3 Tips for Making Interior Design Rules Your Own

Yes, interior design can feel like there’s a bunch of rules you need to follow. But the truth is, those rules are more like suggestions. The fun part is making them work for you. Really, your home should reflect your personality and style, not someone else’s idea of perfection.

And so if you’re looking to put your own spin on things, here are 3 tips to help you break (or bend) the rules in a way that feels totally you.

Know the Rule Before You Break It

Design rules exist for a reason—they usually help things look balanced or functional. But that doesn’t mean you can’t change things up.

First, take some time to understand why a rule is there in the first place. For example, the idea that small spaces should be painted light colors is to make them feel bigger. But if you love the look of dark tones, you can still make it work. For example, maybe instead of going all-in on a dark wall color, you can use it on just one wall or pair it with lighter furniture. The key is to break the rule intentionally so that your space still feels cohesive. This way, you’re blending the design principles with your personal style rather than tossing the rulebook out the window.

Mix Your Personal Style with Design Basics

We all have our own sense of style, whether it’s modern, boho, or a little bit of everything. And the great thing is, you can weave that into basic design principles without losing that personal touch.

Let’s say the “rule” is that neutrals make for a timeless look, but you love bold colors. You can still stick with neutrals for bigger pieces like a sofa and bring in color with smaller things, like art, rugs, or an upholstered bench. That way, you’re playing by the rules but also adding your own flair. Think of it as building a foundation with the basics, then layering in what makes your space feel like home.

Focus on Comfort, Not Just Looks

A perfectly styled room is great and all, but it also needs to work for you.

Design rules might tell you that every living room needs a coffee table, but if it clutters your space or doesn’t fit your lifestyle, feel free to skip it. Instead, maybe you use side tables or an ottoman—whatever makes the room feel comfortable and functional for your everyday life.

At the end of the day, the best design choices are the ones that make your space feel comfortable and livable, not just pretty. If a space looks great but doesn’t work for how you actually live, it’s time to tweak things to fit your needs, even if that means breaking a few rules. Really!