10 Outdated Interior Design Rules Worth Breaking
Interior design rules provide structure for creating harmonious spaces, but some have become outdated. Breaking these rules allows for personal expression and creativity, leading to unique and striking designs. While guidelines offer a solid foundation, embracing flexibility ensures spaces feel fresh and distinctive.
1. Following Trends Blindly
While keeping up with design customs and trends can be instructive and beneficial, blindly following them without considering one’s own style or available space can result in dated and boring designs. In addition, trends shift swiftly, so what is in style now might not be in a few months. Designers and homeowners who strictly follow trends risk creating spaces that lack timeless and classic appeal.
Instead of blindly following interior designs, new ideas are emerging for creating a space that reflects the users’ personal preferences and lifestyle. Designing with a focus on longevity and uniqueness allows for greater adaptability, ensuring that the space remains relevant and inviting for years. So, while staying up to date on interior design trends is essential, you should always use them with caution and discernment.
2. Painting Ceilings White
In building and interior design, painting ceilings white has long been considered common practice. White ceilings became popular for a variety of reasons, including their ability to reflect light and create a greater sense of height in the room. White or light neutral colors may still work well for ceilings in some designs, but white is not always the best option. White highlights rather than hides moisture damage or stains in rooms prone to these issues. It is also a generic look that does not make a statement.
Designers and homeowners are starting to consider ceilings as a fifth wall in terms of color and pattern. To create a striking visual appeal, many are adding wallpaper or painting the ceiling the same color as the wall, or even a darker shade. Another strategy is to add molding to give the surface depth and texture.
3. Stick to the 60-30-10 Color Rule
While the 60-30-10 rule provides balance, it can feel restrictive. Modern design embraces bold, unconventional color combinations, from monochromatic palettes to vibrant maximalist schemes. A more flexible approach allows for greater creativity and personal expression in any space.
4. Open Shelving is Always Practical
While open shelving can look beautiful, it requires constant organization and can easily become a cluttered mess. Homeowners are now opting for a mix of open and closed storage, using cabinets and hidden compartments to maintain a sleek, organized look.
5. Furniture Must Match
Matching furniture sets were once a staple of well-designed interiors, but today’s best designs embrace contrast. Mixing furniture pieces with different finishes, textures, and styles creates a curated, lived-in look rather than a showroom feel.
6. All Wood Stains Should Match
Adhering to a single color of wood stain was a rule intended to create cohesive and harmonious spaces. One of the main disadvantages of this method is that it can produce a monotonous and uninteresting aesthetic. This rule can also limit creativity, as designers may avoid certain furniture and decor due to the “wrong” stain color. This can be a difficult rule to break because combining furniture with different wood stains can feel off, but a better approach is to layer pieces with different stain colors throughout the room. This will result in a design with more depth and an organic appearance.
There are some best practices for combining wood tones. These are not hard and fast rules, but they will help you mix wood stains more successfully. First, while mixing wood stain colors is effective, it is best to stick to wood colors that have the same undertone, either warm or cool. Choose one light, medium, and dark wood stain to use in the room. Finally, try to use the same wood color more than once throughout the design.
7. Avoid Mixing Multiple Patterns
Minimizing the number of bold and strong patterns in a room has long been thought to be the most effective way to avoid visual overload while maintaining cohesion and harmony. Mixing multiple patterns throughout a room is difficult to do well, and it can make a room feel overly stimulating, but this rule can also limit creativity.
The use of multiple patterns and textures in a single design is consistent with the growing popularity of maximalist design, but it also provides greater flexibility to everyone. Bold patterns add layers of interest and intrigue to create personality, drama, and excitement. In addition, contrary to popular belief, using multiple colorful patterns in a room can actually promote unity. By varying the scale, texture, and color of patterned furniture and decor, designers can create visual interest without overwhelming the senses.
8. Don’t Layer Rugs Over Carpet
Though once discouraged, layering rugs on carpet can hide stains, add warmth, and enhance style. Opt for flatweave or low-pile rugs for a smoother look, vary colors for contrast, and choose a size that anchors furniture for a balanced design.
9. Stick to a Cohesive Design Style
Sticking to one design style creates cohesion but can feel predictable. Modern trends embrace eclectic mixes—combining elements from different styles like bohemian, modern, and vintage. This personalized approach makes spaces feel more authentic and reflective of individual lifestyles.
10. Wall Art at Eye-Level
Hanging art at eye level is a classic rule for visibility, but it can feel predictable. Experimenting with different heights or leaning pieces against walls and shelves adds visual interest. Consider architectural elements, furniture, and artwork size to create a dynamic display