Some interior design rules it’s OK to break

The old adage “rules are made to be broken” certainly holds true in interior design. With a good taste and a keen eye, there’s no limit to the elements you can include in your office, living room or kitchen design. The most seasoned interior designers rarely limit themselves to strict rules. Why? Because it’s a room’s cohesion and overall aesthetic – not its individual parts – that make it fashionable. If you’re in the process of redecorating, consider breaking these interior design “rules” to achieve a beautiful yet unique and interesting look.

Keep the walls of small rooms light and creamy

For ages, you may have heard that it’s best to use only ivories and creams on the walls of tiny rooms. However, when done right, dark paints or ornate wallpapers can really make the room stand out.

The lifestyle website Lonny advises that dark colors can create an optical illusion by preventing the eye from conceptualizing the room’s depth. If you paint a tiny room a dark blue or grey, accent it with lots of mirrors and shiny fixtures.

You may also want to play up the room’s appeal by adding festive wallpaper. “Put a large-scale printed fabric or wallpaper on the walls and even the ceiling,” interior designer Victoria Neale told House Beautiful. “It’s easier, safer, and less expensive to be dramatic in a small space.”

Pick either vintage or modern

Have you heard that you will throw off a room’s design style by including both contemporary and old-fashioned decor pieces? It’s time to revisit that myth. Using old and new items side by side contributes to an eclectic, creative aesthetic. Just make sure you have a close ratio of old items to new items so nothing sticks out like a sore thumb. Lonny also suggests sticking with neutral tones to keep the space from feeling too busy.

Your living room needs a sofa and coffee table

It may be difficult to even wrap your mind around the idea of not having a sofa or coffee table – they’re such staples in the world of furniture – but there are plenty of other possibilities to try out. Two large armchairs upholstered with beautiful fabric can make for a stylish alternative. And that coffee table? House Beautiful suggests replacing it with an ottoman, and setting a tray on top to hold drinks. This way, if you need extra seating, you can simply remove the tray and use the ottoman for guests’ comfort.