There are absolutely certain decorating rules your should follow. These, however, are five you shouldn’t! Let’s get to debunking 5 common interior decorating myths!
1. Small Rooms Can’t Be Painted Dark
Painting a small room dark has become a popular decor trend and a personal favorite of mine. So many interior designers are embracing the idea of creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere by opting for darker hues in small spaces. The rich and bold colors instantly add depth and drama, transforming the room into a sophisticated retreat. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little drama?
Furthermore, the use of dark colors can visually expand the space and make it feel larger than it actually is. So, if you want to give your small room a fresh and modern look, consider painting it dark and see the transformation for yourself.
2. You Must Pick One Decor Style
Mixing decor styles can be a fun and creative way to add personality to your space. It can also help to break up monotony and create an eclectic and unique look. However, to successfully mix different styles, it’s important to understand the basic elements of each style. Then balance out those elements.
One effective technique for mixing styles is to choose a dominant style and use it as a base for your decor. Then, add elements from other styles as accents. This way, the dominant style has a clear presence in the space and the accents will provide the contrast! Another approach is to choose a neutral color palette. Secondly, mix and match different styles and patterns to create a cohesive look. When selecting furniture, rugs, and accessories, choose pieces that complement each other, either in color, texture, or style.
Another important factor to consider when mixing decor styles is proportion. Ensure that the dominant style doesn’t get overpowered by the accents and that you balance the representation of each style. For example, if your dominant style is traditional, choose modern accents that are bold and graphic! Remember to use them in moderation. Transitional modern and organic modern decor combos are trending right now so it’s a great time to jump on this ship. Check out my blog on Home Design Trends of 2023 for more inspiration!
3. You MUST Place your Sofa Against a Wall
Absolutely not! How about… floating your sofa!? By floating the sofa away from the wall, or in the middle of the room, you create an inviting and conversational space. This is perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. Additionally, placing the sofa this way can make the room appear larger and more open, as it allows for an easier flow of traffic. This also highlights other furniture pieces and decorative elements. So, if you want to add a touch of individuality and modernity to your living space, consider breaking away from tradition and try floating your sofa in a different part of the room, AWAY from the wall.
4. You Shouldn’t Mix Metals
This is another trend that I’m in love with. Balance plays a huge role in mixing metals also! When designing a space you should choose one selection as the dominant finish, and then add another as an accent. This could include light fixtures, cabinet hardware, or even décor elements. A finish is going to be something like satin brass or brushed nickel! Personally, a tip I use is to ensure that the finishes you choose complement each other in terms of their color and tone. For example, pairing warm metals like brass and copper with cool metals like chrome and stainless steel can create a balanced and sophisticated look. It’s also important to consider the style and overall aesthetic of your space when choosing metal finishes, to ensure they fit in with your desired look and feel.
5. Furniture Has to Match
This is one of the 5 common decorating myths you will consistently see me debunking! Furniture sets are a thing of the past! It’s all about mixing and matching your furniture pieces! Furthermore, the key to making this trend work is to find a common thread that ties the styles together, such as a shared color palette or texture.
Dining rooms exemplify this design trend the best. Matching tables and chairs could never provide the visual depth and aesthetically pleasing textural variety you see in the photos below. Mixing and matching your furniture goes hand in hand with mixing up your decor style. If you pick pieces from varying decor styles, you’re bound to be picking different furniture.
I hope I was successful in debunking these 5 common interior decorating myths well enough to urge you to break out of your box! When it comes to decorating, making your own rules is part of the process. If something appeals to you don’t talk yourself out of trying it! One of my favorite designers to pull inspo from is Studio Mcgee (as you can see from the photos). Check out their spring collection which is all about mixing textures, earth tones, and combining organic and modern decor. Find the McGee and Co Spring Collection here!
Incorporating These Decor Tips
Take a look at what a great variety Mcgee & Co has of furniture, area rugs, and decorative accents that exhibit textures, colors, and visually dynamic pieces. Below are my favorite items hand-picked for you to create a stunningly mixed yet cohesive home.
Furniture
Lighting
Rugs and Throw Pillows
Decorative Accents
