4 Interior Design Rules I Don’t Follow—And You Don’t Have To Either

Do you ever spend precious minutes scrolling Pinterest only to feel worse about your home when you're done? (Been there ✋!) Next time remember this – most photos you see on Pinterest are snapped by professional photographers. These projects generally have high budgets that allow for astounding material budgets, and even the most ordinary-seeming items in these spaces are often custom-made or at least custom-upholstered.

While we can take inspiration from these projects, I'm going to let you in on a secret that took me years to learn: we've got to throw out their rulebook—or at least write in enough margin notes to make it our own.

Let’s throw out some rules. Are you ready?

Throwing Out Rule #1: Only One Neutral Undertone Per Space

The New Rule: Aim for Two Neutral Undertones Per Space

Who says you can only have one neutral undertone? Traditional design wisdom suggests sticking to a single undertone to maintain cohesion, but I’m here to tell you it's a rule worth breaking...especially if you're on a budget.

When it comes to creating a space that feels dynamic and interesting, embracing a blend of neutral undertones can work wonders. Think of it like mixing metals in jewelry; it used to be a faux pas, but now it's sophisticated. In the same way, adding depth by using two neutral undertones—say, a warm beige with a warm gray—adds complexity to a room, making it feel richer and more layered.

Plus, if you’re navigating the maze of an off-the-rack budget, confining yourself to a single undertone isn’t practical. You’re likely pairing things you already own, new finds, and a few works-for-now pieces.

Allowing yourself the space to design with two neutral undertones gives you the flexibility to incorporate a broader range of furniture and decor, creating a space that feels uniquely yours without the hefty price tag.

Let's Throw Out Rule #2: Tie It All Together with Throw Pillows

New Rule: Choose All Fabrics at the Same Time

I don’t know about you, but the advice to “tie it all together with throw pillows” never made sense to me unless I was choosing from 300 custom fabric samples. And for those of us working with off-the-rack fabrics, it’s time to ditch this interior design rule in favor of something more practical...a rule that actually works when you're shopping in a real-life store.

Instead of leaving throw pillows as the last step to pull your space together, opt for choosing all of your fabrics at the same time. This means considering your sofa, curtains, rugs, and, yes, throw pillows, all in one go.

The reason? When you’re selecting these elements together, you have the opportunity to create a cohesive palette that works across the board, and most importantly make adjustments as you go.

If you’re buying off-the-rack, I promise you'll thank me. Mixing and matching fabrics will keep you from shoe-horning something in that doesn't work, since you already bought everything else and you just need to be finished. And it gives will make your everyday budget feel more extravagant.

Let's Throw Out Interior Design Rules #3: Ask the Room What It Wishes to Be

New Rule: Sell Grandma's Furniture and Make Room for Your Craft Table

(or the opposite, if that's what makes sense for your home)

Ever feel like you don’t have enough space? I’ve been there. Traditional design often suggests that each room should have a predefined function, but instead, rooms should dance to the rhythm of your lifestyle.

Maybe it’s time to sell grandma’s dining furniture and make room for a craft table. You know, the one that’s been crammed in the corner of the living room for far too long. Your home should evolve with your needs and passions, not just sit pretty for the occasional formal dinner party you don't actually love hosting.

If you find yourself needing a space to spread out and get creative, don’t let traditional interior design rules hold you back. Let’s rethink how we use our spaces. After all, a room that accommodates your favorite hobbies is going to bring a lot more joy and functionality to your daily life than one that’s just taking up space for the sake of tradition.

Let's Throw Out Interior Design Rules #4: "It's Worth the Investment."

New Rule: Don't Go Into Debt and Don't Wait 'Til You "Can Afford It"

Let’s flip the script on this common design mantra. While it’s true that investing in quality pieces can sometimes be worthwhile, your home should tell your story, not just showcase a hefty price tag. In fact, let’s be real: most people telling you to “invest” are either selling something or at least making a commission.

Instead, let’s focus on crafting spaces that make your heart skip a beat without risking an overdraft. This means prioritizing what you love, finding creative solutions, and being smart about where you spend your money. For example, you could save up for a beautiful, durable sofa that will last for years – but maybe it makes more sense to score a low-budget sofa so you have budget left over for a work. Make sense? Bottom line, do what works for you, and don't let anyone (including me) make you feel bad about it.

And don't make this mistake – waiting until you can afford that perfect item and thereby putting off the joy of a finished space forever.

You don’t need to go into debt or spend all junior's college fund to create a home that feels complete and reflects your personality. Let’s embrace what we can do now, with what we have, and make it work beautifully.

Getting excited about transforming your home?

My favorite part of working with clients is seeing the moment they stop trying to do the "smart" or "elevated" or "right" things and start doing what supports their people and brings them joy; when they shake off the outdated design rules that don't serve them and embrace their own path.

I hope you find a confidence that's yours, to do what works in your home and for your people – design rules be damned!

Your home has endless potential, and you don’t need a big budget to unlock it. 80% of the time, you just need some creativity, willingness to bend the rules a bit, and focus on what makes you feel good. The rest will come, though it might not feel like it until your second time. I'd love to help you with your first.

If you need a baseline number check, click over to the project calculator I made for you! It's updated to 2024 pricing, and you can toggle and change the settings all you want in case the first number makes your eyes water.

Question and Answer Section

Q1: Can you mix neutrals?

Mixing neutral undertones is all about finding balance. For example, an oatmeal (taupe) sofa can be paired with light yellow beige cushions. The key is to repeat each undertone a few times throughout the space to create a cohesive look, and make sure they aren't too close together (on the color wheel - every neutral has a colorful hue undertone) to one another so they clash.

Q2: What’s the best way to choose fabrics when on a budget?

When you're working with a budget, the best approach is to plan all your fabrics at once – rugs, pillows, drapes, linens for bed or table, and furniture upholstery. Start with a larger, more permanent pieces, like a rug or sofa, and build your palette from there. Look for fabric options that offer flexibility, like solid colors or simple patterns, which can be easily mixed and matched without clashing. IKEA is a great place to start for cushions and drapes, Amazon have quite a few curtains (make sure you're buying them long enough of course!), and Rugs USA is my favorite for affordable rugs (wait for a holiday because they always run sales).

Q3: How do I create a home that feels pulled together without spending a lot?

Focus on the big stuff that helps your room function, then add lamps and a big rug. Look for small updates that have a big impact, like new pillows or linens, lighting, curtains, or wall art. By layering these elements, you can create a space that feels full and inviting without needing to spend a fortune. And remember to take it one step at a time.