Posted on Jul 16, 2013 in Home Décor | 4 comments

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Just like fashion, interior design constantly changes, evolves (if you like the expression better). If you want to stay in stride with the latest trends, you have to be ready to experiment. In the vast world of home décor, there are two main lines of thoughts when it comes to the rules of decorating:

1. Every rule was only created to be broken by a brilliant stylist! 2. There are no rules! The only limits are those of your imagination and creativity!

Even by just writing this, I feel inspired already! However, there are some myths which have been repeated so many times, they have become fundamental guides, imprinted in our subconsciousness. Rules we wouldn’t dare to break… or would we?

Well, let’s bust some of these decorating myths that keep us from arranging the most astonishing displays we are capable of:

1. Patterns and Prints Shouldn’t be Mixed

Said who? What better way to add colour than to boldly mix stripes with plaids, florals or checks. As long as you don’t go wild with the colours, you can arrange a harmonious display featuring all of the above. The prints, textures and patterns can be combined in numerous ways as long as you stick to one colour scheme.

Depending on the style you are looking for, you can have monochromatic, analogous, complimentary, split complimentary and etc. scemes. If you want to learn more about them, check out the great post at Let’s Clean Up.

2. One Style Per Room

That is if you haven’t set it in your mind that your entire dwelling should be decorated only in one specific style. To show you how ridiculous this “rule” is, let me ask you something – open your closet and answer this question: Are all of your clothes in one style only? Nope, you have chosen them to complement your personal fashion taste but you still have sports wear, business suits and etc.

The same applies to your home, you can’t make it one-dimensional – you are not that either! Imagine you live in a trendy contemporary apartment in the hottest neighbourhood in town, yet you have a passion for antiques. Would you give up your collection just because it “doesn’t fit in”? Nope, you would blend the styles, make room for both and end up with a flat that reflects your personality and fashion sense.

3. Dining Room Furniture & Upholstery Must Match

From the dawn of times… OK, ever since I was little, my mum used to buy everything in sets. Whenever something broke, it was a disaster as the set became incomplete. Nowadays, we live in an era of practicality and no one will blame you if the set isn’t full. Actually, if you add some imagination and an artistic eye, it could be a purposeful mismatch and you will get complimented on it!

This applies especially to dining room seating and upholstery. You are free to place old vintage armchairs (yes, with cheerful flower patterns on the upholstery) next to plain white chairs as long as they share the same colour scheme and/ or fabric. The main purpose is to add texture without overwhelming the eye. On the same note, upholstery cleaning experts from Melbourne believe there is nothing wrong in using cushions from different fabrics (and with intricate patterns) on matching set of chairs – just to jazz up the atmosphere!

I hope you have enjoyed busting decorating myths with me. More will follow, so stay tuned!

XOXO, Sam

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Sam

Samantha Winterland (Sam) is the owner and creator of Best Home Ideas. Having graduated from the Withehouse Institute of Design Australia, she has devoted her blog to exploring the latest innovations in interior design. Sam admits she loves everything DIY and is always ready to face a new challenge.

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