There are many unwritten rules when it comes to interior design, as people share different opinions on what styles should and shouldn’t be used. These opinions are found in magazines, television programs, social media, and even online comment sections.
While reading about different perspectives is perfect for inspiration, the open conversation about interiors has led to the idea of interior 'rules.' Even though interior design should first and foremost be about expression, personal style, and creating a home you love.
In this blog, we will explore popular interior 'rules' to question, as they may just be the perfect choice for you.
Don’t use dark colours in small spaces
It’s unclear how the idea that dark colours should never be used in small rooms became gospel in interior design. A belief that suggests that painting a small room in a dark colour will make it feel dingy, cave-like, and cramped, rather than cosy and dramatic.
Using a dark colour palette can create a striking impact in even the smallest rooms. One area where this approach is particularly popular is in guest bathrooms, as they are among the easiest spaces to transform. With just the walls, hand towels, and a few small décor items to consider, it’s simple to achieve a dramatic look.
Ceilings should be white
Choosing any colour other than white for ceilings causes a lot of controversary as people believe it lowers the ceiling and makes a room feel smaller.
White is a popular choice because it serves as a neutral backdrop that won’t overshadow the carefully selected colours of the other walls in the room. However, the ceiling shouldn’t be overlooked, as it can be decorated to complement the existing colours in the room or even become a focal point. This is why more and more people are choosing dark colours, bright colours, or even murals for their ceilings.
Stick to one aesthetic for a more cohesive look
Since the rise of the popular 'Cottagecore' aesthetic in 2020, the emergence of new aesthetics has felt continuous. Driven by the rapid pace of TikTok and the fleeting nature of interior design trends, it can be challenging to keep up with the various aesthetics.
You have trends like Whimsigoth, Dark Academia, and Coastal grandma, among many others. Each aesthetic a carefully curated collection of colours, patterns, and fabrics, often inspired by a specific decade or film.
Defining these styles allows people to find inspiration from others with similar tastes, making it easier to search for and shop the looks they want to recreate.
However, sticking to a specific aesthetic can limit your interior shopping and styling, especially if the inspiration you initially sought from those aesthetics starts to restrict your design choices. You might find yourself drawn to a decorative ornament or cushion that doesn’t quite complement the aesthetic, but you like it anyway. This isn’t a bad thing. Your home should reflect who you are, what you like, and serve as an extension of your hobbies and interests. While it’s fun to draw inspiration from aesthetics, it should never prevent you from incorporating different styles and exploring new ideas.
Don’t put the TV above the fireplaces
The placement of a television in a home depends on various factors, including the layout, personal preferences, and the ideal spot for watching shows. However, one location often criticised is above the fireplace.
While there isn’t a definitive reason for this sentiment, many believe that the fireplace should serve as the room’s focal point.
Many people either overlook this guideline because they prefer to place their TV above the fireplace, or because it’s the only viable option in their space. This trend has become even more common as televisions increasingly serve as focal points in rooms, especially with the rise of media walls.
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