Design Rule #1: Avoid Mixing Patterns
Why It’s Outdated:
The notion that patterns shouldn’t be mixed stems from a desire for visual order and a fear of creating a chaotic look. However, mixing patterns can be a powerful tool for adding visual interest and personality to a space.
How To Break It:
- Choose a Dominant Pattern: Select a main pattern, such as a floral print on a rug, and use it as the anchor for your space. Then, introduce complementary patterns in smaller doses. For instance, use a striped throw pillow or a geometric patterned wall art to add texture and visual intrigue without overwhelming the room.
- Consider Scale and Color: When mixing patterns, pay attention to their scale and color palettes. Use patterns with contrasting scales, like a large-scale floral print paired with a smaller geometric design. This creates visual rhythm and prevents the patterns from blending into one another. Also, opt for patterns that share a common color palette for a cohesive look.
- Play with Texture: Don’t forget about the power of texture. A combination of smooth, textured, and woven materials can create a compelling visual experience. Think of a velvet sofa paired with a chunky knit throw and a sleek, metallic side table. This interplay of textures adds depth and dimension to the space.
Tip: When in doubt, start small. Introduce a patterned accent chair or throw pillow to a room with a neutral backdrop. If you love the effect, you can gradually incorporate more patterns.
Design Rule #2: Stick to Neutral Colors
Why It’s Outdated:
Neutral colors are often seen as safe and versatile, but they can also make a space feel bland and lackluster. Using bold colors can inject energy, personality, and a sense of vibrancy into your home.
How To Break It:
- Create a Focal Point: Choose one wall or feature in your room and paint it a bold, unexpected color. This creates a visual focal point and adds a touch of drama to the space. For example, paint your dining room accent wall a vibrant turquoise or use a bright red accent wall in your living room.
- Incorporate Statement Pieces: Add pops of color through furniture, rugs, or artwork. A bright green velvet armchair or a crimson-red ottoman can instantly liven up a neutral space.
- Use Color Accents: If you’re hesitant to go all-out with color, start with small accents. Introduce pops of color through throw pillows, curtains, or even artwork. These accents can add a touch of vibrancy without feeling overwhelming.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with color palettes. If you’re unsure about a bolder shade, try using it as a temporary accent before committing to a larger area.
Design Rule #3: Follow the “Matchy-Matchy” Rule
Why It’s Outdated:
Matching everything perfectly creates a sense of uniformity and predictability. A more eclectic approach can be far more interesting and expressive.
How To Break It:
- Mix and Match Furniture Styles: Combining different furniture styles, such as a vintage armchair with a modern coffee table, can create a unique and eclectic look. The contrast between the styles adds visual interest and depth to the space.
- Embrace Imperfection: Distressed wood, vintage textiles, or even slight imperfections can add character and a sense of history to your space. Embrace unique finds and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
- Layer Textures and Colors: Mix and match textures, patterns, and colors to create a dynamic and multi-dimensional look. For example, a plush velvet sofa could be paired with a distressed wood coffee table and a bright, patterned rug.
Tip: Start with a cohesive color palette to tie your eclectic pieces together. This creates a sense of harmony, even as you mix and match different styles.
Design Rule #4: Avoid Using Mirrors
Why It’s Outdated:
Mirrors are often seen as a tool for creating the illusion of space. However, mirrors can also be used to add depth, dimension, and visual interest to a room. They can reflect light, create a sense of movement, and even make a small space feel larger.
How To Break It:
- Use Mirrors Strategically: Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light and make a room feel brighter. Use mirrors to create a sense of depth by placing them on a wall that faces a window or a hallway.
- Experiment with Shapes: Don’t limit yourself to traditional rectangular mirrors. Experiment with round, oval, or even irregularly shaped mirrors to add visual interest and a touch of whimsy to the space.
- Incorporate Antique Mirrors: Antique mirrors with ornate frames can add a touch of history and elegance to a room. Their unique designs can become focal points and add a touch of grandeur to your decor.
Tip: Consider the size and placement of your mirrors. Large mirrors can make a space feel larger, while smaller mirrors can be used as decorative accents.
Design Rule #5: Don’t Use Too Much Artwork
Why It’s Outdated:
Artwork is a powerful tool for expressing your personality and adding visual interest to a space. Don’t be afraid to showcase your art collection, and let your walls tell a story.
How To Break It:
- Create a Gallery Wall: A gallery wall can be a fantastic way to display a collection of artwork, photographs, or even family heirlooms. The key is to create a cohesive look by using a common theme or color palette.
- Mix Sizes and Shapes: Don’t be afraid to mix sizes and shapes of artwork. A large, bold painting can be balanced by a collection of smaller prints or photographs.
- Embrace Texture: Don’t limit yourself to framed prints or paintings. Explore textured artwork, such as sculptures, tapestries, or even 3D wall hangings, to add depth and dimension to your space.
Tip: When creating a gallery wall, start with a central piece and work outwards. This will help you create a sense of balance and visual flow.
Design Rule #6: Don’t Use Dark Colors
Why It’s Outdated:
Dark colors can be just as versatile and inviting as lighter shades. They can create a sense of intimacy, sophistication, and even drama.
How To Break It:
- Use Dark Colors for Accent Walls: A dark accent wall can add depth and visual interest to a room without feeling overwhelming. Choose a rich navy blue, a deep emerald green, or a dramatic black for a statement-making effect.
- Incorporate Dark Furniture: Dark furniture, such as a velvet sofa, a mahogany coffee table, or a black leather armchair, can add sophistication and elegance to a space. Pair these pieces with lighter walls and accessories to create a balanced look.
- Create Contrast: Pair dark colors with lighter shades to create contrast and visual interest. For example, a dark gray sofa can be paired with white throw pillows and a lighter colored rug.
Tip: Pay attention to lighting when using dark colors. Adequate lighting is crucial to prevent a space from feeling too dark or gloomy.
Design Rule #7: Stick to a “Minimalist” Look
Why It’s Outdated:
Minimalism is often associated with simplicity and clean lines, but it can also feel sterile and impersonal. Incorporating personal touches and eclectic elements can make a space feel more welcoming and inviting.
How To Break It:
- Add Personal Touches: Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality through artwork, books, plants, or souvenirs. These personal touches add warmth and character to your space.
- Layer Textures and Patterns: Minimalism often relies on smooth surfaces and neutral colors. Introduce textures, patterns, and interesting materials to add visual interest and depth to your space.
- Experiment with Color: Don’t be afraid to introduce pops of color through furniture, art, or textiles. This can create a sense of warmth and vibrancy without sacrificing the minimalist aesthetic.
Tip: Start with a minimalist foundation and gradually introduce personal touches as you go. This allows you to create a space that feels both streamlined and welcoming.
Design Rule #8: Don’t Use Open Shelving
Why It’s Outdated:
Open shelving is a great way to display your belongings and add visual interest to a space. It can make a room feel more spacious and create a sense of openness.
How To Break It:
- Style Your Shelves: Open shelving provides an opportunity to showcase your personality and style. Display your favorite books, decorative objects, or even plants to create visual interest and personalize your space.
- Use a Variety of Shelf Sizes: Mix and match different sizes and depths of shelves to create a more dynamic look. This can add visual interest and prevent the shelves from appearing too uniform.
- Consider Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for showcasing your belongings on open shelves. Use accent lighting to highlight your favorite objects and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Tip: Keep your open shelves organized and clutter-free. This will prevent them from feeling overwhelming and ensure that they enhance the look of your space.
Design Rule #9: Avoid Using Bold Lighting Fixtures
Why It’s Outdated:
Lighting fixtures can be more than just functional elements. They can be statement pieces that add personality and style to a space.
How To Break It:
- Make a Statement: Choose a bold, unique lighting fixture as a focal point in your room. A chandelier, a pendant lamp, or even a unique floor lamp can add visual interest and make a statement.
- Consider the Shape and Size: Select a lighting fixture that complements the scale and style of your room. A large, ornate chandelier may be perfect for a grand living room, while a smaller, minimalist pendant lamp might be more suitable for a cozy bedroom.
- Embrace Texture and Material: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures and materials. A metallic pendant lamp, a woven rattan chandelier, or a glass table lamp can all add visual interest and depth to your space.
Tip: Consider the functionality of the lighting fixture. If you need task lighting for reading or working, choose a fixture with a directed light source. If you want ambient lighting, a more diffused light source might be a better choice.
Design Rule #10: Match Your Furniture to Your Walls
Why It’s Outdated:
Matching your furniture to your walls creates a sense of uniformity, but it can also make a space feel bland and lackluster. Introduce contrast by using furniture that stands out from your walls.
How To Break It:
- Use Contrasting Colors: A dark sofa against a light-colored wall or a bright green armchair against a neutral backdrop creates visual interest and makes your furniture stand out.
- Experiment with Texture: Introduce texture and pattern to your furniture to create a dynamic and multi-dimensional look. A velvet sofa, a leather armchair, or a wooden coffee table can all add texture and visual interest.
- Play with Scale: Use furniture pieces that are different in size and shape to add visual interest. A large, overstuffed sofa paired with a small, sleek armchair can create a dynamic and eclectic look.
Tip: When choosing furniture, consider the overall style of your room. If you have a minimalist aesthetic, you might want to stick with clean lines and neutral colors. If you prefer a more eclectic look, you can experiment with a wider range of styles and colors.
Embracing Unconventional Design
Breaking design rules isn’t about creating chaos; it’s about injecting personality, originality, and a touch of rebellion into your space. It’s about using the principles of design as a foundation, but then pushing the boundaries and expressing yourself through your interior.
Remember, the most successful interior design is always unique and personal. It tells a story about you and your passions, and it creates a space that feels comfortable and welcoming. So, don’t be afraid to break the rules and unleash your creative spirit. Your home is a reflection of your unique self, and it’s time to let that shine!
