6 Outdated Decorating Rules Worth Breaking

The interior design industry is similar to the fashion industry in many ways. Catwalks and showrooms are preparing us for the new season, with an ebb and flow of new collections, colors and trends.

Just like in fashion, big changes happen every now and then. From swapping heels for sneakers at work to choosing wide-leg jeans after years of skinny jeans, some changes are more than just fleeting trends – they’re game-changing design decisions.

Important changes are taking place in the world of interior design trends. And we have a feeling they’ll dictate how we decorate for years to come.

We spoke to interior designers and industry experts to reveal which longstanding, fundamental design rules they’re breaking now. And how this will pave the way for a new era of design…

1. Make every room as light and bright as possible

(Image credit: Little Greene)

We have long been consistently advised to lighten and lighten any room to make it feel as open and airy as possible. And while this is a great idea for many rooms, some rooms will benefit more from embracing the dark side.

“A common rule you often see when painting your home is not to use dark shades in a small space, and while that may be the case at times, it’s a rule I’d like to see more homeowners break says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams.

“One of the most common misconceptions is that small, dark rooms need light, bright colors to make them appear larger or more open,” says Jena Quinn, one of the founders of Studio QD. “Contrary to this belief, the natural coziness of a dark room can actually create a more inviting and lush environment through the use of rich, deep tones.”

“Dark walls and accents add depth and sophistication, transforming what might have been seen as a limitation into an opportunity for warmth and luxury,” adds Jena. “Don’t fight the darkness – embrace it and watch as it uplifts the entire room.”

“Using dark colors in a smaller room can actually create a beautiful and dramatic space if used wisely,” says Emily. “I love using bold and dark colors in the guest bathrooms. “It’s a space that encourages experimentation and allows your guests to glimpse a more dramatic personality without affecting the entire home.”

2. Your furniture must fit together

Living room with green button-down sofa and botanical armchair

(Image credit: Studio QD)

While it was once assumed that choosing fully coordinated furniture sets was the best way to achieve a luxurious and intentionally designed space, this is no longer the case.

“It’s a myth that only matching sets create a cohesive look; “Rooms benefit from variety and character,” says Victoria Fletcher, senior buyer at Garden Trading.

“Customers are often nervous about combining furniture and choose a sofa and matching armchairs to be on the safe side,” says Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish. “But a space feels much more dynamic when the eye can perceive each piece as an individual moment.”

“That doesn’t mean that each piece has to have a completely different pattern or color. You can create a characterful space with understated tones simply by mixing materiality and age,” continues Caroline. “Combining vintage finds with contemporary pieces is a great way to achieve aesthetic appeal.”

“For me, a room should tell a story that is visually appealing.” “Careful selection of furniture, art and accessories is essential to creating a space that feels inviting and interesting,” adds Caroline.

In this living room, the green button-down sofa is paired with a patterned cream armchair, and each piece blends well into the room, creating a focal point and complementing each other.

3. Choose a style and stick with it

Color-filled pink room with traditional panel radiator and modern art print

(Image credit: Fenwick & Tilbrook)

The idea of a “Scandinavian-style bedroom,” a “mid-century-style living room,” or an “industrial-style kitchen” was once considered a starting point for designing a room concept so you could make sure all the pieces you chose fit into the theme . This rule is now very easy to break, as decorating and styling is more fluid and carefree.

“Don’t be afraid to mix old and new styles.” “Combining vintage or antique pieces with modern elements can add depth and interest to a room,” says Jo Plant, design director at Pooky.

In this room, the Victorian-style cast iron column radiator sits beneath a contemporary geometric art print, creating a clear contrast of styles that is versatile and entertaining.

4. Be consistent with scaling

White living room with large statement pendant lamp, large black table lamps and parquet floors

(Image credit: Arteriors)

A fundamental design principle is to be consistent with scale. This means that all proportions of your pieces remain the same and in proportion to each other.

However, playing with scale in interior design can help create a focal point, draw attention to certain features and create a high-end look.

“It’s general advice not to play with size, but it’s another way to spruce up a space.” Large pieces can actually make small rooms seem larger. “In open areas, oversized lighting helps define the space,” says Jo.

Here, the oversized architectural pendant light as well as oversized table lamps work to add definition to this living area, creating a space that feels sophisticated and curated.

“Using restrained tones allows you to create character by simply mixing the scale of the pieces.” says Caroline.

In the monochrome scheme above, the large table lamps on relatively small side tables appear almost like statues, adding to the feeling of grandeur and elegance in the room.

5. Hang the artwork at eye level

Artwork hung all the way to the wall, with a round wooden table and a large rattan pendant

(Image credit: Neptune)

Many of us know, consciously or unconsciously, that works of art need to be positioned at eye level when we stand up. Breaking this rule is an easy way to create a space that’s more fun and has a more modern feel.

“An outdated idea is that artwork always needs to be hung at eye level,” says Lauren Gilbert-Thorpe, creative director at Lauren Gilbert-Thorpe Interiors. “Why not have some fun and play with size?” Arranging artwork on different levels can create a more dynamic and visually interesting gallery wall. Or leaning larger pieces against a wall or displaying them on shelves can give your space a relaxed yet curated feel,” adds Lauren.

Think about where you are most likely to be when viewing the artwork. If it’s at a dining table, could you lower your gallery wall so you and your guests can get a close look at your favorite pieces over dinner? Or could you make the most of your high ceilings by adorning your walls to the ceiling with artwork?

This is a great way to create a more creative, experimental home that feels unique and personal.

6. Do not use wallpaper in the kitchen

White shaker kitchen with gray wallpaper and coffee machine

(Image credit: Shani Core, Matt Horton)

For a long time, wallpaper was considered taboo for the kitchen, especially because the paper carries the risk of splashes and irreparable stains.

But thanks to modern technology, it’s a rule that designers are happy to break. “Wallpaper is back in style, and one of my favorite design rules to break is no wallpaper in the kitchen,” says Shani Core of Shani Core Interiors.

“New wallpaper making technology using cleanable materials means wallpaper can fit any room and can be used in place of a typical tile or stone, as a backsplash like I did here,” she says.

In the kitchen above, the wallpaper makes the room feel more like a pleasant space to relax in and not just a place to cook. If you’ve already chosen your wallpaper and it’s not specifically designed for the kitchen, simply brush a protective sealant over your design and you’re good to go.

In interior design, rules are meant to be broken. In fact, some of the best spaces are created by ignoring the old-fashioned rules that we all probably follow intuitively. Do what works best for you and your space, even if that means not playing it safe.

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