Having rules to guide us is always helpful, but sometimes it’s okay to bend or even break a few rules, especially when it comes to the design of our homes. You’ll give your home an unexpected edge by turning things on their head a little. Here are seven ideas to try, in order to bring out your interior design rebel.
Rule 1: Keep things symmetrical
Harmony and balance are achieved through symmetry in a room. However, if you become too fixated on symmetry, the room may feel stuffy and formal. Adding a little asymmetry will make your design more dynamic and exciting.
For example, rather than having two sofas facing each other, replace one of them with two armchairs. Instead of having matching lamps on either side of a couch, replace one with a tall vase or a plant.
Rule 2: Woodwork should be painted white
The norm is to paint woodwork white or off-white. And bright timber can look fantastic next to flat matte walls. However, white is not the only shade to paint your skirtings, cornices and window frames.
Dark colours like greys, off-black, navy and even greens can work really well in many homes. Painting woodwork in a dark shade is a great way to add drama to a space and can make less expensive elements like balustrades or doors look much grander than they are.
Rule 3: Keep ceilings neutral
When deciding on paint colours for a room, the norm is to focus on the walls. Ceilings are often overlooked, being left plain and white as a backdrop to the rest of the room. But ceilings are a whole other surface to explore.
You often see period buildings with ceilings painted in many shades, so there’s absolutely no reason you should stick with white if you don’t want to. Try painting your ceiling to match the walls. A dark shade will create a cocoon-like effect and make the space feel intimate and cosy, while a lighter shade will give a soothing effect. Alternatively, make a statement and choose a colour that contrasts completely with your walls. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not add some pattern with a bold wallpaper?
Rule 4: Use small furniture in a small room
The tendency is to use small pieces of furniture in small spaces in order to maximise the space. But adding too many small pieces to a small room can make it feel cluttered.
When you play with scale and include some oversized pieces in a small space, you make the room feel more comfortable and welcoming. The key is to combine large and small pieces together. A slim and sleek sofa can be paired with an oversized armchair, for example. A large pendant light over a dining room table can create a beautiful sculptural effect.
Rule 5: Don’t mix patterns
When choosing textiles, the conventional approach is to co-ordinate patterns. However, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t introduce a mix of patterns. When done right, it can bring a room to life.
The key to getting the right mix of patterns is limiting your colour palette to three shades and playing with scale and geometry. This is a great way to create impact and give your room a sense of style and individuality.
Rule 6: Don’t use dark colours in a small room
Another common misconception is that painting a small room in a light colour will make it feel bigger. This isn’t always true. A north-facing room painted white, for example, will feel quite sterile. If your room is small, aim to make it feel cosy. Choose warmer colours, and don’t be afraid to go with darker shades – especially where the room doesn’t get a lot of natural light.
Rule 7: Never mix old and new
There is often a nervousness about introducing too many styles into a room. It’s thought that a period house should be filled with antiques or a new-build home will only look good with contemporary pieces. In fact, by mixing modern and antique styles, you’ll give your home a more curated look. The best way to combine pieces from different eras is to try to have one common denominator like colour or pattern to tie everything together.
Denise O’Connor is an architect and design consultant @optimisedesign
