7 Interior Design Rules You Can Break

Like most things, interior design has “rules” that designers should follow. You may be familiar with some of these: don’t use dark colors in a small space, don’t mix metals, only use one wood finish, add a pop of color to every room. 

We are here to tell you that you can break these rules! But only if you want to, of course. That’s what we love about interior design. We can design and style your home to your tastes and preferences. If you want your powder room to have a black accent wall, do it. If you want to mix different metals, go ahead. If you want a sleek neutral look, we can make that happen. 

Here are some more interior design rules you can break. Go ahead, you have our permission. 

7 Interior Design Rules You Can Break

Rule: Avoid using dark colors in small spaces.

The idea behind this rule is that dark colors will make your small space look even smaller. Light and bright colors can open up a room and make it appear bigger. We think it’s perfectly okay to break this rule. Dark colors add drama and elegance to a space. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color palettes just because the space may be on the smaller side. 

Rule: All wood furnishings must have the same finishings.

They really don’t need to, though. Variation in wood finishings makes your room much more interesting. Try contrasting dark and light wood tones in your space.  

Rule: Don’t mix the old with the new.

Multiple styles can work within a room, as long as there is an element that ties everything together. This may be a color palette, pattern, or another object. If you have collection pieces or antiques, we love including them in our design styles. 

Rule: Add a pop of color to every room. 

We love adding in pops of color with throw pillows, art pieces, and floral arrangements. But you certainly don’t need to do this. A neutral room with different patterns and textures can still look incredible without any bright colors. 

Rule: Everything has to be done at once. 

Don’t feel like everything needs to be done at the same time. Your room should evolve over a period of time. Start with a plan and take your time. Buy only the things you love, not just objects to fill a space.

Rule: Don’t mix metals. 

While you may have heard about this with jewelry (“don’t mix silver and gold”), this rule can also apply to interior design. However, we love mixing metals! Our Design Director, Kristin, loves mixing black and gold, but you can mix any metals. When done correctly, it adds variety and looks amazing.

Rule: Ask friends and family what they think. 

This one is not a rule, per se, but it’s something we see a lot of clients do. While it can be tempting to ask others for their opinion, the only opinions that matter are from the people that are living in the home. If you and your family like something, then that’s all that matters. 

These rules can be great jumping off points if you’re unsure how to design your space, but they absolutely do not need to be followed. Our team loves thinking outside the box when it comes to incorporating different design styles, especially between couples! Which “rule” would you be happy to break? 

Trade Mark Interiors is a Sarasota interior design firm. We are passionate about our designs and we use our collaborative approach to immerse ourselves in our clients’ preferences and lifestyle. Contact us today to get started.