17 normal-looking homes hiding unbelievable interiors

Wild décor disguised behind unassuming front doors

If you were to walk past these perfectly normal properties, you probably wouldn't look twice. But these everyday homes are brimming with weird and wonderful interiors, ranging from the ultimate cat shrine to a carnival house and even a dwelling dedicated to clowns.

Click or scroll through to step into the colourful world of extreme decorating...

Artsy graffiti house, Las Vegas, USA

While from the outside, this Las Vegas home might look like no more than a modern three-bed, two-bath family residence, the inside tells a very different story. In addition to its two storeys, 3,381 square feet of living space, backyard jacuzzi and coveted gated community location, this home has a lot of artistry to offer…

Artsy graffiti house, Las Vegas, USA

Once inside, this property is an explosion of colour and pattern, with walls covered in comic strips, animation and graffiti art featuring the original work of artists including Tiki Jay One, Pretty Done, Juan Muniz, according to the listing. The splashy pad was last on the market for $799,000 (£630k), after initially hitting the market at $995,000 (£785k) in April 2023. Perhaps the interiors aren't to everyone's tastes...

Artsy graffiti house, Las Vegas, USA

The colourful wall paintings are sandwiched in-between high ceilings with exposed industrial steel beams and polished grey slab marble flooring, giving the otherwise cacophonous decals space to breathe. The industrial theme is continued throughout the space with an exposed steel staircase and simple overhead bulb fixtures.

Artsy graffiti house, Las Vegas, USA

The recently remodelled kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances and smooth grey cabinetry, contrasted with floor marbling that resembles multi-coloured paint spills. Upstairs, however, the large primary suite features much more traditional interiors, giving your eyes a much-needed rest!

80s-themed Airbnb, Washington, USA

For anyone suffering from a bit of 80s nostalgia, look no further than this funky Airbnb, which boasts, according to its listing, the world’s finest collection of 1980s memorabilia. Just step inside this quirky yellow Washington bungalow and you’ll be instantly transported back in time!

80s-themed Airbnb, Washington, USA

The heart of the home, the living room boasts colourful furniture, a 60-inch television (and of course an impressive collection of 80s films), a popcorn machine and Donkey Kong and Ms. Pac-Man arcade games, not to mention a crazy collection of toys, games and assorted knick-knacks from the decade.

80s-themed Airbnb, Washington, USA

Equally colourful, the kitchen comes fully equipped with vintage Tupperware, a cherry-red refrigerator, plenty of period-appropriate snacks and candies and a barbecue. Outside, a spacious patio area provides the perfect location for outdoor dining.

80s-themed Airbnb, Washington, USA

The home includes three colourful themed bedrooms, two with queen beds and one with bunk beds. The home is listed at roughly $203 (£160) a night and seems like an awfully fun way to escape reality – and the 21st century – for a fun getaway!

Party house, Texas, USA

Party people, this house is for you. While the exterior may be that of a respectable single-family home, this four-bed, four-bath Fort Worth, Texas home offers 7,179 square feet of living space…and a party room that most fraternity brothers would sell their souls for.

Party house, Texas, USA

Complete with a tiki bar, twinkle lights, two pianos, pool tables and, yes, an enormous indoor pool and waterslide, this 4,400-square-foot room is designed to keep the night interesting. A carpeting of astroturf and a wrap-around wall of windows combine to create the illusion that the space is outside.

Party house, Texas, USA

However, the flat screen descending from the ceiling, multiple bar areas and collection of flags and fairy lights strung from the ceiling are also highly reminiscent of a sports bar and give the impression that a group of college students will be arriving with a keg at any minute.

Party house, Texas, USA

Astonishingly, the rest of the home, separated by means of a discreet door, is far more sophisticated in its layout and decoration. The elegant living room, dining room and kitchen all flow into each other, creating a much more traditional living space for when the party’s finally over…

Eclectic interiors home, Oklahoma, USA

This luxurious home was last listed for $2.7 million (£2.1m) and offers five bedrooms, five bathrooms, 4,884 square feet of space and some rather unusual interior design choices. Nestled in a private cul-de-sac within an exclusive gated community, this home’s highly customised ‘luxury’ interiors will certainly make you do a double take…

Eclectic interiors home, Oklahoma, USA

While the property’s listing touts its gourmet kitchen, high-end appliances, Walker Zanger designer splashback tile, massive island, coffered ceilings and beautiful fireplace, none of these features are what immediately draw the eye in this eclectic living space. Indeed, it’s hard to know exactly what to focus on between the opulent wallpaper, loud art, garishly patterned furnishings, and unusual ornaments.

Eclectic interiors home, Oklahoma, USA

The listing specified that the home is ideally suited to entertaining, with an open floor plan and formal living and dining areas. Guests will certainly be wowed by the large crystal chandeliers, plush fur furnishings and grey marble floors. The one unifying feature throughout the home’s interiors is the grey colour palette, accented by pops of colour and contrasting patterns.

Eclectic interiors home, Oklahoma, USA

Up a grand staircase, which boasts curated chandeliers and fixtures by Arteriors and rich wall coverings by Designer’s Guild, the decadent interior design continues across all five bedrooms. The second storey also offers a home theatre, game room, office, exercise/yoga room, wet bar and balcony with views of the nearby golf course.

Victorian terrace with tavern, London, UK

From the outside, this four-bedroom Victorian terrace looks like the perfect traditional family pad in the city. It's located on a leafy street, enjoys great transport links and even has a garden. However, step inside and this unusual property tells quite a different story.

Victorian terrace with tavern, London, UK

On first impression, the house needs modernisation. That said, there is a double-storey extension already in place which maximises space in the kitchen-diner area. It might not be to everyone’s tastes but there's definitely something charming about the dark wood cabinetry and stained-glass windows. The real surprise is still to come though as there's a secret feature hiding from sight...

Victorian terrace with tavern, London, UK

Here's where things get really interesting because the dwelling is also home to its very own bar! It's no modest corner set-up either – we're talking about a fully-fledged pub complete with beer taps, vintage stools and charming traditional décor.

Victorian terrace with tavern, London, UK

If queuing for drinks just isn't your thing, look no further. With plenty of space to host friends and family, the traditional scheme is steeped in history, from the antique woodwork to that incredible stained-glass ceiling. Talk about showstopping!

Alice in Wonderland house, St Louis, USA

This three-bedroom home in St Louis, Missouri may look a little colourful from the outside but it is no match for the zanyness to be found inside. Original owner and real estate agent Fritz McAvoy describes it as "going through the rabbit hole". Let’s find out why….

Alice in Wonderland house, St Louis, USA

Built in 1885, around 20 years after Alice in Wonderland was written, the peculiar abode hosts disorientating features throughout designed to riddle the mind. As the listing states, you’ll find "mirrors that reflect upside down. Bridges that lead to spaces with no faces. Closed windows with light from unexpected places".

Alice in Wonderland house, St Louis, USA

Situated in historic Lafayette Square, the extraordinary and confusing home totals 2,500 square feet of surrealist design. Each room feels like walking into an M C Escher drawing or Salvador Dali painting, with ceiling mirrors reflecting floors and numerous unconventional staircases, some leading you nowhere.

Alice in Wonderland house, St Louis, USA

While there’s plenty of character to be found in the structure and furnishings, you’ll also find your fair share of personality in the statues and models hiding inside and outside the property. The intriguing rabbit warren was sold in September 2021 for $325,000 (£256k) but you can take a video tour here.

Barbie house, Melbourne, Australia

Located in the Melbourne suburb of Coolaroo, you'll find what appears to be a perfectly normal brick bungalow. With three bedrooms, a generous garden and just over a half-hour commute to the city centre, the property has a lot to offer a prospective buyer – and much more besides.

Barbie house, Melbourne, Australia

Inside, the modest home isn't quite so unassuming. A fiesta of colour, the house went on the market back in 2022 and immediately attracted the attention of Twitter, whose users compared it to a life-size dollhouse fit for Barbie and the inside of a genie's bottle. Yet the owner insists that she used her own imagination to conjure up this unusual, bold design.

Barbie house, Melbourne, Australia

To achieve the look, she imported furniture from Dubai and commissioned decorative marble floors made especially for the house. Each space celebrates a different colour, imbuing every room with its own distinctive style. One thing's for sure, this lilac bedroom is no shrinking violet.

Barbie house, Melbourne, Australia

As well as two other bedrooms, there's also a bold dining area and a lime green kitchen. When the house first went on the market, it didn't receive an offer for eight weeks but after it went viral it reportedly racked up 12,000 views – the average suburban house receives just 330!

Artist's house, New York, USA

This seven-bedroom property in Bronxville, New York looks every bit the traditional family home, from the smart exterior to the half an acre of manicured grounds it sits on. If you passed by this elegant dwelling, you'd never guess what lies behind the façade.

Artist's house, New York, USA

The amazing American estate was listed back in 2015, giving the world a glimpse inside its doors. At the time it belonged to two artists – one was a caricaturist while the other created colourful art installations, sculptures and paintings, many of which are displayed throughout.

Artist's house, New York, USA

Their passion for art, South Africa and souvenirs from their globetrotting adventures informed the interior of this special house. Inside, bright colours are paired with quirky one-of-a-kind pieces such as life-sized animal sculptures and decadent period features like this fireplace.

Artist's house, New York, USA

Even the bathroom is an ode to their artistic nature, with a hand-painted window and a tapestry of tiles in deep blue and seafoam green. While the property was initially listed at $4 million (£3.2m), it ended up selling for significantly less, at almost $3.3 million (£2.6m), in 2017. Perhaps its vibrant style just wasn't to everyone's tastes.

Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

While this 12-bedroom, 15-bathroom home may appear luxurious from its grandiose exterior, you wouldn’t expect to find a jungle theme to reign within. Built in 1999, Entrelagos can be found on a private peninsula in Windermere, Florida. The 2.4-acre property within a gated community took almost 10 years and $8 million (£6.4m) to complete. Click to find out why…

Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

Stretching out across 14,706 square feet and currently on the market, this $19.5 million (£19m) Orlando-based wonderland is full to the brim with extraordinary features. Custom ironwork forms the grand staircase, two spiral staircases and the main interior balcony, while a hand-carved bar in a wild reception area beckons upon entry.

Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

According to the listing, many of the interior features were handcrafted by Filipino artisans and shipped to the US. The main door to the house was custom-made and inlaid with mother of pearl. The stunning rotunda-style library overlooks the pool and gardens and has an open second floor, which is accessed by one of the gorgeous spiral staircases.

Jungle-themed mansion, Florida, USA

Upstairs you’ll find each bedroom boasting its own bathroom and verandah with stunning views over Lake Tibet, while the third floor hosts a 2,000-square-foot deck offering panoramic views and even fireworks from neighbouring Disney World. Pictured is the cinema, complete with sliding entry doors that are hand-carved with the likenesses of numerous actors. You couldn't make it up!

Carnival house, East Sussex, UK

Located mere moments from the seafront, this Victorian property has lived many lives. First, it was a Turkish bathhouse, then it became a school swimming house before morphing into a glass factory. Today it's an attractive three-bedroom Airbnb, available to rent.

Carnival house, East Sussex, UK

Inside, the extraordinary home conversion is dedicated to all things carnival! With a spacious open layout and plenty of playful touches, this house would be perfect for a fun-loving family. The unique home combines quirky features with Turkish-inspired décor and good old-fashioned Victorian character – personally, we think it's a charming combination.

Carnival house, East Sussex, UK

The large open-plan living area features timber flooring, exposed brickwork and stained-glass windows. The vaulted ceiling is decked out with eight vast skylights that flood the area with natural light. And when it comes to fun, you won't tire of ways to while away the time thanks to the bowling alley and cinema room.

Carnival house, East Sussex, UK

However, practicalities haven't been overlooked – towards the rear of the open-plan living area is a spacious kitchen. We love the industrial touches like the polished concrete worktops and American-style storage lockers. The house also features a cellar, mezzanine level, three bedrooms, a bathroom and utility room, plus there's even an outside courtyard with distant sea views, making it a great choice for a family holiday.

Clown collector's bungalow, Ontario, Canada

Another perfectly ordinary brick bungalow, this 748-square-foot home is set on a quiet street in Brantford, Ontario and enjoys easy access to schools and parks. However, this wholesome family home harbours a slightly eccentric secret inside.

Clown collector's bungalow, Ontario, Canada

If you're not a fan of the circus, we'd recommend steering well clear of this two-bedroom property. Each room in the bungalow is a homage to clowns, from toys to rugs, pictures and statues – almost every surface is adorned with the carnivalesque figures.

Clown collector's bungalow, Ontario, Canada

You might be forgiven for thinking the previous owners had a slightly odd obsession with, what is for many, the stuff of nightmares but the backstory is actually much more interesting. A Vice reporter tracked down the son of the former occupants and it turns out there is a much more sentimental reason for the unusual clown theme.

Clown collector's bungalow, Ontario, Canada

Originally home to a couple, they started purchasing clowns in a bid to curb the husband's drink problem. Their son told Vice: "Every clown represents a bottle of beer that he would have bought." While people thought they were crazy, it worked and the couple now have some 1,500 clowns. With the property listed in 2017 and now sold, where are the clowns now? Boxed up in their son's crawl space! Ah, parents.

Gothic clock house, East Sussex, UK

While it's not your run-of-the-mill terraced home, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Clock House, designed by famed architect James Burton, would have a suitably refined Georgian-style interior worthy of a grand stately home. But inside this five-bedroom detached property, considered the 'Jewel in the Crown’ of St Leonards-on-Sea in the southeast of England, you'll find a serious flair for the dramatic.

Gothic clock house, East Sussex, UK

Built in 1827, this Gothic Revival-style villa would certainly make a unique family residence – and we vote the decadent décor stays. The property is laid out over three floors, including a suite of cellar rooms perfect for wine, storage and workshops. In terms of living space, there are two sitting rooms, a drawing room, reception hall and dining room.

Gothic clock house, East Sussex, UK

There are five bedrooms in total, including a master bedroom which is nestled inside the clock tower. It boasts double-arched stained-glass windows, framing views over the grounds and out to sea. The lavish rooms benefit from high ceilings and decorative moulded cornice so you can slumber like royalty.

Gothic clock house, East Sussex, UK

The master bedroom has an adjoining boutique-style bathroom but it's no hardship to use the family bathroom when it looks this good. Here, glitzy gold and green damask wallpaper, elegant statues and a clawfoot bath lit by giant pillar candles create the ultimate quirky spa experience.

Never Never Land, California, USA

Looking relatively straightforward from the outside, you’d be surprised to find what adventures lie in store for visitors to this particular Lakeport abode in California. Built in 1997, the three-bedroom barn-style property holds a lot of fun within its timber-framed walls….

Never Never Land, California, USA

Once inside you may find yourself swinging from the rafters with excitement, literally. Ropes help inhabitants of this Peter Pan-esque property fly through the air from room to room, while bridges help you navigate the 36-foot high ceilings and transport you towards the master suite and guest bedroom.

Never Never Land, California, USA

Last sold for $945,000 (£745k), the 3,700-square-foot sawmill timber construction hosts 1,272 lineal feet of wooden planks. Complete with stamped concrete flooring with radiant heat, you’re certainly insulated for the chillier months.

Never Never Land, California, USA

But as if that wasn’t enough entertainment, there’s even a full live band set-up with stage, amps and drum kit ready to go. Outside you’ll also find a unique built-in pool and gas firepit in the backyard, plus 3.77 acres of land to explore with the Lost Boys included in the sale.

Purple house, Middlesex, UK

From the outside, this four-bedroom property looks like many other semi-detached homes in Middlesex, southeast England. Yet, this perfectly charming suburban façade hides a pretty outlandish and unexpected interior. Let's take a look inside...

Purple house, Middlesex, UK

Yes, the whole house is purple, decorated from floor to ceiling in shades of lilac, violet and lavender. The original listing made no mention of the eye-catching scheme. Instead, it underplayed the interior as a "family-inspired design".

Purple house, Middlesex, UK

The sea of purple spreads into the kitchen, which features two-tone purple and white walls. Thanks to a more recent extension, the ground floor now boasts a spacious master bedroom with a dressing area and en suite, no doubt painted in a luminous shade of purple too.

Purple house, Middlesex, UK

Even the bathroom couldn’t escape the previous owner’s adoration of the hue. And it doesn't stop with purple carpet – if you look closely enough, you'll be able to make out a purple bath mat that's somewhat camouflaged among the thick furry flooring, not to mention the unusual choice of a carpeted bath...

Cat-themed log home, Arizona, USA

Set on 20 sprawling acres in Concho, Arizona, this remote log cabin looks like a quaint prairie-style home. With two bedrooms and one bathroom across 2,500 square feet, you'd think it would make a good base for a young family. However, when you step inside you might think twice...

Cat-themed log home, Arizona, USA

The original listing said it best: "If you love cats this is the home for you – if not bring your sandblaster!" Listed in 2017 but now off the market, this house was definitely built with all things feline in mind. As well as eccentric cat décor throughout, it also features cat walkways and even a multi-level cat castle.

Cat-themed log home, Arizona, USA

Despite the listing being viewed over three million times, the property suffered a significant price drop. It first went on sale in June 2017 for $240,000 (£189k) and after several reductions finished up at $150,000 (£118k) in April 2018. It's not clear whether the property was sold or simply taken off the market.

Cat-themed log home, Arizona, USA

The original owners were so cat-mad, they even extended their kitty decorations to the bathroom and kitchen. In this redwood-clad space, you can just make out the small cat figurines balanced on a ledge above the shower, not to mention the enormous feline-shaped rugs...

Marilyn Monroe house, Dublin, Ireland

When this three-bedroom end-of-terrace home near Dublin came on the market a number of years ago, people paid attention. Could it be the fact that it came with full planning permission to build a subsequent house on the surrounding land? Actually, no.

Marilyn Monroe house, Dublin, Ireland

The bold property quickly shot to fame thanks to what the original listing describes as its "quirky décor". Well, that's one way to describe this colourful shrine to Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn Monroe house, Dublin, Ireland

The Marilyn Mansion, as some dubbed it, is decked out with hundreds of images of the silver-screen starlet, set against luminous walls, metallic furnishings and unashamedly extra décor like this sparkling chandelier.

Marilyn Monroe house, Dublin, Ireland

The superfan home immediately captured the hearts and wallets of several serious Marilyn memorabilia collectors. Thanks to the level of interest, the original owner – who was looking to downsize – decided to sell the property fully furnished for a rather reasonable €250,000, that's $271,000 (£214k).

Medieval-inspired cottage, Northamptonshire, UK

Tucked away in the pretty village of Cranford, Northamptonshire is this inconspicuous two-bedroom Grade II-listed home. While it looks like a cute chocolate box cottage from the outside, the inside tells an entirely different story. The current owners have fully renovated the property and their interior inspiration, England's Belvoir Castle, makes for a pretty surprising sight once you step through the front door...

Medieval-inspired cottage, Northamptonshire, UK

Inside, you're greeted by a lavishly ornate living room with bespoke wood panelling and reclaimed oak flooring, plus a feature fireplace set in front of a hand-painted wall covering. While the ostentatious sofas, brocade curtains and gilt-framed paintings may not be to every taste, there is no denying that they're impressive.

Medieval-inspired cottage, Northamptonshire, UK

Adorned in peacock prints and a stuffed peacock centrepiece, the dining room is no less decadent. A gilded gold mirror and candelabras complete the unique scheme, while the tall quilted dining chairs are certainly worthy of an aristocratic dinner party.

Medieval-inspired cottage, Northamptonshire, UK

Upstairs are two double bedrooms, each decorated as dramatically as the living rooms downstairs. The extravagant master features a painted ceiling worthy of Michelangelo, a four-poster bed and an abundance of crushed velvet furnishings. Also on this floor, the bathroom includes a whirlpool bath fit for a king or queen. Talk about a regal residence!