19 Homes Decorated in Plastic-Fantastic Style
These quirky homes put their plastic points of difference on display, from the wonderfully whimsical to the downright irreverent
Once the darling of the industrial revolution, plastic has long been considered a cheap, cheerful and somewhat playful (and yes, occasionally tacky) material. While mid-century designers, such as Charles Eames and Verner Panton, turned plastic into something more elegant in the interior design world, there’s still a place in the heart of many homeowners that embraces the silliness of synthetic decor. Made from such manmade materials as plastic, resin and fibreglass, this kind of decor makes for fun, playful and entertaining features in the home. Here is a collection of some of our favourites.
2. Pair of pink poodles
This happy home for stylish hounds is the brainchild of an interior and homewares designer with tongue firmly in cheek. The pair of giant pink poodles – apparently a scream getting through customs after they were picked up in Mexico! – take centre stage in this living room, offset by the fake-feather lamp shade and the dog-faced cushions.
This happy home for stylish hounds is the brainchild of an interior and homewares designer with tongue firmly in cheek. The pair of giant pink poodles – apparently a scream getting through customs after they were picked up in Mexico! – take centre stage in this living room, offset by the fake-feather lamp shade and the dog-faced cushions.
3. Graceful giraffe
A larger-than-life plastic giraffe statue, once a display at a Banana Republic store, now stands proud in its new home near London’s Hyde Park. It was love at first sight for the owner of this apartment, who had the ceiling-high herbivore taken apart, transported by builders, and reassembled on-site to inject a unique sense of humour into the decor.
Browse more truly eclectic interiors
A larger-than-life plastic giraffe statue, once a display at a Banana Republic store, now stands proud in its new home near London’s Hyde Park. It was love at first sight for the owner of this apartment, who had the ceiling-high herbivore taken apart, transported by builders, and reassembled on-site to inject a unique sense of humour into the decor.
Browse more truly eclectic interiors
4. Lego a-go-go
Everyone’s favourite plastic building block adds fun and interest to this colourful kid’s play room in which Lego-themed toys, throw pillows, floor cushions, drawers, decals and rugs fill the entire space.
More photos from this project
Everyone’s favourite plastic building block adds fun and interest to this colourful kid’s play room in which Lego-themed toys, throw pillows, floor cushions, drawers, decals and rugs fill the entire space.
More photos from this project
5. Colour-block bricks
While furnishings featuring oversized blocks can really bring Lego to life, the real bricks themselves can also be used to build playful yet practical pieces around the home.
While furnishings featuring oversized blocks can really bring Lego to life, the real bricks themselves can also be used to build playful yet practical pieces around the home.
6. Peek-a-boo
And you can play hide and seek with giant Lego men, too!
Read about more Lego-decorated homes
And you can play hide and seek with giant Lego men, too!
Read about more Lego-decorated homes
7. Standing to attention
In this man cave in California, a collection of plastic G.I. Joe figurines acts as a wall feature that personalises the space and adds a sense of (somewhat regimented) fun. We salute you!
See more marvellous man caves
In this man cave in California, a collection of plastic G.I. Joe figurines acts as a wall feature that personalises the space and adds a sense of (somewhat regimented) fun. We salute you!
See more marvellous man caves
8. Forest friends
If you’re not into overgrown boy toys – as in toys for boys, not the other kind of boy toys – another idea is to curate a vintage Bambi-inspired vignette out of plastic figurines to bring a whimsical, childlike wonder to any room.
If you’re not into overgrown boy toys – as in toys for boys, not the other kind of boy toys – another idea is to curate a vintage Bambi-inspired vignette out of plastic figurines to bring a whimsical, childlike wonder to any room.
9. Divine pink flamingo
A kitsch plastic flamingo – with actual feathers! – makes the perfect foil for this glamorous bathroom, lightening the mood created by regal colours and opulent accessories to make the bathing experience a bit more buoyant.
A kitsch plastic flamingo – with actual feathers! – makes the perfect foil for this glamorous bathroom, lightening the mood created by regal colours and opulent accessories to make the bathing experience a bit more buoyant.
10. Jungle jive
The home of this Kiwi interior designer pays homage to hilarity and over-the-top decor that will bring a smile to anyone’s dial, such as inflatable animal heads, neon pink cacti and, of course (in another room) …
The home of this Kiwi interior designer pays homage to hilarity and over-the-top decor that will bring a smile to anyone’s dial, such as inflatable animal heads, neon pink cacti and, of course (in another room) …
… this little guy!
11. Jurassic planters
Houzz contributor Jaana Bithell shared her love of craft and her adoration for dinosaurs with us when she created these awesome plastic planters out of hollow dinosaur toys. Nestled in a garden, hidden up in trees or propped proudly on a windowsill, these little veggie-sauruses are roaringly good decor.
Houzz contributor Jaana Bithell shared her love of craft and her adoration for dinosaurs with us when she created these awesome plastic planters out of hollow dinosaur toys. Nestled in a garden, hidden up in trees or propped proudly on a windowsill, these little veggie-sauruses are roaringly good decor.
12. Dear doggy
Made from rotational-moulded polyethylene (a.k.a plastic), Eero Saarinen’s puppy chair makes a great addition to this kids’ playroom. It’s designer, but it’s also just pawfully cute!
Made from rotational-moulded polyethylene (a.k.a plastic), Eero Saarinen’s puppy chair makes a great addition to this kids’ playroom. It’s designer, but it’s also just pawfully cute!
13. Rosy red bathtime
Not only is this cheeky red-delicious bath loads of fun to look at, it’s also an eco-friendly option – it’s made from recycled plastic, using renewable energy, and is itself 100 per cent recyclable! Plus, it’s apple red, and it has a leaf. So tempting…
Not only is this cheeky red-delicious bath loads of fun to look at, it’s also an eco-friendly option – it’s made from recycled plastic, using renewable energy, and is itself 100 per cent recyclable! Plus, it’s apple red, and it has a leaf. So tempting…
14. Super spunk
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a step too far? Not on your nelly!
Singapore homes decorated with toys
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a step too far? Not on your nelly!
Singapore homes decorated with toys
15. Faux faun
The taxidermy trend may not be for everyone, but if you like the idea (just not the ickiness), why not try a synthetic option instead. This white resin deer head pares back the traditional trophy look, but the homeowners have dressed it up in a different direction with fake eyelashes and a lovely flower-child necklace. The swinging style additions bring home the idea that great decor can be achieved without animal sacrifice.
The taxidermy trend may not be for everyone, but if you like the idea (just not the ickiness), why not try a synthetic option instead. This white resin deer head pares back the traditional trophy look, but the homeowners have dressed it up in a different direction with fake eyelashes and a lovely flower-child necklace. The swinging style additions bring home the idea that great decor can be achieved without animal sacrifice.
16. Dog gone
When things get a bit ruff, it’s nice to be able to sit down and have a good laugh. These Indonesian homeowners have embraced fun and colour in much of their home’s design, including the addition of a plastic toilet roll holder with a unique dispensing method.
When things get a bit ruff, it’s nice to be able to sit down and have a good laugh. These Indonesian homeowners have embraced fun and colour in much of their home’s design, including the addition of a plastic toilet roll holder with a unique dispensing method.
17. Slip and slide
Fun! Whether it’s plastic like this custom-made version, steel, timber or something entirely different, nothing says ‘play’ in interior design quite like an indoor slide does. The subdued colour of this particular number means it blends a little better into the open-plan space, while still providing a way better (and safer!) alternate descent to stairs, particularly for a Monday morning before coffee. Just sit and slide – no higher motor functions required.
Fun! Whether it’s plastic like this custom-made version, steel, timber or something entirely different, nothing says ‘play’ in interior design quite like an indoor slide does. The subdued colour of this particular number means it blends a little better into the open-plan space, while still providing a way better (and safer!) alternate descent to stairs, particularly for a Monday morning before coffee. Just sit and slide – no higher motor functions required.
18. Losing one’s head
The owner of this Toronto home, as well as being a big fan of The Smiths, also loves a mannequin because, he says, they look like statues, like works of art. This one, which seems to be made from moulded plastic, polished resin or something similar, adds a touch of laid-back whimsy to the living space.
The owner of this Toronto home, as well as being a big fan of The Smiths, also loves a mannequin because, he says, they look like statues, like works of art. This one, which seems to be made from moulded plastic, polished resin or something similar, adds a touch of laid-back whimsy to the living space.
19. Waiting at the bar
The same home also featured this vintage jointed mannequin, a very rare find and a prize piece in his collection. It stands, waiting, beside the bar cart, ready to add a sense of personal service come happy hour.
TELL US
What’s your favourite among these irreverent and interesting decor items? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
World of Design: 9 Collectors and Their Cool Home Curations
This Dining Room’s Centrepiece Was Inspired by Toys
The same home also featured this vintage jointed mannequin, a very rare find and a prize piece in his collection. It stands, waiting, beside the bar cart, ready to add a sense of personal service come happy hour.
TELL US
What’s your favourite among these irreverent and interesting decor items? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
World of Design: 9 Collectors and Their Cool Home Curations
This Dining Room’s Centrepiece Was Inspired by Toys
The owners of this apartment in Chelsea, London, wanted a space that was warm and colourful, and this bright yellow teddy bear-like statue (known as a Be@rbrick) brings both elements – along with a strong sense of fun – into their space. That’s a lot for one little toy to do!