It's no secret I've never been a great rule follower...personally or professionally! Boredom is a real thing for me and so to be stuck inside a box, when really all I want to do is STEP OUTSIDE OF IT, is just plain boring to me! In an industry that caters to creativity & individuality, for me, it is a very important part of my design philosophy to go against the rules to make things interesting & unique! I know for many of my clients, initially this can be a real stretch, but if we are not pushing our boundaries in design, we remain stagnant and there is no room for growth. Don't get me wrong...this doesn't mean that you have to do something within your home you don't resonate with or that really makes you feel uncomfortable, but taking even one tiny step to go against the grain will push you to see things differently than what you are used to and you may even like it!
Here are a few of my fave ways to start small with rule breaking to inspire you to learn to love your own style/instinct and do what makes YOU happy regardless of ridiculous rules that we have all heard a million times.
AVOID DARK PAINT COLORS IN SMALL SPACES!

While it's true that lighter colors create an illusion of more space, dark paint (yes, BLACK is my favourite) creates depth & drama & who doesn't want THAT in a room! Use lighter decor pieces, wood for contrast or reflective items such as mirrors. Balance the darkness with metallics to add a little shine & fun! Add in texture such as shiplap or a cool wall detail!

MAKE SURE ALL DINING CHAIRS MATCH!

UGH! This one makes me crazy! A beautiful grouping of matching dining chairs can really pull together a dining room look - it's true - but have you ever searched for chairs & found that ONE beautiful, unique chair that didn't match anything but kept you up at night because you love it so much? If you've ever experienced this...FOLLOW YOUR GUT and BUY THE CHAIR! This is a great rule to break! Placing chairs with different materials, color and size will bring instant character to a plain dining room and what a great dinner conversation starter. You may also want to consider a bench to replace a couple of chairs. Super functional but super funky! If this is super scary. then keep all chairs the same EXCEPT FOR the head chairs.
Check out this stunning remodel by Studio McGee! SWOON!

MATCHY MATCHY NO MORE!

Stop thinking everything has to match. While this seems like a safe way to design your home (and it IS) this will make it feel dull, lifeless & result in it having stuffy, museum-like quality.
Mixing textures, prints, furniture styles or even old with the new, is so much more inspiring. That being said, you also don't want this look to be too busy or jarring to the eye. For example, keeping patterns in the same color family but varying the scale will be an interesting complement.
Combining ultra modern furniture with pieces that are older yet architecturally ornate is a stunning way to create an "eclectic" style. Look for pieces of the same "era" and finish the look by adding modern lighting & contemporary area rugs.
HAVE A POP OF COLOR IN EVERY ROOM!
This rule can be a little bit tricky. Sometimes it should be followed and other times it should be ignored. You will add instant life to a "blah" space, but adding a lime green accent wall does NOT guarantee the space will look any better. Color pops definitely add personality but if done incorrectly, it can seem too cartoon-like & outrageous! Rather than putting colorful craziness in EVERY ROOM, add it in gradually in only one or two areas. Use colorful accessories or if you absolutely have to have that BRIGHT BLUE SOFA, add it in and keep the rest of the room quite soft & neutral so that one colorful piece is the focal point.

ALWAYS MATCH YOUR WOOD FINISHES!

Trying to match all of the wood finishes in a space is not only impossible, but it will feel very one- dimensional and flat.
By mixing wood tones and textures, without even trying, you will instantly create a layered look that will provide depth. Try to limit the finishes to no more than three if possible, to keep the overall look cohesive. Take into consideration any wood beams, flooring & furniture pieces.
Get out there an have some fun and START BREAKING A FEW RULES! It's going to feel REALLY GOOD!
xo
Nan
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