Rule are everywhere, even in the world of decor. we're often told to do this and not that, but if you follow those rules to literally, your space (for example that gorgeous townhouse in Sengkang) may end up been to straight-laced and lack personality. As they says, rules are for the guidance of the wise and for the obedience of fools. While they're meant to be taken with a grain of salt and not to be interpreted too literally, they can sometimes overwhelm and paralyze you if you're new to the parlance of decor. This is sure way to turn something that should be fun into a terrifying chore.
Instead trying to follow the rules, do what you love instead. It's time to throw these rules out of the window. So, who cares what the expert says? You are decorating your home, and you will be the one living there. So, your home should be an expression of you, not some fancy decorator that you've never met.
Read on for a list of 8 decorating rules that were meant to be broken
1. Dining chairs should all match
Conventional decor wisdom would tell you matchy-matchy is the way to go: that your dining chairs should match each other (and match your table). However, it isn't always so! Although a nice solid wood dining table witch matching chairs look good in certain spaces (like in traditional design), there's always the other end of the spectrum. Incorporating a number of different chairs (a la Monica in the TV show Friends) can fill your space with so much personality. If you love the number of different styles of chairs, you get to have them all instead of committing to just one. This also helps if you acquire most of your pieces from antique or vintage stores, as it can be hard to come by chairs in whole set.
2. Children arts belong on the fridge
If you're only been pinning you kids art on your fridge, then you've been missing out on so much potential. Your kid's art should be treasured pieces that deserve a prime place on your walls. This can also be a great resource for art that is not just budget-friendly art but also meaningful. Treat your kid's art as cherished pieces around to add a touch of your own history to your walls. Also, imagine how proud your child will be to see their pieces being so valued and prized.
3. Don't pain the ceiling
You've probably heard that keeping a ceiling white visually extends a room, giving in the perception of more height. However, this doesn't mean that painting it in color will bring your ceiling down and make it seem smaller. You might just be missing out on an opportunity to invest some fun and playfulness into your space. We're always seen those painted ceiling murals by old master in historic buildings. Take that as inspiration to add pattern and color onto your ceiling in a fresh and interesting way.
4. All-white rooms are flat and boring
Now, this rule can go either way of the spectrum. An all-white palette has the potential to be beautiful and chic yet still inviting and warm. However, one wrong step and it could veer towards cold and sterile. The key is, of course, to add visual interest to your all-white space. A monotonous color palette can look flat if all visual elements are similar. Instead, don't be afraid to mix in lots of different textures, shapes and materials to generate more variety. If white is what you love, don't be afraid to immerse your space in it.
5. Nightstands should match
While the rule of symmetry prevails in the field of design and architecture, it's not the only rule that exist. There is also the rule of asymmetry. This extends to your furniture and furniture layout as well. Don't think that you need to balance the placement of your furniture. Although symmetrical layouts are pleasing to the eye. asymmetry can be equally as appealing. Experimenting with your bedroom nightstand is a good place to start. You can consider using nightstand of different shapes but similar materials, or you could go the more extreme route and just use any surface piece that inspires you, such as chairs, barrels or even file cabinets.
6. Art should only be hung on the wall
While art is hung on the walls in most traditional spaces, you don't have to adhere to these more traditional rules of home decor. More modern spaces sometimes benefit from creative placement of art. For example, large artworks can look cool when precariously propped against the wall. Artwork arranged on a shelf is also a nice look that speaks volumes.
7. Don't mix pattern
This rule is the worse of them all. It just stifles the potential and creativity by restricting what you can and cannot mix together. In our opinion, you should just go with whatever your instinct tell you. Mix around bows, strips, polka dots and floral confidently. If it ends up looking like a hot mess, hey, at least you learn from the experience.
8. Wood and metallics need to match
Any rule that says things have to match should be thrown out the window. Just because your furniture is dark wood, doesn't mean that everything else has to be in the same wood stain. Likewise, just because you have brass fixtures, doesn't mean that all other metals must match. Let go of this notion and feel free to decide on whatever fit your fancy. Mixing woods and metals can be a wonderful way to inject balance into your space and can still look chic and intentional.