5 Home Decorating Rules Interior Designers Think You Should Break

When designing a room, you’ll likely come across some unspoken rules that have become interior design standards. Some of these guidelines can help you create a walkable layout or choose the right curtains, while others aren’t exactly a one-size-fits-all solution.

Like many rules in life, not all decorating tips need to be followed religiously—in fact, many interior designers advocate for a more rebellious approach. Ahead, we spoke to these experts about the five decorating rules they think should be broken—along with a few ideas they recommend instead.

Use Light Colors for Small Spaces

The old idea of lighter colors for smaller spaces comes from the belief that dark hues make a room feel smaller.

"In reality, accents—like window treatments in deep, moody tones—can add depth and coziness to a space, making it feel intentional rather than confined," says interior designer Haley Weidenbaum.

This rule stuck for so long because making a space seem bigger was thought to maximize resale value. Now, however, Weidenbaum suggests going bold with rich tones like deep brown, forest green, or even patterns. These will add interest and intrigue to petite spaces, which is ultimately more important.

Don't Mix Metals or Woods

The concept of sticking to one metal or wood tone no longer resonates with designers. "In reality, contrast adds richness and dimension," says Steven Graffam, co-founder of Stivale Graffam Home. "Combining finishes thoughtfully creates depth and personality."

Instead, focus on creating harmony through tone and finish. For metals, that means warm with warm, cool with cool, or matte with matte. "The same goes for wood tones: layering different finishes adds depth as long as the undertones are complementary," says John Stivale, the firm's other co-founder.

Shades Are Less Stylish Than Drapes

Shades are often seen as a second choice to drapes. "For years, drapery was considered the more elegant or formal option because of the nature of how they lay and the addition of hardware," says Weidenbaum.

However, Weidenbaum finds that shades can be just as impactful. "They offer a clean, tailored look and can layer beautifully with curtains for extra dimension," she says. "Embrace layering different types of window treatments to add versatility—[while] also making a bold design statement that can transform your space."

Art Needs to Be at Eye Level

While art should be visible, following the eye-level rule to a tee can result in stale spaces. "Sometimes, placing a piece lower or layered on a ledge tells a more interesting story," Graffam says.

Ultimately, the best displays feel curated, not constrained. "With art placement, we consider scale, sight-lines, and how a piece interacts with furniture and architecture," Stivale adds.

Window Treatments Should Match the Walls

In past decades, people defaulted to light drapes to achieve the once-popular all-white look. However, matching window treatments to wall color usually just makes them blend in and disappear from sight. "[It] misses a chance to make a design statement," says Weidenbaum.

Instead, the designer suggests using rich, saturated hues to introduce an extra layer of depth.