By Charlotte Latvala
We’ve all got at least one weird household object we love that everyone else hates. (Looking at you, freakishly large beer stein.) Here’s the deal: If it brings you joy, who cares if it’s not trendy or stylish? We’ve rounded up some of the pretty kitschy favorites we’d be proud to call our own.
1. Wind chimes
They’re loud and intrusive and weird, and you love them for that. They make your home feel like a happy place, so let freedom ring.
2. Bird houses
Give us all the garish bird houses that scream, Look at me, world! Because birds. And cuteness. And bird songs. We can’t get enough.
3. Animal figurines
If your herd of ceramic felines is an artistic expression of your love for cats, display them proudly. They’re a conversation starter if nothing else.
4. Fan paraphernalia
Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel Avengers—you know who you are. The non-fans may think you’re turning your home into a Comic Con convention, but we say, “May the force be with you.”
5. Holiday décor that stays up all year
Some of us take our Christmas tree down after the holiday. Others leave it up to become a Valentine’s Day tree, and then a Mardi Gras tree, and so on. By the time October rolls around, you may as well leave it up.
6. Hand-me-down chairs
Those super-creaky old rockers owned by your great aunt can feel like a hug from the past. Keep them for sentimental value, even if they’re not that comfortable.
7. Glasses with logos
Your Route 66 salt and pepper shakers bring you back to your spring break road trip. They’re a kitchen staple, and they’ll never get old.
8. Travel souvenirs
You don’t need any justification for your shelf of music boxes, key chains, or tiny snow globes from every city and country you’ve visited.
9. Abstract art
That photo of “voodoo bread” may not speak to everyone, but it resonates with you. And it makes us contemplate other food metaphors (and what we’re having for lunch).
10. Tiffany lamps
Whether you’re going for a turn-of-the-century quaint feel or Pizza Hut circa 1985, ignore the haters.
11. Old sewing machine
Your grandmother’s antique sewing machine may end up looking like an art piece, if you refurbish it. Who cares if you can’t sew?
12. Kid artwork
This is the sweetest accessory of all. Instead of displaying your kid’s drawing on the fridge, give it prime placement for guests to see. Clearly, you’ve passed down your creativity.
