10 Interior Design Rules You Should Ignore

10 Interior Design Rules You Should Ignore

Abandon the Single-Style Approach

Interior designers have long recommended adhering to single-style approaches when decorating. But the reality is, single-style choices can limit your creativity and design possibilities. To unlock a world of design opportunities, you’ll want to forget the single-style rule.

Rather than sticking to one interior design style, many experts now recommend creating a blended aesthetic. This concept allows you to mix and match different styles and create a personalized space that is unique to your own personality and tastes. The beauty of this approach is that you can change your décor as often as you change your mood. Plus, it allows you to make updates on a smaller budget, since you don’t have to buy brand new items every time you want to give your room a fresh look.

When you’re ready to break away from the single-style approach, start by selecting a few key pieces that will act as staples in your space. For example, consider investing in an iconic chair or couch and anchor the room around it. Then, slowly add complementary pieces over time, such as vintage accents or luxe textiles. By combining elements of different styles, you can create a curated mix of art, antiques, and mid-century modern pieces.

And don’t forget the power of color! Adding plenty of hues and textures can also bring different styles together. Experiment with bright shades to really make an impact or stick with softer tones for a calm and collected look. Choose a few accent colors throughout the room to tie everything together.

The beauty of abandoning the single style approach is that there are no limitations to your creativity. With this approach, you can express yourself and your individual taste without sacrificing aesthetics. So say goodbye to interior design rules and don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles for a décor that really stands out.

Don’t Dismiss Big and Bold

Don’t Dismiss Big and Bold

When it comes to interior design, there’s a common misconception that everything should be small and subtle. Big and bold spaces can be just as stylish and modern, with a few tricks to tie it into the rest of the design. Here are some rules you should ignore to make big and bold work in your space:

• Don’t be afraid to use large furniture – Bigger pieces of furniture are often better for making a bold statement in your interior design. Furniture such as sofas, beds, chairs, and tables should all be chosen with size and colour in mind, to create a true impact.
• Don’t be afraid to use lots of colour – If you’re looking to make a statement, go wild with colours! Choose bright and contrasting shades to add vibrancy and to draw attention to the space. A few pieces of large artwork in varied colours can also help to tie the room together.
• Don’t stick to one type of fabric or material – Don’t be afraid to mix textures and patterns. Heavy fabrics mixed with light materials can create balance and visual interest between the elements of the design.

Big designs don’t have to break the bank. With the right resources, big and bold designs can look expensive without costing a fortune. Invest in a few well-made pieces of furniture, some unique accessories and artworks, and you’ll be on your way to creating an interior style that is sure to impress.

Big designs don’t have to break the bank. With the right resources, big and bold designs can look expensive without costing a fortune.

You can also create bold designs with lighting. You can use either dramatic ceiling spotlights or traditional table lamps to create an intense ambiance. A mixture of both can also look great, and uplights and downlights can be used to draw attention to certain areas of your space.

Big and bold interior designs don’t have to break the bank. With the right resources, you can create an unforgettable statement that stands out from the crowd.

Embrace Creative Color Combinations

Balance Bold Colors with Neutrals

Are you afraid to use a little color in your interior design? It’s time to embrace bold and beautiful color combinations. We can all agree that black, white, and neutrals will never go out of style, and you can use them to balance out the look of your space. But if you are looking to make your home feel more vibrant, consider adding in some rich colors and playing around with the different shades and hues.

Here are some creative color combinations you can try in your home:

• Navy and Gold – Navy adds a bit of sophistication to a room while gold gives it a touch of glamour.
• Mustard and Emerald – The contrast between mustard and emerald creates a stunning dynamic.
• Terracotta and Turquoise – Terracotta adds warmth while turquoise brings in plenty of energy.
• Mauve and Sage – Mauve gives off a luxurious vibe while sage injects a calming atmosphere.
• Marigold and Plum – Marigold gives an uplifting energy while plum offers depth.

Remember, it’s all about balance. Use bold colors as accents or statement pieces, but keep the bulk of the room neutral. This way you can create an inviting atmosphere that showcases the colors you love in a way that isn’t overwhelming.

Don’t be afraid to be adventurous with colors. Whether you’re working with subtle pastels or bright and bold shades, with a little bit of creativity, you can easily create a unique space that will make everyone feel right at home.

Play with Different Sizes and Shapes

When it comes to interior design, it’s easy to get lost in the endless rules and regulations about what is ‘right’ and ‘good’. From classical symmetry to strict proportions and identical furniture, the list of hard and fast rules can often seem overwhelming. But interior design isn’t an exact science – and it doesn’t have to be boring either.

One of the most important rules to break (or at least bend a bit) is playing with different sizes and shapes. We’re not talking abstract art here, but adding slight variations in furniture, accessories, and décor that can inject some style and personality into any room.

This doesn’t mean that you should abandon all sense of proportion and design – but think outside the box a bit. Playing with different sizes and shapes doesn’t mean randomly placing furniture and décor without thought or consideration – it’s all about composition.

As an example, if you’re looking to update your living room, why not mix up the furniture shapes a bit? Different chairs can add tension to the space, while an ottoman or throw rug can really add texture and interest. Or maybe think about mis-matched cushions – two small couch cushions followed by one large one adds a subtle, eye-catching difference.

If you want to go for something a bit more bold, why not mix up furniture shapes by combining a traditional wingback armchair with a modern, egg-shaped chair – or try something fun like pairing a shell-back chair with an angular leather sofa.

To keep the look consistent, try sticking to the same color palette and materials, then mix up the shapes for contrast. A few oval shapes here, some sharp angles there – the key is in keeping it subtle and carefully chosen so that nothing looks out of place or mismatched.

Still not convinced? Here are some numbers to get you thinking:

These figures indicate that having a certain percentage of shapes (between 50-70%) in a room can help create a balanced aesthetic. Going above 70% can be too much for some spaces – so just keep this in mind when playing with furniture sizes and shapes.

At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun with your space and breaking the rules of interior design every now and then – so don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes and shapes. You may be surprised at what you come up with!

Mix Textures and Patterns

In the world of interior design, rules and regulations might feel like a straitjacket, stifling creativity and preventing you from achieving the look and feel your home deserves. That’s why many people are choosing to ignore the conventional interior design rules and go their own way. For example, mix textures and patterns are one of the 10 interior design rules you should ignore.

If your instinct tells you to take a risk in your living space by mixing textures and patterns, then don’t be afraid to go with it. Combining several different textures and patterns can create an interesting and unique design effect that looks totally amazing. It can feel luxurious and exciting, giving your living space an interesting and inviting atmosphere.

From fabrics to surfaces, textures of all kinds bring depth and character to your interior. Think about chunky knitted textures for blankets and sofas, natural fibres for rugs, leather for chairs and cushions, metal for accessories, marble for kitchen islands and counters, for example. Combining different textures can give your room a unique look as well as make it feel more alive.

Patterns can add a big statement to any living space. Whether they be bold or subtle, they can be used to create dramatic effects and bring an eye-catching aspect to the interior. Experiment with different shapes, sizes and prints to create a powerful atmosphere that stands out. Choose a pattern which complements the textures in your room – floral prints for furniture, delicate geometrics for rugs, zigzags for cushions – and mix them together for an edgy sophisticate vibe.

At the end of the day, trust your own judgement and be creative when it comes to mixing textures and patterns in order to express yourself and stay true to your own style. If you dare to be bold you can create something beautiful – and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Forget the Matching Furniture Sets

Interior design rules are made to be broken, and nowhere is this more relevant than when it comes to matching furniture sets. There is a common misconception that all the furniture in a room should match – that square peg won’t fit in a round hole, if you will – and for a long time this was the golden rule for interior design. However, times have changed, and so too should our approach to decorating.

Matching furniture doesn’t always work in terms of practicality, aesthetic, or budget. When it comes to small spaces, too many matching items can reduce the feeling of spaciousness; while in larger rooms, it can create an unexciting monotony that renders the entire room dull and lifeless.

The key to creating a balanced, homey atmosphere is to create contrast. Contrasting shapes, sizes, styles, textures and even colours can result in a room that is stylish and inviting, and offers something new each time you look at it. Here are just a few ways that you can go about constructing your own rule book:

• Mix Different Textures
• Choose a Color Palette
• Combine Contemporary & Vintage Pieces
• Be Authentic

Mix Different Textures

Mixing different textures adds an interesting twist to an interior design and can make an ordinary space into something extraordinary. By combining fabrics of different textures, such as soft velvets and woven linens, you can add drama to a room. Just be careful not to go overboard – too many surfaces can lead to a cluttered and overcrowded feel.

Choose a Color Palette

Choosing a pallette of colors is one of the simplest ways to add contrast without clashing. Use different tones to achieve a sense of harmony and warmth; for example, by combining pale pastels with bright pops of colour, or deep shades with soft shades, you can create a great juxtaposition.

Combine Contemporary & Vintage Pieces

Combining contemporary and vintage pieces is a sure-fire way to add character and charm to any space. Whether it’s modern furniture items paired with antique side tables or antique treasures paired with sleek modern lines, mixing and matching furniture styles can result in an interesting mismatch that still works perfectly.

Be Authentic

Designing your own home should be a fun and creative process that marks your individuality. Don’t be afraid to take risks – choose items that you love and that you’re comfortable with. Whether it’s unconventional wall decorations or weird furniture pieces, try to stay true to your tastes and design principles. The more unique your space is, the more “you” it will be!

“Designing your own home should be a fun and creative process that marks your individuality.”

So don’t be afraid to throw out the matching furniture rule book – it’s time to start creating unique, interesting spaces that reflect your own individual style!

Don’t be Afraid to Take Design Risks

Interior design has always been an art. It’s up to you, the creative and courageous homeowner, to make your house a home. Let your unique tastes and style be your guide, and don’t be afraid to break a few interior design rules along the way. Create personal spaces that reflect the true beauty of your home and make sure that you have fun while doing it!