Interior designers reveal the 8 decorating rules you should (almost) never break
We asked interior designers about the things you should avoid and rules not to break when decorating any space, from your kitchen to your living room.
Some interior designers advise against breaking certain decorating rules. One rule is having curtains that are too short, as they can make a space look incomplete. According to Lauren White, owner and principal designer at Ellen W. Interior Concepts, curtains should graze the floor to create a polished look. Another rule is to avoid rugs that are too small, as they can disrupt the proportions of a room.
White advises that a rug should at least sit under the front legs of furniture pieces. Additionally, measuring your space before purchasing furniture is crucial to ensure functionality and avoid costly mistakes. Buying stylish pieces without considering their function can lead to clutter. Gena Kirk, vice president of design at KB Home, suggests opting for furniture with extra storage to keep the home looking beautiful without the clutter.
Having only one source of light in a room can make it feel dull, so incorporating layered lighting with pendant lights, chandeliers, or wall sconces can create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. When selecting expensive, hard-to-replace pieces like countertops, cabinets, and built-in furniture, it's wise to choose timeless colors and designs.
Finally, hanging artwork too high can make a space feel awkward, so placing art at eye-level, typically around 57 to 60 inches above the floor, is generally recommended.
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