Buzz
Much like fashion, interior design trends are cyclical and ever-changing. (Though it’s far less disheartening to spot your family’s old sofa in a vintage store than it is to see someone dressed in a ‘90s outfit for a retro-themed day at school.)
Several factors influence how we decorate our homes, such as budget, personal taste, and health considerations. While some trends fade away, others become ingrained as norms that people rarely question—even when their original reasons no longer apply.
Here are some outdated interior design rules and myths you can confidently ignore, as highlighted by Ruth Doherty at Homes & Gardens.
Small spaces should always be painted white or in light tones
The belief is that painting walls white or in light hues can make a small bedroom appear larger. However, interior designer Brianne Bishop offers a fresh perspective.
“Dark paint doesn’t shrink rooms. In fact, I use this technique differently,” she explains to Homes & Gardens. “Adding depth to a wall creates an illusion of space, making the room feel more expansive.”
Every space should resemble a department store showcase
Furniture and decor trends have changed over time, as have our shopping habits. In the past, the norm was to visit a furniture or department store, purchase a matching set, and design the room around it.
However, this is your home, so decorate and furnish it in a way that brings you joy and comfort, even if things don’t traditionally match. “Experiment with complementary colors and incorporate unique pieces in varying styles or vintage designs to add character to the room,” advises interior designer Mark Lavender in Homes & Gardens. “A room doesn’t need to feel sterile.”
Avoid mixing metals
There’s no rule stating you must choose a single metal finish for all furniture and fixtures in a room or entire home. If your rented apartment has silver fixtures but you love brass, go ahead and buy that brass midcentury-modern lamp you’ve been eyeing. Don’t let the building’s original budget-friendly silver hardware dictate your personal style.
Mixing metal finishes can also enhance a space, preventing it from looking dull or overly uniform. “As long as you stick to the same temperature family—cool or warm—you can mix metals. Black pairs well with both warm and cool tones,” Bishop explains to Homes & Gardens.
