DECORATING RULES THAT YOU SHOULD BREAK NOW
Just signed
a new lease for a nice new apartment in serangoon
and you’re not sure what you are supposed to and not supposed to do in terms of
decorating? Have no fear. We’re all privy to the sometimes-overwhelming number
of rules in décor and design. The coterie of rules
can be endless – ceilings must be white, the sofa should always be neutral,
don’t mix patterns, and the list goes on and on. However, sometimes rules are
meant to be broken. Take a good look at some of the most captivating interior
spaces and it becomes apparent that sometimes beauty lies
within rebellion.
Read on for
some decorating rules that are meant to be thrown out the window.
1. Don’t mix
patterns
Don’t be
afraid of mixing
prints and patterns in your home. You shouldn’t feel the need to
restrict the number of patterns or prints you incorporate into your space. As
long as it is done tastefully and carefully, mixing and matching patterns is a
wonderful way to exude a carefree, bohemian vibe.
2. Small
furniture for small rooms
The logic
that gave rise to this rule is due to the law of proportions. Logic goes that a
smaller space will appear bigger if you use smaller pieces of furniture.
However, just because you have a smaller space, you shouldn’t be afraid to
incorporate some big ideas. You can still play around with proportions, like
adding a couch that may take up an entire living room, or adding a large
oversized painting as the focal point in a small room.
3. Chair
legs must be entirely on a rug, or entirely off
Now this
rule is just plain nonsense. Who’s to say that your chairs or sofas have to be
right inside the boundaries of a rug? Instead of sticking to a rule like this,
consider what’s best for the look and proportions of the room that you’re
decorating.
4. A living
room demands a couch
A couch is
probably the most prominent piece in every living room. However, having a couch
is not a must in design and décor. This might just end up being what makes all
living rooms out there look the same. Instead, embrace your individuality. You
can consider a whole combination of seating options. For example, instead of a
large couch, go for a settee and several armchairs.
5. Art can
only be hung on the wall
This is
another outdated approach to decorating. Traditionally, art was hung from
chains suspended from rails close to the ceiling. This is how you’ll find most
artwork still being hung in old stately homes. However, there are actually a
number of other places for you to put your art. For example, you can prop a
piece of large artwork against a wall, or even as a cluster of pieces on a
shelf. As long as there’s a flat surface, your options are essentially
limitless.
5. Clutter
is bad
You’ve
probably heard it a gazillion times from a bazillion home experts: clutter is
bad. However, sometimes, the cluttered look is essential to some design styles,
like quintessential country house. If you have a lot of valued and interesting
things, why not find ways to display all of them in a chic way? If having an
interesting display of your possessions is still considered clutter, then call
us hoarders by all means.
6. Overhead
lighting is a must
Overhead
lighting is not all it’s cracked up to be. Rather, you should consider a range
of different lighting options for your space. For example, mix and match floor
lamps, table lamps and wall sconces for a combined and cozy ambiance instead of
just a single glaring overhead light.
7. Every
room needs a pop of color
Although a
pop of color can add vibrance to a room, don’t feel like you have to include it
if it isn’t your thing. Sometimes, a chic neutral palette (when done right) can
be equally as beautiful as a boldly colored space.
8. All
windows need a treatment
Window
treatments are a good way to add visual interest. However, for some spaces,
having a blank window is sometimes better. For example, if you have a modern
home, those gorgeous oversized windows may end up being hidden by curtains and
blinds, which end up detracting from the overall vibe of your space.
9. Furniture
looks best lining the wall
This has
been the most classic home décor rule. However, be a bit rebellious and learn
to play with your furniture placement. If the space allows and it the
proportions are right, consider playing your furniture off the walls. Float a long thin table behind the couch, or use
hollow bookshelves as room dividers.
10. Ceilings
should be white
While it’s
true that white ceilings visually extend the height of a room, it can be a
boring choice for many. Sometimes, you can paint the ceiling the same colors as
your walls to add a dimension of cohesiveness. If you’re really creative, paint
your ceiling a beautiful color and leave your walls white instead. Whatever it
is, don’t ignore the space above your head.
11. Light
colors for small rooms
A small room
does not have to always be painted a light color. Although it might
theoretically open up the space, there is always the possibility of embracing
the opposite theory. Consider embracing the cozy smaller space with a dark and
dramatic color. For example, why not paint a guest bedroom a gorgeous and cozy
burgundy? Likewise, paint bathrooms a striking Tiffany blue or emerald green to
inject make an even bolder statement.
