5 Outdated Design Rules You Need To Start Breaking

Today, televisions are made a focal point instead of being tucked away. Ensuites are the new hall baths. Open concept is the new enclosed room. Interior design is known to change, but perhaps the better word is evolve.

“The way we live is completely different from 30 years ago,” says Yancey Seibert Shearouse of her namesake interior design firm in Augusta, Georgia. She makes the argument that it’s not about “breaking” the rules—it’s about reinterpreting history and embracing the lifecycle of trends. Case in point: One of the trademarks of a Victorian home used to be colored trim, and after time apart, it’s one of today’s most prominent obsessions.

These dated design rules have a place in the past, but who knows? Maybe they’ll have a place in the future too. All we know for sure is that they don’t have one in the present.

Symmetry

Everything in moderation, right? “Symmetry can be super impactful when used sparingly, but rely on it too much and it makes for a boring, sterile space,” Annie Downing. “I default to asymmetry when designing a room. It adds interest and invites more creativity.”

White Ceilings

“I use white paint on a ceiling as an exception, not the rule,” states Lindsey Herod. “Don’t ignore the fifth wall! It can surprise and delight.” Wallpaper, moldings, lacquer—the options are limitless.

Light Paint Colors

“Old school design enthusiasts love to tell you that a dark paint color will make a room seem smaller. I don’t agree,” insists Downing. “I find that a dark perimeter can make a space feel more expansive.” The moral of the story: Use your blacks, plums, and navy blues whenever you want to create a dramatic, memorable impact—regardless of room size.

Unpractical Spaces

Instagram may convince you homes are still picture perfect, but Seibert Shearouse disagrees. Take living rooms, for example. “They’re no longer precious, unused spaces, but studies with big flat screen TVs and cozy furniture,” she explains. “Spaces that make you happy, better the way you live in your house, and are an extension of your personality are keepers.”

Matching Wood

Just like furniture sets are out, so is matching wood. According to Downing, this is because “mixing several different species and stains enriches the space and creates a more dynamic effect.”