Old Rule 1: Use only one type of wood in a room.
"All matching wood can look too perfect. Mixing woods can make a room more interesting and personal, like it took shape over time, as in this library."
(photo credit: Thomas Loof)
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Old Rule 2: The most important piece of furniture is the sofa.
"There's no rule that says a living room even has to have a sofa: Four armchairs do the trick in this living room. You can always put the sofa in the family room or a cozy library."
(photo credit: Victoria Pearson)
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Old Rule 3: Play it safe in small spaces.
“Tiny rooms are great for dramatic decorating. Put a large-scale printed fabric or wallpaper on the walls and even the ceiling. It's easier, safer, and less expensive to be dramatic in a small space. You might get tired of a bold print in the main living area, but it can make a smaller, less-used room an exciting space to spend time.”
(photo credit: Lonny)
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Old Rule 4: Every room needs a rug.
"It's true that rugs anchor a space, but that doesn't mean they're required. Removing them can really open up a room. Bare wood and stone floors can be just as beautiful. It also makes sweeping up easy, particularly helpful in a kitchen that doesn't have a rug in front of the sink."
(photo credit: Roger Davies)
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Old Rule 5: Furniture styles should match.
“If you layer a space with color, texture, and array of styles, your decor choices will have a much longer life. Accessories are an affordable way to make sure a space doesn't get locked into one period or thematic look.”
(photo credit: Lisa Cregan)
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Old Rule 6: Always put a coffee table in front of the sofa.
“The most versatile coffee table you'll ever own is an ottoman topped with a tray. Not only do you get extra seating, the tray also helps corral drinks, remote controls, and other accessories, like in this living room.”
(photo credit: Eric Piasecki)
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Old Rule 7: Vintage pieces are best left "as is."
"Don't be afraid to paint a vintage piece. Every piece of furniture can't be brown."
(photo credit: Victoria Pearson)
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Old Rule 8: For a small bedroom, use small furniture.
“Small-scale furniture only makes a small bedroom look smaller. Try a high bed and a tall headboard, and your room will grow.”
(photo credit: Victoria Pearson)
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Old Rule 9: Dining chairs should be part of a matching set.
“Mix up the seating at your dining table. You wouldn't have eight identical chairs in your living area.”
(photo credit: Eric Piasecki)
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Old Rule 10: Children's art is for the fridge or a closet.
“Kids' paintings and drawings can bring color and whimsy to an otherwise unimaginative space. Display drawings in a colorful frame, or in a white frame with a colored mat. Hang them in an otherwise unimaginative space. They're full of spirit — and meaningful.”
(photo credit: Roger Davies)
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(Source: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL's 10 Decorating Rules to Break by Jen DeRose + Designers)
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