7 Design Rules That are Definitely Worth Bending
Sometimes, doing something out of the ordinary in your home can look extraordinary. Check out these rule-breaking ideas for inspiration
Established design rules can be a huge help if you feel lost with your décor, but they can end up painting you into a corner. If you’re finding your interior a little on the dull side, or just want to shake things up a bit, check out these top design rules that you should definitely consider bending, twisting or even breaking.
Rule: Tiles can only be used in the kitchen and bathroom
Why you should break it: This eye-catching seating area proves that tiles can don’t have to be restricted to functional areas like a kitchen splashback. The dark yet reflective surface of these simple metro tiles makes a stunning feature wall, and proves once again that dark colours can be beautiful in a small space.
Discover how to use Victorian-style tiles in a modern setting
Why you should break it: This eye-catching seating area proves that tiles can don’t have to be restricted to functional areas like a kitchen splashback. The dark yet reflective surface of these simple metro tiles makes a stunning feature wall, and proves once again that dark colours can be beautiful in a small space.
Discover how to use Victorian-style tiles in a modern setting
Tiles can also create a dramatic wall treatment that provides interesting and unexpected texture.
Tip: Balance out the hard surface of tiles with extra textiles, such as curtains, a plush rug and plenty of cushions.
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Tip: Balance out the hard surface of tiles with extra textiles, such as curtains, a plush rug and plenty of cushions.
Fancy a vintage-style bedroom? Check out the 10 essential ingredients
Rule: Kitchens should have tiled walls
Why you should break it: As we’re fixing tiles to our bedroom walls, why not consider using other materials in the kitchen? With a low splashback in place to stop food splatters, the remaining walls of this kitchen are free to house this charming wallpaper. This helps the kitchen feel like a true part of the home rather than just a strictly functional space.
Tip: Use a sheet of glass to cover wallpaper and you won’t need a splashback at all.
Why you should break it: As we’re fixing tiles to our bedroom walls, why not consider using other materials in the kitchen? With a low splashback in place to stop food splatters, the remaining walls of this kitchen are free to house this charming wallpaper. This helps the kitchen feel like a true part of the home rather than just a strictly functional space.
Tip: Use a sheet of glass to cover wallpaper and you won’t need a splashback at all.
Rule: Kitchens should be neat and tidy
Why you should break it: Although the streamlined, all-white look remains popular, a kitchen can be sleek without everything hidden behind closed doors.
Restaurant-style open shelving creates a sense of whimsical disarray and reveals the human side of the kitchen, letting your pots, pans and other supplies become part of the décor. So don’t stress about getting that minimalist look. Let your kitchen tell a story by having your everyday items displayed proudly instead of locked away in cabinets.
Why you should break it: Although the streamlined, all-white look remains popular, a kitchen can be sleek without everything hidden behind closed doors.
Restaurant-style open shelving creates a sense of whimsical disarray and reveals the human side of the kitchen, letting your pots, pans and other supplies become part of the décor. So don’t stress about getting that minimalist look. Let your kitchen tell a story by having your everyday items displayed proudly instead of locked away in cabinets.
Rule: Bedrooms should be symmetrical and quiet
Why you should break it: Matching furniture sets with symmetrical side tables flanking the headboard isn’t the only way to create a blissful bedroom. Feel free to get asymmetrical. Use a chair or stool on one side (to provide a seat for tying your shoes or reading), and a chest on the other for extra storage, with mismatched lamps to add visual interest and variety.
Let your mattress make the bedroom a restful sleeping experience and let your décor be something fun to wake up to.
Why you should break it: Matching furniture sets with symmetrical side tables flanking the headboard isn’t the only way to create a blissful bedroom. Feel free to get asymmetrical. Use a chair or stool on one side (to provide a seat for tying your shoes or reading), and a chest on the other for extra storage, with mismatched lamps to add visual interest and variety.
Let your mattress make the bedroom a restful sleeping experience and let your décor be something fun to wake up to.
Rule: Chairs should match in a grown-up dining room
Why you should break it: Some people associate mismatched furniture with their university days, when hand-me-down pieces were mixed with bargain finds with no consideration for style. But mixing and matching seats is a look for grown-ups too.
Mix styles to add personality to the space or to create a conversation starter. Plus, you can include your favourite old chairs alongside new additions to your collection.
Why you should break it: Some people associate mismatched furniture with their university days, when hand-me-down pieces were mixed with bargain finds with no consideration for style. But mixing and matching seats is a look for grown-ups too.
Mix styles to add personality to the space or to create a conversation starter. Plus, you can include your favourite old chairs alongside new additions to your collection.
Rule: Art should be hung at eye level
Why you should break it: Hanging art at eye level is a safe bet, but art doesn’t have to be safe, or even hung at all. Leaning frames and canvases on the floor or even on furniture creates a relaxed ‘artist’s studio’ vibe, so use your instinct when displaying pieces and forget about suggested heights and measurements.
TELL US…
Have you broken a design rule? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
Why you should break it: Hanging art at eye level is a safe bet, but art doesn’t have to be safe, or even hung at all. Leaning frames and canvases on the floor or even on furniture creates a relaxed ‘artist’s studio’ vibe, so use your instinct when displaying pieces and forget about suggested heights and measurements.
TELL US…
Have you broken a design rule? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
Why you should break it: Size isn’t everything, so use colours that you love. After all, who wants to work in a boring home office? If you love bright or deep colours, don’t be shy about using them, even in compact spaces. The life and energy they give will be worth the visual shrinkage of the room. Plus, using a deep neutral shade on the walls (which will recede) with bright touches (which will advance) creates an interplay of depth that can actually make a room feel bigger.
Tip: Use open furniture to balance bold colours. This room has a leggy desk and a mirrored cabinet to keep the sightline of the floor stretching on for as long as possible.