Pinterest Says “Circus Nursery” Is Trending. This Striped Ceiling Nursery Nailed the Trend More Than a Year in Advance

It can feel like there’s some new “core” or aesthetic rising or falling in popularity every day, and no one wants to design a kid’s room that’s so trendy it feels dated six months from now. However, when I took a look at the Pinterest Predicts 2026 trend report, out today, I spotted a kid’s room trend with definite staying power: FunHaus, a play on a classic, family-friendly atmosphere. 

According to Pinterest, searches for phrases like “circus nursery” have been rising in popularity and are expected to dominate decor in 2026. Immediately, I thought of a nursery I covered last year that I haven’t been able to stop talking about, and that captures this trend perfectly. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to nail the FunHaus theme in your own home, keep reading. 

FunHaus isn’t just a nod to the circus; it’s more nuanced and elevated than that. “Big top, bigger personality,” the Pinterest report explains. “Boomers and millennials will usher in a wave of circus-inspired home decor in 2026. Think bold stripes, sculptural silhouettes, playful curves, and just a wink of clownish charm. The key is balance: pairing punch-line patterns with pared-back palettes to keep the look elevated with a touch of camp.”

I’m considering Reilly Dowd a trendsetter, because the nursery she created for her son, Leo — which I featured on Cubby in March 2024 — embodies all of FunHaus’ characteristics. The room includes a structure that serves as Leo’s sleep space — and was partially inspired by the circus. 

Reilly used Ballard Designs’ Canopy Striped Performance Fabric to create the illusion that the structure is shaped like a Big Top in bold blue and white stripes. (She also draped the fabric curtain-style at the structure’s entrance.) Pinterest reports that searches for “striped ceiling” have risen by 40%.

Another feature that leans into the carnival spirit: the handmade hot air balloons hanging from the top of the structure. Reilly’s house is situated in New Mexico’s desert, so the balloons are a nod to what the family often sees from their home’s windows. 

The structure is painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Swiss Coffee,” which adds a nice contrast to the colorful blimps. 

A vintage-inspired crib in the structure and vintage armoire outside of it add even more character. Pinterest reports that searches for “vintage circus aesthetic” are up 70%. 

Another unexpected, fun detail that’s a nod to the circus is the sign that reads “The Lion’s Den” hanging over a bassinet filled with stuffed animals. 

“I wanted the space to be both functional, but also playful,” Reilly explained in the room tour of her design inspiration, which, beyond the circus, also included beach shacks in Normandy. “My goal was for Leo to associate this space solely with sleep. But I wanted him to feel like he had a space that was entirely his own, one that eventually he could crawl in and out of, and one that he could have some ownership over.” 

Reilly likely didn’t know that she was ahead of the curve and that, in December 2025, Pinterest would say that circus-themed nurseries were trending. But this just shows that smart, fun design choices can withstand the test of time. 

To learn more about what to expect next year according to Pinterest, check out the full Pinterest Predicts 2026 trend report.