The less-is-more design philosophy isn’t for Brooke Babington. Instead of clean lines, uncluttered surfaces and a neutral palette, Babington’s home is all about colour, fun and sheer exuberance. It’s a home that makes you smile, whether it’s the framed quotes on the walls (“All unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy”), the giant, plush tiger in her bedroom or the neon toucan in the living room.

Her 1,800-square-foot, two-bedroom rental duplex on Old Peak Road oozes joie de vivre. Every wall upstairs (two bedrooms and a study) and downstairs (living/dining, kitchen and playroom) is crammed with art (“I can’t move; it would take forever to take everything down,” she says), every surface bears colourful accessories, and even the floor is covered with overlapping graphic rugs. Yet the effect is not overwhelming; it’s warm, inviting and comfortable.