7 Interior Design Rules You Should Never Break
Creating a well-designed space goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about balance, functionality, and personal expression. While interior design allows for creativity, certain foundational rules should not be overlooked. Here are seven essential decorating principles to follow for a stylish and cohesive home.
1. Layer Your Lighting
Relying on a single overhead light can make a room feel flat and uninspiring.
Instead, use a mix of lighting sources at different levels:
– Ambient lighting provides general illumination.
This is your main source of light, like chandeliers or ceiling fixtures, that brightens up the whole room..
– Task lighting is targeted for specific activities, like reading or cooking.
Desk lamps, pendant lights, or under-cabinet lighting help you perform specific tasks like reading or cooking.
– Accent lighting highlights focal points, such as artwork or architectural features.
This is your “mood lighting” that highlights decor, like wall sconces, LED strips, or table lamps.
Blending these lighting types creates a warm, inviting atmosphere and adds depth to your space.
2. Establish a Neutral Foundation
Opting for a neutral color palette for walls and large furniture pieces offers both longevity and flexibility. Shades like white, beige, gray, and taupe serve as a timeless backdrop, making it easy to refresh your space with new accents. This approach helps:
✔️ Ensure seamless decor updates without clashing colors
✔️ Create an airy, open feel in the room
✔️ Maintain a classic and sophisticated look
But neutral doesn’t mean dull! Infuse personality with bold accent pieces—think vibrant pillows, statement rugs, eye-catching artwork, or unique décor items.
3. Avoid Matching Furniture Sets
While buying a matching furniture set may seem convenient, it often lacks character and personality. Instead, mix pieces from different styles and time periods. A good rule of thumb is the 80/20 approach—keep 80% of your furniture cohesive while introducing 20% from another style to create contrast and visual interest.
Here’s a trick:
🔹 Follow the 80/20 rule—80% of your furniture should be cohesive, while 20% can add contrast and character.
🔹 Pair different textures and materials—for example, a modern couch with a vintage wooden coffee table creates an eclectic, layered feel.
🔹 Mix old and new pieces—blending contemporary and vintage styles makes your space look more lived-in and intentional.
4. Incorporate Various Textures
A well-designed room should appeal to multiple senses, not just sight. Mixing textures—such as smooth leather, soft wool, rough wood, or shiny metal—adds depth and intrigue. Layering different finishes and materials creates a balanced and dynamic environment.
Think about incorporating:
✔️ Soft fabrics like velvet, wool, or linen
✔️ Hard materials like wood, stone, or metal
✔️ Shiny surfaces like glass or polished metals
✔️ Matte finishes for contrast
5. Decorate in Odd Numbers
Arranging décor in odd numbers, such as groups of three or five, tends to be more visually pleasing. Whether styling a coffee table, bookshelf, or gallery wall, odd-numbered groupings create a sense of movement and natural harmony in a space.
Why does this work? Odd numbers feel more organic and dynamic than even-numbered arrangements, which can look too symmetrical and predictable.
How to use it:
🔹 Arrange three vases on a table instead of two.
🔹 Stack five books on a shelf instead of four.
🔹 Use three wall frames instead of an even-numbered set.
6. Choose the Right Rug Size
An area rug that is too small can make a room feel disconnected.
📏 Here’s a simple rule for rug placement:
✔️ In the living room – The rug should be large enough that at least the front legs of sofas and chairs sit on it.
✔️ In the dining room – The rug should be big enough so that chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out.
✔️ In the bedroom – Place a large rug under the bed so it extends beyond the sides and foot of the bed.
7. Select Paint Colors After Furnishings
It may be tempting to choose paint colors first, but it’s best to finalize furniture, rugs, and key décor elements before committing to a wall color. This ensures the paint complements your furnishings rather than restricting your design choices.
Instead, start with:
✔️ Furniture – Sofas, beds, and tables should dictate the color palette.
✔️ Fabrics – Curtains, pillows, and rugs come in limited colors, so choose these first.
✔️ Artwork & Decor – Find statement pieces before committing to a wall color.
Once you have your key pieces, you can select a paint color that ties everything together!
Final Thoughts
While personal taste plays a major role in interior design, these fundamental rules help create a balanced, inviting, and visually appealing space. By layering lighting, incorporating texture, and choosing décor strategically, you can design a home that feels both stylish and functional.
Which of these design rules do you already follow? Let us know your favorite tip!
