10 Design "Facts" That Interior Decorators Say Are TOTAL LIES
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You may have moved into your first home and been told that you shouldn’t paint a small bedroom a deep navy or purchase anything other than a matching set of dining room chairs. Well, it turns out not all design rules are created equal—in fact, some are purely myths—and most definitely should be ignored, professionals say. Below, interior designers share 10 of the most common home decor lies that they’d like to debunk, weighing in with insight on what you should do instead.
1. Dark Paint Colors Make Rooms Feel Smaller
This approach actually has the opposite effect, counters Jennifer Hunter, founder of Jennifer Hunter Design. “Dark colors add depth and dimension, visually making a space feel larger,” she says. Sarah Lederman, the founder of Sarah Lederman Interiors, agrees. “I find that a little snug of a room benefits greatly from a dark paint color or wallcovering,” she says. “It creates a sense of warmth and feels all enveloping.”
2. Everything in a Room Needs to Match
Instead, celebrate the art of the mix. “Sometimes the most interesting spaces are the ones that have something totally off and unexpected,” Alexandra Kaehler, founder of Alexandra Kaehler Design, says. For example, she shares, why not weave some bold animal print into a mostly floral space or hang abstract art in a traditional room? “This tension is what creates the most exciting rooms!”
3. Metal Finishes Should Always Match
Many designers, including Wendy Labrum, are all for mixing metals. “Mixing metals can build a rich and warm palette depending on the space and project,” the founder of Wendy Labrum Interiors says. “Plumbing does not need to perfectly match hardware or lighting. Keeping everything the same can be very boring and flat.”
4. A Room Has Only Four Walls
Swearing by this statement means that you’re forgetting about the fifth wall—the ceiling! “It’s prime real estate for creativity,” Noel Gatts, HGTV designer and cohost and founder of beam & bloom, says. “With such a magical expanse above our heads, there is endless opportunity to draw the eye up in subtle and striking ways.”
5. Interior Designers Replace All Your Furniture
Don’t assume that calling in a pro equates to parting ways with all of your existing pieces. “While some designers may only work on spaces where they can control every element, it is certainly not a requirement for most of us (myself included!),” Madelaine Meyer, the founder of AD:ROIT, says. “If a client tells me that something needs to stay, it stays.” Of course, she adds, fresh fabric can work wonders.
6. “Blue and Green Should Never Be Seen”
This is a phrase that Chauncey Boothby learned of recently and is happy to debunk. “In my opinion, blue and green are perfect complements and pair nicely in various ranges of palettes, from pretty sage greens and pastel blues to stronger, more jewel tone combinations,” the founder of Chauncey Boothby Interiors says. “Just walk out the door and you’ll find moss green trees against the backdrop of a pale blue sky. It’s good enough for nature, and it’s one of my go-to color pairings.”
7. Vintage Rugs Aren’t Durable
This couldn’t be further from the truth, Jess Cooney, the founder of Jess Cooney Interiors, says. “Vintage rugs are incredibly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of kids, pets, and everyday life, making them a practical and stylish choice,” the designer notes.
8. Your Dining Chairs Have to Match
Margie Kaercher, the founder of Hearth and Honey Homes, likes to pull a few different styles of seating up to the dining table. “Life is more fun when it’s a little mismatched,” she says. “By blending different seat styles, materials, and even colors, you craft a space with character, layers, and individuality.”
9. Porcelain Is Just as Good as Marble
If you want marble, go for it, Sterling McDavid says. “I’m sick of clients asking for porcelain slabs, especially in a kitchen, when they really want marble,” the founder of Sterling McDavid Design says. “There are some great porcelain options out there, but they never really look like the real deal, especially in a setting where the slabs are meant to be the focus.”
10. If You Have Children, You Can’t Decorate Nicely
This certainly isn’t the case in today’s world, Taylor Fusco, the founder of Tay Fusco Design, says, citing performance fabrics as an excellent choice for active families. “From bold prints to fun colors, vendors have vastly expanded their performance fabric library,” she says. “Even outdoor performance fabrics. Our clients are upholstering their family room sofas for long-term wear and tear, resulting in gorgeous pieces for their home without the stress.”
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