap into the growing popularity of a style that blends child-like aesthetics with refined decorating choices. The result is an interior that balances playfulness with sophistication, creating spaces that evoke positive emotions.
Neotenic design embraces unexpected tactility, sculptural forms, and whimsical color combinations to spark joy and delight. As Leah Ring, an interior designer, notes, “As adults, we simply don’t play enough.” She believes that designing for joy and incorporating elements of surprise can make a space feel more inviting and engaging.
What Is Neotenic Interior Design?
The term ‘neotenic’ originates from biology, referring to youthful characteristics retained in adulthood. In the context of design, it involves having fun with intuitive forms, whimsical styling, and childlike colors without veering into immaturity. It’s about pushing boundaries in a playful, design-led way rather than attempting to simplify or dumb down a space.
Leah Ring, principal at Another Human, explains that the look is meant to be experimental and playful, aiming to inspire conversation and not be taken too seriously. She led a living room project featuring a custom curvy fireplace and an irregularly shaped sofa, emphasizing that individual pieces should have a dialogue with unexpected details that make you smile.
Samantha Hauvette from Hauvette & Madani agrees, stating that materials and finishes contribute to this dynamic, creating a tension that brings a quiet sense of surprise. “Neotenic principles come through in subtle shifts in perception, using elements that slightly disrupt the expected balance in a space,” she says.
Exaggerated forms, playful combinations, and a few ‘wow’ moments are key. A highly-textured, colorful rug becomes a sensory experience underfoot, while a sculptural piece of lighting can command instant attention. Don’t be afraid of adding these pieces—introducing contrast to a refined base is the whole point. “Remember that elegance and playfulness are not opposing forces,” says Samantha.
Qeeboo Design Dining Chair Ribbon
Why Is Neotenic Design Trending?
At Paris Déco Home in January, Buchanan Studio launched its first collaboration with lighting brand Original BTC. Titled the ‘Neotenic collection,’ it features hand-blown glass in ice cream colors and shades resembling mushroom caps. Co-founders Angus and Charlotte Buchanan explain that this range is a natural reaction to the increasing desire for spaces that feel softer and more nurturing.
“After years of very pared-back interiors defined by straight lines and harder edges, people are moving away from environments that feel overly controlled,” the pair adds. “We introduced these softer silhouettes to embrace comfort, tactility, and individuality, aligning with how our clients actually want to live now.” It’s not about being playful for playful’s sake, but rather a gentle rejection of polish and perfection.
Original BTC x Buchanan Studio Neo Table Lamp in Strawberry
More and more of us are also shrugging off the copycat interiors flooding social media, and this playful, almost nostalgic look really allows for personality. “The era of the dictating designer is over,” believes Nicole Dohmen, founder of Amsterdam-based Atelier ND. “The future is creative and open-minded. Designers are translating their clients’ ideas and instincts in a more playful way.”
“Attitudes are changing toward more expressionism, as we want vibrant spaces to reflect our own colorful lives,” adds interior designer Sam Buckley. There’s a marked shift towards individual creativity, with neotenic design answering the call for spaces that revel in a feeling of ‘fun’ rather than just good looks.
How To Bring Neotenic Design Into Your Home
Neotenic design is, essentially, a delicate balance. Done well, whimsical elements become a feature in layered spaces and not a distraction in one that feels almost juvenile. “The key is contrast, so individual pieces draw attention rather than dominate,” explain Angus and Charlotte Buchanan. “Pairing something soft and expressive with more restrained elements makes it feel intentional rather than excessive.”
“Aim to go out of your comfort zone and choose a color palette that keeps things interesting,” suggests Another Human’s Leah Ring. “Using an unexpected combination is a shortcut to making a space feel fun and lively.” Opt for color where others might rely on a neutral failsafe—a colored sofa, ceiling, or tiled floor, for example. It’s less about coloring wildly outside the lines and more about designing as though your white, gray, or beige crayons are simply unavailable.
If you’re going for a whimsical, more playful look, don’t fall into the trap of filling your space with oddities. Layering expressive pieces slowly (and with moderation) is often far more successful. “Don’t simply stuff a room full of the weird and the wacky,” instructs Sam Buckley. Start with one or two ‘amazing’ things; give them a little breathing space, and go from there.
“You want to bring the perfect pop of the unexpected,” agrees Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and creative director of Silo Studio. In the kitchen pictured above, the designer chose chubby, tubular bar stools for a soft, lighthearted counterpoint to the luxe marble surfaces and raw oak cabinetry. “The different design languages come together to feel playful as well as elevated,” she explains.
Anthropologie x LALA Reimagined Round Marble Coffee Table
While neotenic design incorporates childlike elements, it’s not at all devoid of elegance. Whimsy can feel delightfully ‘grown-down,’ yes, but only when it plays a counterbalancing role in a more restrained space. Don’t be afraid of loosening up—just keep a sense of control that leaves room for contrast and surprise.
