In the dynamic and ever-changing world of interior design, rigid adherence to design guidelines can stifle creativity and individual expression. While design rules can serve as a general guide, many of them are out of date and may no longer be applicable in the evolving world of interior design.
Modern design principles are based on adaptability and flexibility, allowing for individual preferences and innovations. By disregarding rigid and outdated design guidelines, designers and homeowners can explore more creative solutions, tailor the space to specific needs, and push the boundaries of what is considered possible.
Outdated Design Rules
Design rules for the home have undergone a transition in the past few years as homeowner tastes have become more focused on creating comfortable and livable homes that are functional as well as stylish. By shifting away from these outdated design rules, designers can create spaces that are more reflective of personal preferences and lifestyles.
Symmetrical Arrangements
Symmetry has long been a revered principle in interior design, with furniture and decor placed in perfectly balanced configurations. Symmetry creates pleasing order and harmony, but when used excessively, it can feel rigid and restrictive.
Asymmetry is frequently used in modern interiors to create a more dynamic and creative style. Asymmetrical layouts make a room feel less formal and more inviting, allowing designers to adapt it to the specific space in question. Even in asymmetrical arrangements, it is critical to balance the visual weight and establish a central focal point to make the space feel cohesive.
Prioritize Formal Spaces Over Function
In previous years, interior designers frequently reserved specific rooms for exclusively dedicated uses, such as a formal dining room or parlor, regardless of whether the homeowner used the space. This strategy often resulted in beautiful but impractical spaces.
Many interior designers now prioritize functionality and comfort over formality. They assess the needs of specific families and spaces when designing rooms that meet specific requirements. This ensures that spaces are not only attractive but also reflective of people’s personalities and lifestyles, as well as practical for everyday use.
Formal Entryways
The goal of a formal entry was to impress guests with elaborate and elegant furnishings as they arrived. Though they are still an excellent way to set the tone for your home, designers and homeowners are increasingly focusing on ways to create entries that are both welcoming and functional. They prioritize design elements that are useful to specific owners and lifestyles while still reflecting their personal preferences. This could be a built-in shoe, purse, and hat cabinet, or chic yet understated décor that anchors the space and welcomes guests.
All Neutral Color Schemes
For the past 20 years, neutral color schemes based on white, beige, and gray have been the norm in interior design. These colors were regarded as a safe choice that would appeal to a wide range of people and maintain their style over time. While neutral colors will never be outdated, there has been a growing desire in recent years to transition away from all-neutral interiors.
Today, more people are embracing bold and vibrant color schemes as a way to differentiate their spaces. Designers and ambitious homeowners are experimenting with unexpected color combinations and bold hues to create visually appealing interiors. This shift enables more customizable and impactful designs that are tailored to individual tastes and preferences.
Avoid Bold Patterns
The avoidance of bold patterns has no place in today’s interior design ideas, which prioritize individual creativity and expression. Small, delicate patterns work well in some spaces, but loud and brash patterns have their place as well. These can add vibrancy and dynamism to many spaces, transforming them from bland to lively and engaging.
Contemporary design favors a diverse range of bold and layered patterns. Bold patterns on wallpaper, upholstery, and rugs create eye-catching focal points and influence the overall mood of the room.
Abide by the Color Wheel
The color wheel rules are deeply ingrained in interior design, but as with all strict interior guidelines, designers are reconsidering these concepts. While the color wheel’s guidelines for color relationships and harmonies are useful, strictly following these rules can be limiting and stifle creativity.
Unexpected color combinations, on the other hand, can add depth and interest, resulting in a more creative and personal space. In addition, the lighting, layout, furniture, and decor of a room all influence how a color is perceived and should take precedence over strict adherence to color rules. Decorators can create a more compelling and personalized space by focusing on the atmospheric and emotional qualities of a color relationship.
Never Paint a Small Room a Dark Color
It is true that light colors make a room appear larger and dark colors shrink it, but designers are beginning to recognize the advantages of deep, moody colors in small spaces. Dark colors add depth and dimension to a room, making it feel more intimate and comfortable. They also make a striking backdrop for displaying wall art and furniture.
If you prefer deep, dramatic colors, this modern design concept allows you to use them in any size room. Balance the appearance of the dark walls with a comprehensive lighting design that makes these spaces inviting and functional. Maximize the natural light in the room with minimal window coverings so that your room feels open and spacious regardless of the wall color.
Overly Ornate Details
Ornate detailing on woodwork, furniture, and decor recalls a time when homes were meant to be admired rather than used. These details were intended to convey elegance and grandeur, but they were not practical in everyday life. They can also make a space appear cluttered and visually overwhelming.
Elegant architectural details like molding, millwork, and cabinetry are still beautiful in a variety of interior design styles, but designers now incorporate them with more streamlined and simple furniture and decor. Modern design styles embrace a more minimalist and restrained aesthetic, focusing instead on essential elements and practical decor. By necessity, this new approach creates more practical and user-friendly designs.
Single Design Style
Traditionally, interior decorators used the same style of furniture and decor throughout the home. This was a simple way to achieve a consistent design. Today, these types of spaces appear monotonous and dull. Modern interior design favors layered and eclectic designs that reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their clients.
While combining design styles is a better strategy, it is not for the faint of heart. When you combine styles and pieces, it becomes more difficult to create a harmonious and balanced space. If you take this approach, sticking to a few rules will help you achieve a more cohesive look until you feel more comfortable breaking them.
Start with a consistent color palette and extend it throughout the room with wall color, upholstery, and soft furnishings. To increase visual interest, look for complementary textures on the pieces you use, like smooth and rough, shiny and matte, and hard and soft. Curate your items gradually, purchasing pieces you love over time rather than all at once. Do not be afraid to mix and match different pieces, regardless of their style, until you have created a room you love.
