Tired of feeling hemmed in by a rigid set of interior decorating rules? You know the ones: ‘Don’t mix warm and cool colors,’ ‘Never place a sofa in front of a window,’ and ‘Avoid using black in small spaces.’ These outdated dictums often stifle creativity and prevent homeowners from expressing their unique style.
But what if I told you that breaking these so-called decorating rules could unlock a world of design possibilities, leading to a home that is not only beautiful but also a true reflection of your personality?
This article will challenge 30 common interior decorating rules, empowering you to embrace your individuality and create a space that is truly your own.
I. Understanding Interior Decorating Rules
Before we get started, let’s briefly acknowledge the value of design principles themselves. These fundamental concepts – like balance, proportion, color theory, and the use of focal points – form the foundation of interior design. Think of them as the building blocks of a beautiful and functional space.
Understanding these foundations of design allows us to make informed decisions and create a harmonious aesthetic. They provide a common language and a shared understanding among designers and homeowners alike. For example, understanding the principles of color theory can help us create color palettes that evoke specific moods and enhance the overall ambiance of a room.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these interior decorating rules are not meant to be rigid commandments. They are guidelines, not strict regulations. When applied thoughtfully, they can be incredibly helpful in achieving a well-designed space. But when rigidly adhered to, they can stifle creativity and lead to predictable and uninspired interiors. Let’s get started with these interior decorating rules you can break!
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II. 30 Interior Decorating Rules to Question and Challenge
A. Color Rules
1. Don’t mix warm and cool colors
Rationale: This rule often stems from the idea of creating a sense of harmony and avoiding visual chaos.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Mixing warm and cool colors can create unexpected and dynamic visual interest. For example, pairing cool blues and greens with warm oranges and yellows can add depth and energy to a room.
Visual Examples: Include images of rooms that successfully mix warm and cool colors.
2. Avoid using black in small spaces
Rationale: Black can be perceived as overpowering in small spaces, making them feel even smaller.
Arguments for breaking the rule: When used strategically, black can add sophistication and drama to small spaces. Consider using black as an accent color on walls, trim, or furniture.
Visual Examples: Show examples of small spaces where black is used effectively, such as a small bedroom with a black accent wall or a black dining table in a compact dining nook.
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3. Only use white trim with white walls
Rationale: This rule, often stemming from traditional design aesthetics, is one of many interior decorating rules that can stifle creativity.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Contrasting trim colors can add visual interest and architectural definition. Consider using black, dark gray, or even a bold color for trim to create a striking contrast.
Visual Examples: Showcase rooms with contrasting trim colors, such as black trim against white walls or dark green trim against light gray walls.
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4. White walls are the only neutral option
Rationale: White has long been considered the default neutral color for walls.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Explore other neutral colors like light gray, beige, taupe, and even soft shades of blue or green. These colors can add warmth, depth, and personality to your space.
Visual Examples: Spaces with walls in different neutral shades, highlighting how they create different moods and atmospheres.
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5. Bright colors are only for accent walls
Rationale: This rule suggests that bold colors should be used sparingly.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Don’t be afraid to embrace color on larger surfaces like walls, ceilings, or even furniture. A room painted in a vibrant hue can be a bold and inspiring statement.
Visual Examples: Rooms rooms with walls painted in vibrant colors, such as sunny yellow, deep blue, or vibrant green.
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6. Color should always match
Rationale: This rule suggests that all colors in a room should be perfectly coordinated.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Create unexpected and exciting juxtapositions by mixing colors that don’t traditionally “match.” For example, pair a bold orange with a deep teal or a vibrant pink with a muted gray.
Visual Examples: Spaces that successfully mix unexpected color combinations.
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B. Furniture Arrangement Rules
7. Push furniture against the walls
Rationale: This traditional rule aims to maximize floor space and create a sense of openness.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Floating furniture away from the walls can create a more inviting and intimate atmosphere. This technique can also define conversation areas and make a room feel more spacious.
Visual Examples: Rooms where furniture is strategically placed away from the walls to create different seating arrangements and define distinct zones within the space.
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8. Avoid placing a sofa in front of a window
Rationale: This rule, often stemming from concerns about blocking natural light, is a common misconception among many ‘interior decorating rules.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Placing a sofa in front of a window can create a cozy and inviting reading nook. Consider using sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to filter through.
Visual Examples: Spaces with sofas placed in front of windows, showcasing the cozy and inviting atmosphere they create.
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9. All chairs in a dining room must match
Rationale: This rule promotes a sense of uniformity and symmetry.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Mixing and matching dining chairs can add visual interest and personality. Consider using a combination of vintage, antique, and modern chairs for an eclectic look.
Visual Examples: Show dining rooms with a mix of chairs, demonstrating how this can create a unique and inviting atmosphere.
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10. Avoid oversized furniture in small spaces
Rationale: Oversized furniture can make small spaces feel cramped and overwhelming.
Arguments for breaking the rule: A single statement piece, such as an oversized sofa or an expansive area rug, can actually make a small space feel more grand and luxurious.
Visual Examples: Show small spaces that successfully incorporate oversized furniture pieces, showcasing how they can create a dramatic and impactful effect.
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11. Sofas should always face a focal point
Rationale: This rule emphasizes creating a sense of balance and direction in a room.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Experiment with unconventional sofa placements, such as angling a sofa towards a window or placing it perpendicular to a wall. This can create unexpected and dynamic conversation areas.
Visual Examples: Spaces where sofas are placed in unconventional ways, demonstrating how this can create unique and interesting seating arrangements.
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12. Coffee tables must be centered in front of the sofa
Rationale: This rule creates a sense of symmetry and order.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Off-center coffee tables can create a more relaxed and asymmetrical look. Consider placing a coffee table to the side of the sofa or using a pair of side tables instead.
Visual Examples: Rooms with coffee tables placed off-center or using alternative table arrangements.
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C. Pattern and Texture Rules
13. Too many patterns are overwhelming
Rationale: This interior decorating rule suggests that too much pattern can create a visually chaotic and distracting environment.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Mixing patterns can create a dynamic and layered look. Experiment with different scales, colors, and types of patterns to create a visually interesting and cohesive space.
Visual Examples:Spaces that successfully mix different patterns, demonstrating how this can create a vibrant and eclectic aesthetic.
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14. Don’t mix different patterns
Rationale: This rule suggests that mixing patterns can be overwhelming and difficult to achieve.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Mixing patterns can create a sense of visual rhythm and excitement. Look for patterns that share a common color palette, scale, or motif to create a cohesive and harmonious look.
Visual Examples: Rooms that successfully mix different patterns, such as stripes with florals, checks with geometrics, or plaids with damasks.
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15. Avoid using bold patterns in small spaces
Rationale: This rule suggests that bold patterns can make small spaces feel cramped and overwhelming.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Bold patterns can actually make a small space feel more dynamic and interesting. Consider using a large-scale pattern on a single wall or incorporating a bold patterned rug to create a focal point.
Visual Examples: Show small spaces that successfully incorporate bold patterns, such as a small living room with a large-scale floral wallpaper or a bedroom with a vibrant geometric rug.
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16. Patterns should be subtle and understated
Rationale: This rule suggests that patterns should not be the main focus of a room.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Let patterns take center stage! Use bold patterns to create a vibrant and expressive atmosphere. Consider using patterned wallpaper, upholstery, or rugs to make a strong design statement.
Visual Examples: Spaces where patterns are used prominently, such as a living room with a bold floral wallpaper or a bedroom with a vibrant patterned headboard.
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17. Textures should be limited to avoid visual clutter
Rationale: This rule suggests that too many textures can make a room feel chaotic and overwhelming.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Mixing textures can add depth, dimension, and visual interest to a space. Experiment with different textures, such as smooth and rough, soft and hard, to create a multi-sensory experience.
Visual Examples: Rooms that successfully mix different textures, such as a room with a combination of velvet, linen, leather, and wood.
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18. Only use one dominant texture in a room
Rationale: This rule suggests that using too many textures can create a visually confusing and overwhelming environment.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Embrace a variety of textures to create a rich and layered look. Consider mixing different textures in textiles, furniture, and decorative accessories.
Visual Examples: Spaces that successfully incorporate a variety of textures, such as a room with a combination of fur, silk, wood, and metal.
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D. Space Planning Rules
19. Every room needs a focal point
Rationale: This rule emphasizes creating a sense of balance and direction in a room.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Experiment with creating a more diffused and relaxed atmosphere by avoiding a single dominant focal point.
Visual Examples: Rooms that lack a traditional focal point, such as a minimalist bedroom with clean lines and a neutral color palette.
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20. Traffic flow should always be linear
Rationale: This rule emphasizes creating clear and efficient pathways through a space.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Experiment with more organic and meandering traffic flow patterns. This can create a more dynamic and inviting atmosphere.
Visual Examples: Spaces with non-linear traffic flow, such as a living room with furniture arranged to encourage conversation and interaction.
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21. Avoid open floor plans
Rationale: This rule suggests that open floor plans can be difficult to define and can lack privacy.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Embrace the flexibility and openness of an open floor plan. Use furniture arrangement, rugs, and architectural details to define distinct zones within the space.
Visual Examples: Show successful open floor plan designs, demonstrating how they can create a sense of spaciousness and flow.
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22. Keep the ceiling white
Rationale: This interior decorating rule suggests that white ceilings are the most versatile and visually appealing option.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Explore other ceiling colors, such as light gray, soft blue, or even a deep and dramatic hue. A colored ceiling can add a unique and unexpected touch to a room.
Visual Examples: Rooms with colored ceilings, demonstrating how they can create a dramatic and impactful effect.
23. Avoid using mirrors in small spaces
Rationale: This rule suggests that mirrors can make small spaces feel cramped and overwhelming.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Strategically placed mirrors can actually make a small space feel larger and brighter. Consider placing mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light and create the illusion of depth.
Visual Examples: Show small spaces that successfully incorporate mirrors, demonstrating how they can create a sense of spaciousness and brightness.
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24. Don’t place furniture in front of radiators
Rationale: This rule is often based on practical concerns about blocking heat.
Arguments for breaking the rule: With proper planning and insulation, you can successfully place furniture in front of radiators. Consider using radiator covers or screens to protect furniture and ensure efficient heat distribution.
Visual Examples: Spaces with furniture placed in front of radiators, demonstrating how this can be done effectively and stylishly.
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E. Mixing Shapes/Styling with Accessories
25. Only use round or square shapes
Rationale: This rule suggests that mixing shapes can create visual chaos and make a space feel unbalanced.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Mixing shapes – round, square, rectangular, triangular – adds visual interest and dynamism to a space. Incorporate a variety of shapes in furniture, lighting, and decorative accessories.
Visual Examples: Rooms that successfully mix different shapes, such as a room with a round coffee table, square end tables, and a rectangular sofa.
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26. Avoid mixing modern and traditional styles
Rationale: This rule suggests that mixing styles can create a visually confusing and incoherent look.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Eclectic mixing of styles can create a unique and personal aesthetic. Combine modern pieces with antique finds, vintage accents, and global influences for a truly one-of-a-kind look.
Visual Examples: Show rooms that successfully mix modern and traditional elements, such as a room with a contemporary sofa paired with an antique rug and vintage artwork.
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27. Stick to one dominant style
Rationale: This rule suggests that adhering to a single style creates a cohesive and polished look.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Embrace a diverse range of styles to create a truly personal and eclectic space. Mix minimalist elements with bohemian touches, industrial accents with rustic charm.
Visual Examples: Rooms that successfully blend different styles, such as a room that combines industrial elements with Scandinavian minimalism.
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28. Avoid using too many accessories
Rationale: This rule suggests that too many accessories can create clutter and visual chaos.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Accessories add personality and warmth to a space. Curate a collection of meaningful objects and display them thoughtfully to create a personalized and engaging atmosphere.
Visual Examples: Spaces that successfully incorporate a variety of accessories, such as books, plants, artwork, and decorative objects.
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29. Keep accessories neutral
Rationale: This rule suggests that neutral accessories are more versatile and easier to coordinate.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Introduce pops of color and personality with vibrant accessories. Use colorful throw pillows, decorative objects, and artwork to add visual interest and reflect your individual style.
Visual Examples: Rooms that successfully incorporate colorful accessories, such as a room with vibrant throw pillows, colorful artwork, and a collection of colorful vases.
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30. Avoid using too many different finishes
Rationale: This rule, often cited within traditional interior decorating rules, suggests that mixing finishes can create a visually jarring and uncoordinated look.
Arguments for breaking the rule: Mixing different finishes, such as wood, metal, glass, and natural materials, can add depth and texture to a space.
Visual Examples: Spaces that successfully mix different finishes, such as a room with a combination of wood, metal, glass, and natural materials like stone or marble.
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III. Conclusion
Ultimately, the most important rule in interior decorating is to trust your own instincts. While the decorating rules we’ve explored offer valuable insights and a common language, they should never dictate your personal style. Embrace experimentation, embrace imperfections, and most importantly, embrace the joy of creating a space that truly reflects your unique personality and way of life.
Remember, your home should be a sanctuary – a place where you feel comfortable, inspired, and truly yourself. So, break free from the constraints of rigid interior decorating rules, embrace your individuality, and let your creativity shine through in every corner of your home. Start breaking the rules and create a home that truly reflects your unique style!
IV. Interior Decorating Rules: FAQs
Q: Are there any interior decorating rules that should never be broken?
A: While it’s important to challenge conventional wisdom, some basic design principles like balance, proportion, and scale are crucial for creating a harmonious and functional space. These principles provide a foundation for your creative exploration.
Q: How do I know which rules to break and which to follow?
A: Trust your gut! If a rule feels restrictive or doesn’t resonate with your personal style, consider breaking it. Experiment, see what works for you, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Q: What if I’m afraid to break the rules?
A: Start small. Begin by breaking one or two minor rules that you feel comfortable with. Gradually increase your comfort level as you gain confidence in your own design choices.
Q: Where can I find inspiration for breaking design rules?
A: Explore design magazines, interior design blogs, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Visit design museums and art galleries. Attend home decor shows and visit local design stores. Most importantly, observe the world around you and draw inspiration from nature, architecture, and everyday life.
Q: How can I ensure my “rule-breaking” design still looks cohesive?
A: Create a unifying theme or color palette. Use repetition of shapes, textures, or materials to tie the room together. Pay attention to the overall balance and flow of the space.
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