Go Against Interior Design Rules to Create Your Dream Home

by Evelyn Long

When decorating your home, it feels like you have to follow a long list of interior design rules. Conforming to these guidelines can help you achieve an aesthetically-pleasing and highly balanced space. However, the results may not align with your unique taste.

The truth is that many interior design rules are more about convention than necessity. Stepping away from the guidelines and incorporating your own style can do more good for your home. By considering your lifestyle and preferences, you can achieve a design that feels like an extension of your identity.

Common Interior Designs Rules and Why They May Not Apply to You

Interior designers create rules to guide homeowners in creating well-rounded, visually appealing spaces. Yet, following them too rigidly can prevent you from creating a home that reflects your true personality and style. Explore some of these principles below.

1. Stick to Neutral Colors for Large Spaces

Traditional interior design suggests using neutral tones like whites, grays or beiges for larger areas, such as living rooms or primary bedrooms. In fact, 29% of professionals will tell you to go with the minimalistic approach because neutral colors are a safe bet for keeping spaces airy and versatile.

While these shades can be calming, they’re not the only option. If you love bold colors, why not let that personality shine throughout your home? Adding a bright magenta wall, a deep purple accent or experimenting with patterns can breathe life into your space, making it feel uniquely yours.

2. Furniture Should Match the Scale of the Room

This principle emphasizes proportion, stating that furniture should align with a room’s dimensions to prevent overwhelming the space or making it feel too sparse. However, proportionality is not the end-all of interior design.

You may find comfort in a large, plush sofa that takes up more room than the “correct” size. Or, if mixing larger and smaller pieces makes your space feel comfortable, you can choose that option. Your home should make you feel at ease, so do what makes you feel most joyful.

3. Stick to One Design Style Throughout the Home

Many designers recommend sticking to one theme, whether minimalist, rustic or mid-century modern. This design rule makes your entire home feel well-balanced, as too many styles can make a house feel disjointed.

On the contrary, mixing styles can result in a more interesting space reflecting the different facets of your personality. If you love a good mix of vintage and modern pieces, who will stop you from going for it? Some people prefer to pair various styles to bring more depth and authenticity to their homes.

Breaking Design Rules to Achieve Your Dream Home

Breaking the so-called interior design guidelines doesn’t mean you must throw caution to the wind. Rather, it’s about knowing which rules are worth bending to make your home feel like a true reflection of your taste. Some creative ways to push the boundaries involve the following.

1. A Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

To modernize your kitchen, you may feel you have to replace your old cabinets. However, replacing your entire cabinetry can be costly and time-consuming. Plus, tackling the project on your own can be labor-intensive.

The smarter approach would be to give your existing ones a facelift. A simple way to achieve this may be staining or refinishing them. If you want something more unconventional, consider removing the top cabinet doors for an open-shelf look to add an airy, casual feel to your kitchen. It’s also a great way to showcase your favorite dishes or cookware, blending functionality and style.

2. Make Asymmetry Your Friend in the Living Room

Traditional design trends favor symmetry in living spaces. Balance can contribute to a harmonious environment. However, imperfections can add interest and flair to your home.

Try experimenting with asymmetrical layouts to create a lived-in energy. Instead of aligning your furniture perfectly, stagger them at unexpected angles. You could also arrange the mantel display in a way that looks mismatched. Playing around with the flow of different spaces is best until you find what works.

3. Free the Frames in Wall Decor

It’s typical to hang art at eye level and use similar-styled frames. Yet, the beauty of wall decor is that you can mix and match to your heart’s desire.

Incorporate art at various levels, mixing frame styles and using different objects. Or, go for something bolder and hang artwork lower than usual and in unexpected places. When increasing variety and playing with placement, your walls will tell an intriguing story.

4. Use Layers of Light

Instead of limiting yourself to a chandelier or overhead fixture, you could layer multiple light sources to create depth and warmth. Consider mixing floor lamps, table lamps, string lights or sconces to create a cozy atmosphere.

Different lighting sources allow you to adjust how your home feels. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or unwinding after a long day, lighting serves your functional and personal needs.

5. Mix It Up With Textures

Incorporating similar elements throughout a space may make a uniform look, but it can also make your home feel like it’s missing something. Try adding contrast with different materials. These can include a mixture of plush, soft textiles like velvet or faux fur with rougher elements like wood or metal.

Think of pairing a sleek leather sofa with chunky knit throws or using a smooth marble table alongside woven baskets. This mix of textures adds warmth, turning your home into a true sensory experience.

6. Create a Moody Look in Smaller Spaces

Interior designers have repeatedly praised the need to use lighter colors in small spaces to make them feel bigger. While this can achieve a more open feel, some people prefer to make a room feel cozy and intimate. Darker interiors in smaller spaces can do just that.

Deep, rich tones like navy, charcoal or emerald can make it feel like a place to retreat. You can also pair dark walls with soft lighting and layered textures to prevent the room from feeling closed off. By going moody, you turn a small space into an inviting escape, proving that big design impact can happen in even the smallest corners of your home.

Lean Toward Freedom to Design Your Dream Home

Instead of designing a home based on a collection of trends or rules, you should make it represent who you are. While interior design rules can offer helpful guidance, they are simply suggestions.

You have the option to do whatever you want, whether that is following the rules or breaking them. However, steering away from these conventions allows you to create a home that aligns with your personality and tastes for a one-of-a-kind space.

Evelyn Long is the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine, where she writes on interior design and home organization content. She is passionate about making home styling easier for all homeowners and renters by writing about home interior trends. Subscribe to renovated.com/subscribe for more posts by Evelyn!