Design rules that are made to be broken

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The best designed rooms don’t follow all the rules, say designers

Interior design comes with a long list of rules that haven’t been challenged for years. Some, like proper scale and balance, are good guidelines, but many others can and should be broken.

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“The best rooms don’t follow all the rules. They bring on a feeling,” says Natalia Hara, co-founder and principal designer for One Group Design + Build of the Greater Toronto Area.

Let’s look at some of the rules we can break:

RULE TO BREAK: Everything in a kitchen should match perfectly. Sure, that may have been true at one time but today, great design embraces contrast and personality – and that includes mixing and matching finishes, advises Hara.

“Don’t be afraid to pair brass handles with matte black faucets or blend chrome fixtures with natural wood tones. Mixing handle colours, for example, can add depth and visual interest to cabinetry, creating a curated, lived-in look rather than something straight out of a catalogue. The key is balance. Thoughtful combinations can elevate your kitchen, making it feel both stylish and uniquely yours.”

RULE TO BREAK: Hang statement lighting above the dining table. While a dramatic pendant light can create a stunning focal point, there are scenarios in which it might not be the best choice, notes Dorothy Tsui, co-founder and creative director of Bobeche Interiors in Markham.

“A large, elaborate pendant light can overwhelm the space, making the room feel smaller or more cluttered than intended. This is particularly true in smaller dining areas or those with low ceilings. Surface-mounted fixtures can add a touch of sophistication while maintaining a clean, minimalist look. They’re ideal for modern environments where flexibility is key.,” she says.

“Recessed lighting can provide a sleek, unobtrusive solution for dining areas. This approach allows for greater flexibility in furniture placement and can create a more subtle ambiance. Wall sconces can add warmth and character to the space while keeping the ceiling clear. Tip: Don’t forget about layering. Use a combination of light sources to create depth and visual interest.”

RULE TO BREAK: Small spaces should have small furniture. “Sometimes, using larger furniture items strategically can create the illusion of more space,” Tsui says.

“For instance: a sleek, low-profile sofa can make a room feel more expansive by creating a sense of openness, while a statement piece like a bold, oversized armchair can draw the eye and create a cozy nook that distracts from the room’s compact size. The key is balance: pair a larger piece with plenty of negative space and minimalist décor to avoid overwhelming the area. By breaking this rule, you can make a space feel more curated and intentional.”

RULE TO BREAK: Art must always be hung at eye level. “Art at eye level can look balanced but experimenting with hanging art higher or lower can completely change the mood of the room,” Hara says.

“Art on a high wall can add drama, while hanging art lower or closer to floor can create a more intimate, cozy feel. Don’t be afraid to scale your artwork with the size of the wall: large pieces on big walls or a gallery wall that goes all the way from the floor to a few feet above your head.”

RULE TO BREAK: Don’t mix different metal finishes. “Mixing metals can add a level of nuance and personality to your space that’s hard to achieve with a single metal scheme,” Tsui says.

“For example, a gold chandelier can be paired with silver-toned hardware on cabinets or accessories, creating a harmonious contrast between warm and cool tones. You can also use a unifying element, like a shared finish or texture, to tie the different metals together. Mixing different metals, such as gold and silver, can add depth, and a touch of sophistication to a space.”

RULE TO BREAK: Never paint wood. “Not all wood is sacred,” Hara says. “If that orange-yellow toned oak is not working anymore, go ahead and paint it black, white, blue.”

RULE TO BREAK: Use only one focal point per room. “This is a popular design guideline but sometimes one just isn’t enough,” says Hara. “Why not have layers of interest in a room? When you bring multiple focal points into a space, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming – it can feel rich and interesting. The trick is in the balance. It’s not about everything shouting for attention but about letting each element be showcased.” RULE TO BREAK: Kids’ spaces need to be childish. “This is one of those design rules that sounds logical at first but it’s worth breaking,” Tsui says. “Designing a child’s room doesn’t mean you have to drown it in primary colours, cartoon murals or plastic everything. Sure, whimsy and fun are important, but that doesn’t mean the space can’t also be calm, elevated and beautifully designed.

“In fact, creating a sophisticated and playful room gives children a sense of calm, creativity and independence. It also means the space can evolve with them so you’re not repainting every two years as their favourite characters change. Instead of going full-on themed, consider incorporating subtle nods to what they love – art prints, textiles or toys that can be easily updated.”