Decorating ‘rules’ you should ignore

Over the years interior decorating has picked up several “rules” that are treated like unyielding laws of design. Most have to do with maintaining singular style throughout every room or even the same room.

There are seven popular rules than can be broken by an adept designer.

One can mix and match different styles of decorating including, art, furniture, and hardware as long as the styles work with each other. Ceilings can be other colors besides the mainstay of white, and for that matter, smaller rooms can be darker colors as well. For the dining room a rug is not always necessary unless it is a larger space where a rug defines a dining area. Hanging art does not need to patronize just one artist or style nor does it need to be at eye level like in a formal gallery.

7 Key Points:

A design scheme that is well-thought and coherent can include different styles and motifs.
Hardware such as handles etc don’t always have to match.
Dining rooms don’t always need a rug unless it helps define the effect you are after.
Old rules like a ceilings must be white are outdated and can be altered to fit one’s scheme.
Art work should be heterogeneous in style and artist. There is no need to be uniform or patronise a certain artist.
Art work can be hung at different levels (not always at eye level).
Small rooms don’t have to be white or bright.

“You don’t have to design an eclectic space to incorporate a piece that doesn’t fit with the interior-design style of the room,” Santulli said “A traditional piece can be updated with modern fabrics and finishes, and rustic pieces can add rich and organic texture.”