10 Interior Design Rules You Should Actually Break

Interior design has long been guided by a set of “unspoken” rules—principles handed down from one generation of decorators to the next. While these rules may have originated from good intentions or historical preferences, the modern home is a canvas for personality, creativity, and comfort. Sticking too closely to traditional rules can sometimes hold us back from creating spaces that feel truly personal and joyful.
Here are 10 interior design rules you should actually break—and how doing so can give your home a fresh, authentic, and stylish edge.

1. Always Match Your Furniture

One of the oldest design tropes is the "matching furniture set" rule—matching sofa, matching loveseat, matching armchair, all in the same color, shape, and fabric. While it might seem like a safe way to furnish a room, it often leads to a flat, uninspired space.

In reality, mixing furniture styles, colors, and textures creates more depth and visual interest. Pair a sleek modern sofa with vintage leather armchairs, or add a rattan side table to a room filled with upholstered pieces. The contrast makes the space feel lived-in and curated rather than straight out of a catalog.

2. Stick to One Style

You’ve probably heard advice like “pick a style and stick to it.” But homes are like people—complex and multifaceted. Strictly following one aesthetic (whether it's boho, farmhouse, or minimalist) can make your space feel one-dimensional.

Instead, embrace what designers call “eclectic layering.” Mix mid-century with industrial, Scandinavian with rustic. The trick is to find a few cohesive elements (like a common color palette or repeated materials) to tie the different pieces together. This rule-breaking approach reflects your personal taste far better than a one-note theme.

3. Small Rooms Must Use Light Colors

It’s often said that dark paint colors make a small room feel even smaller. While that might be true in some cases, it’s definitely not a hard rule. In fact, dark colors can add drama, depth, and even a sense of intimacy to a compact space.

A moody navy or deep green in a small bedroom or powder room can be surprisingly cozy and luxurious. The key is to balance it with good lighting, reflective surfaces, or lighter-colored furnishings so the room doesn’t feel cave-like.

4. Ceilings Should Always Be White

White ceilings are standard because they reflect light and make rooms feel taller—but they’re not your only option. Painting the ceiling a bold color or even the same color as your walls can make the space feel cohesive and architectural.

This is especially powerful in rooms with high ceilings or awkward shapes. In kids’ rooms or creative spaces, you can go even further by wallpapering the ceiling or using a mural. It's a great way to add unexpected charm overhead.

5. Don’t Mix Metals

This rule probably came from the era of 90s brushed-nickel overload. But today, mixing metals is not only acceptable—it’s encouraged. It brings dimension, contrast, and a touch of luxury to a room.

When done well, combining brass, chrome, and black iron can feel dynamic and rich. The trick is balance. Choose one dominant finish and use others as accents. For example, a brass chandelier can pair beautifully with black cabinet hardware and silver faucets, as long as the tones feel intentional.

6. Art Should Always Be Hung at Eye Level

Yes, there’s a general guideline that art looks best when its center is at eye level. But what’s “eye level” for someone who’s 5’2” isn’t the same for someone who’s 6’3”. And homes are not galleries—they’re places for expression and comfort.

In real life, gallery walls climb up staircases, oversized artwork leans casually on floors, and multiple pieces can be grouped to tell a story. Break this rule to match your art with your space and style—not your eye height.

7. Every Room Needs a Pop of Color

We’ve been taught that adding a bold splash of color brings life to a room—and sometimes it does. But the idea that every room needs a pop of color is outdated. Monochromatic, tone-on-tone, or even completely neutral spaces can be incredibly serene, elegant, and modern.

Think of a living room in layered whites and creams, or a bedroom in varying shades of taupe. Instead of a pop of color, these rooms rely on rich textures—linen, wood grain, boucle, glass—to create interest. It’s minimal, but far from boring.

8. Don’t Use Wallpaper in Small Spaces

Wallpaper has made a huge comeback, yet many still shy away from using it in small bathrooms, hallways, or closets. The idea that busy patterns will make a small room feel smaller simply isn’t true anymore.

On the contrary, wallpaper can turn an overlooked space into a showstopper. Powder rooms become jewel boxes with floral or geometric prints. Entryways become more welcoming with bold stripes or murals. And because the space is small, it’s a lower-risk area to try something adventurous.

9. Rugs Should Fit Entirely Under Furniture

This rule was created to prevent people from using too-small rugs that look like postage stamps in the middle of a room. While proportion is important, the idea that every piece of furniture must sit entirely on a rug can be restrictive—especially if you’re decorating on a budget.

In many modern homes, especially apartments or open-concept layouts, placing just the front legs of a sofa and chairs on a rug can still define a space beautifully. Layering rugs or using round shapes can also break the rules in interesting ways.

10. Function Should Always Come Before Style

This one might sound controversial. Function is important, of course—but strictly prioritizing it over style can result in uninspiring and overly practical spaces. Your home should support your life, but it should also bring you joy.

Sometimes a beautiful but delicate chair is worth having even if you don’t sit in it every day. Or a vintage cabinet might not be the most efficient storage solution, but it makes your heart happy every time you walk by it. Find your own balance—design isn't just about logic, it's also about emotion.

Design rules can be helpful when you’re just starting out. They offer structure, guidance, and direction. But once you’ve gained a little confidence, the real magic begins when you start bending—or even breaking—those rules. That’s when your space begins to truly reflect you: your taste, your lifestyle, and your story.

So next time you're decorating and feel pressure to "follow the rules," remember that great design isn’t about perfection—it’s about personality.