Interior design comes with a long list of “rules” — the do’s and don’ts that supposedly keep your home looking pulled together. But here’s the thing: some of my favorite rooms have come from ignoring those rules altogether.
Here are a few I break on repeat (with great joy):
1. Never mix wood tones
Matching every wood finish in a room can feel stiff and predictable. I love layering light, dark, warm, and cool woods to create depth and dimension. Think of it like curating a wardrobe — variety makes the look more interesting.
Little Folk Lodge: Mixed woods = instant warmth—variety > matchy-matchy.
2. Ceilings must be white
Why should walls have all the fun? Painting or wallpapering a ceiling can transform a space, whether it’s making a cozy room feel cocoon-like or drawing the eye upward in a dramatic way.
My dining room: The ceiling’s the fifth wall—let it steal the show.
3. Don’t mix patterns
You already know I don’t follow this one (I just wrote a whole blog about it!). Stripes with florals, geometrics with ikat — the key is mixing scale and palette. The result? A room that feels dynamic and full of life.
Collected Heritage: Pattern party, kept in check by scale + palette.
4. Stick to one metal finish
I’ll happily combine brass, matte black, copper, and even a touch of chrome. When done thoughtfully, mixed metals add richness and keep a space from feeling like a showroom set.
Gilded Botanicals: Mix your metals—brass, black, rose gold—layered, not matchy.
5. Less is more
Sometimes, sure. But often… more is more. Layering textures, colors, art, and objects is what makes a space feel soulful and lived-in. A carefully edited maximalist moment can feel just as intentional as a minimalist one.
Palm Springs Fever Dream: More layers, more life—maximal and still intentional.
For me, breaking the “rules” isn’t about being rebellious — it’s about creating homes that feel layered, personal, and timeless. Rules are a great starting point, but the real magic happens when you let them bend.
