Breaking interior design rules sounds radical, but I hope to demonstrate that some of the assumed beliefs about how to create a good interior design are often not the case. Learning the interior design principles and elements will achieve a strong foundation… But the fun comes from deciding when and how to break them!
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
Rule 1. Paint light colours in a dark or small room
Not necessarily. Often, it’s about using colour variations in certain areas (whether subtle or bold) to create a bigger impression.
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
Rule 2. Use small furniture and accessories to make a room feel bigger
Small furniture does not necessarily make a room feel bigger. One large statement piece of furniture can, in fact, make more of a lasting impression than lots of smaller items.
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
2 things I never like to compromise on, no matter what the room size, is large table lamps and large mirrors. They are a standard interior design trick that works time and time again. If you only have small pictures, group them in such a way that they create a larger focal point, as this will raise the perceived room height and overall wall size.
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
Rule 3. Keep furniture against the walls
Sometimes, ‘zoning’ different areas within the room can make it feel far bigger and far more interesting. Alan Titchmarsh has been talking about this in his garden designs for years, the same goes for interiors too.
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
Rule 4. Everything should match
Don’t be afraid to experiment with scale and colour combinations that work for you. After all, it’s your home and you have every right to make it the way you want it. Experimenting with your existing belongings gives you the chance to try out new things before any radical purchases and investment is made, it also gives you the guilt-free option of putting things back to how it was before if it doesn’t work. I often help clients refresh and reinvigorate their interiors by simply restyling their existing belongings and find it a wonderfully inexpensive and instant way of transforming a space. So, have fun, be bold, and if you’d like some professional assistance, just give me a call.