- Everything should match. Matching is boring. It’s not wrong, just a safe easy way to get things done. It is better for things to compliment each other than to match perfectly. If you stick with a “matching rule” you’re going to be very limited so avoid things like furniture sets.
- Floating furniture can work, so you don’t have to push everything up against the wall. Use the internet to help you discover how to do this. It requires a lot of time and effort which may be the reason people don’t do it, but when you figure it out, it’s worth it.
- Keeping up with trends can date your home quickly. If you want a “contemporary” space, stick with the basics. Add trends in similar pieces so that they can be easily removed and replace when trends change is the best way to complete the look.
- Just like myth #1 sticking to one style can also be boring. Each space in the house should reflect it’s own function and needs to be styled that way.
- Mixing patterns can be iffy for some people, this article uses floral and plaids as an example, because it’s been done so poorly in the past. It can be down, if you use caution. Make sure your patterns are not competing with each other but complimenting with each other using different scales. Like picking out an outfit, take your patters and coordinate them rather than match them.
- Mixing metals is another fashion faux pas that has lately become popular to break. Taking this into your home interior offers some adventure in your space. It adds sparkle and interest in the layers.
- Keeping wallpaper out of the bathroom has been the rule for quite a while. It gets dirty, can’t be cleaned and will peel off in high moisture spaces. This article says that wallpaper has come a long way and now there are wallpapers made specifically for the bathroom. Use a vinyl paper which is durable and buy stronger paste which will allow it better to the wall.
- Beige does not go with everything. It is it’s own color and should be treated that way. It’s also used as a scapegoat because it’s easy to pair and match. It’s the most common neutral and is an easy choice when decorating. If you’re going to use beige try pairing it with other neutrals.
- Speaking of neutrals, they don’t have to be boring! Used as their own color, and not just as a background, neutrals can be quite eye-catching. Having a neutral in a room that’s already white can look bland but mixing up your neutrals can add some spark.
- Another taboo is pairing navy and black however it’s now said that it can be done. Pairing two colors, using fabrics paints, and stones of varying shades of these colors allows an edgy design for your space.
I have been thinking about redecorating my kitchen and dining room because I used grapes and wine and things like that and I think that fad has gone out, has it or am I good to leave it for awhile? I like the colors it reminds me of something from a bistro in Italy or something so I want to keep the colors maybe just get rid of the grapes.
Aisha-
What a great question! I, too, wanted to decorate my kitchen in grapes but Mr. Sthole said we didn’t drink wine and that would be silly. I’m jealous of your kitchen already ;). I still know several people who have the wine themed kitchen. If it makes you happy, and gets you in the kitchen I say keep it. My biggest problem is liking my theme, but loving the newest versions of it better. Keeping your kitchen up to date is easy with a few simple tricks. Focus on decorating with color instead of a theme. Adding a few touches of things as they come in and out is much easier than a complete redecoration. Grab a few pieces that you absolutely love that will be a constant. Just make your space perfect for you!