5 Interior Design “Rules” You Should Break

Design rules can be helpful, but they can also box us into spaces that feel flat, predictable, or simply not us. The most memorable homes aren’t the ones that follow every guideline—they’re the ones that layer character, contrast, and confidence. As we move into 2025, it’s time to let go of outdated beliefs and embrace a more thoughtful, expressive approach to design. Here are five “rules” worth breaking—and how doing so can transform the way your home looks and feels.

1. Mixing Wood Tones Creates Depth (Here’s How to Get It Right)

For years, matching wood tones was considered the safe choice. But when everything blends too perfectly, a room can fall flat. Mixing wood species, grains, and undertones brings warmth and dimension to your space—much like layering fabrics or metals.

The key is balance. Choose one dominant wood tone (often your flooring) and let the others play supporting roles in varying shades. For example, pairing a cooler walnut side table with a light oak console creates beautiful contrast, while a single black-stained piece can anchor the room. When the tones share a common thread—either similar temperature or grain pattern—the mix feels intentional, not chaotic.

Source: Studio McGee

2. Small Rooms Don’t Need Small Furniture

This is one of the most common myths in design. Small rooms actually suffer when the furniture is undersized—it makes the space feel cramped and unsure of itself. Instead, scale up. A full-size sofa, a larger area rug, or a generous nightstand creates the illusion of more space by giving the eye clear, uninterrupted lines.

The trick is choosing fewer pieces, not smaller ones. One great statement item has more impact than several petite pieces competing for attention. In a small room, confidence is everything.

Source: Pinterest

3. Embrace Imperfect Vintage Pieces in Modern Homes

A home that feels “collected” will always read as more soulful than one that looks straight out of a catalogue. This is where vintage comes in. Whether it’s a worn leather chair, an antique dresser with patina, or a perfectly-imperfect ceramic lamp, these pieces bring history, warmth, and texture.

Vintage elements work especially well in modern homes because they soften sharp edges and add personality. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s contrast. Those little nicks, chips, and stories woven into older pieces make a room feel lived-in and grounded. Mixing old and new tells the story of a home that has evolved, not one that was decorated in a weekend.

Source: Inspire Your Nest

4. Dark Colours Can Make a Room Feel Bigger—Not Smaller

There’s a long-standing belief that dark paint closes a room in. In reality, deeper tones can actually push your walls outward visually, creating a cocoon-like sense of spaciousness. Charcoal, forest green, espresso, and even deep navy can make a small room feel dramatic, cozy, and surprisingly expansive.

Dark colours blur corners and edges, making the boundaries of the room less defined. When paired with warm lighting and a lighter-toned sofa or rug, the effect is elevated and luxurious. It’s proof that bold doesn’t have to mean overpowering.

Source: The Spruce

5. Layering Metals Without Creating Chaos

Mixing metals brings richness and visual interest to a room—when it’s done with intention. Instead of committing to a single finish throughout your home, blend a few that complement one another. Think of your dominant metal as your “base,” and the others as accents that add personality.

For example, brushed nickel and aged brass pair beautifully because one is cool and one is warm, creating balance. Matte black is a grounding finish that ties almost everything together. The key is repetition: carry each finish through the room at least twice so it looks curated rather than accidental.

Source: The Nested Method

Final Thoughts

Design is becoming less about rigid rules and more about creating spaces that feel honest, personal, and beautifully layered. When you give yourself permission to break the old guidelines, you open the door to a home that feels collected, confident, and entirely your own.