Why It’s Ok To Break The Rules

On a rainy spring day like this, I often get the urge to spruce up the old place a bit, just to freshen up the look and make a little change in what we’re seeing every day.

Oh, nothing too strenuous, mind you — this isn’t one of those days for running to the paint store, much less ripping out a wall! For now it’s just a little fluffing and tweaking, maybe some rearranging of furniture between rooms…

The websites of interior decorators, like Room for Improvement, are a terrific source of inspiration, especially when they show “before and after” pictures, as Kristin does in her Portfolio section.

Why It’s Ok To Break The Rules
by Kristin Wooding

I hate rules.
We’ve all heard it before. “Rules are made to be broken.” This is definitely true when it comes to the ‘rules’ of décor. Who comes up with these ‘rules’ anyway? And what do they mean to us?

Not that long ago we were all being told to never put pink with red or green with blue. The fact is that combinations such as these are the basis of some of the most beautiful color palettes being used by very talented designers around the world. These silly ‘rules’ are applied to all sorts of things in our lives by ‘experts’ in fashion and interior design and they’re taken as gospel by many people. Though, these days it does seem that we follow these ‘rules’ less rigidly than in previous generations.

I would personally like to applaud the woman who first braved the scrutiny of her mother and her friends and yanked on a pair of bright white pants the day after Labour Day. Of course, we also can’t forget about those that ignored the gasps of their peers and dared to mix gingham with toile. What about the forward thinking trendsetters that renounced traditional color schemes and touted the virtues of a ‘monochromatic’ design. To these rule breaking warriors I say BRAVO!

Now, I’m not going to suggest here that ALL ‘rules’ of this type are pointless and should be disregarded. Some ‘rules’ exist for good reason and should be adhered to strictly. For example, there is reason to avoid the use of very dark paint colors in a really small room. I firmly believe that stripes and plaids should not be mixed. I also think that the ‘rule’ of threes and fives is definitely a keeper. Let me also say this; there are some people out there that should follow the ‘rules’ at all times. These are the people lacking confidence of style and color. If you have a friend with bad taste, please do not let them loose in a paint store and tell them there are no rules. This could lead to disaster. But, if you have a good track record with your decorating and feel confident in your ability to pick out colors, themes and accents for your home, then by all means omit all the ‘rules’.

Here’s what I suggest you do instead of following rigid ‘rules’. Go with your gut. If you like a color combination, there’s most likely a reason. If you feel good walking into a room then chances are you have a successful design. If you feel nausea or have to squint when entering the space or are just downright uncomfortable, then something is wrong and rules or no rules, you’re going to have to fix it.

Several weeks ago I felt my kitchen needed a facelift. So, I began pulling a variety of things out of the drawers and storage bins to see what I had to work with. I found a ton of plaid and checked dishcloths in a variety of colors that had never been used. I discovered a stash of purple and red accessories that I had forgotten about. And, in the bottom of a large bin of ‘extras’ I spotted four framed prints with just the right combination of colors. A new kitchen scheme was born. I hung the prints, ironed four plaid dishtowels to use as place mats and arranged the accessories about the room. I had mixed shades of red, green, purple, orange and yellow in splashes all over my previously ‘neutral’ kitchen. But, I wasn’t done yet. It needed something. I grabbed my favorite pink frosted glass star-shaped candleholder and added it to the center of the table. I stood back. Much to my surprise, I felt almost giddy. The room had taken on new life. The kaleidoscope of colors that swirled around me in checks, plaids and solids of all kinds was not overwhelming or clashing. It was a feast for the eyes and a very appetizing color celebration. I had broken ALL the rules successfully.

So, there you have it. Proof that ‘rules’ ARE sometimes made to be broken and that the most important ‘rule’ of all, is that you trust your instincts. Besides, breaking the ‘rules’ has always been fun. So get to it!

Written by K. Wooding, “Rule-breaker” and Owner of Room For Improvement, a home staging and redesign company focused on bringing affordable decor solutions to everyone. To get your free e-consult for a room redesign send pictures of your room and your ideas to Kristin at rfieconsult@sympatico.ca or visit us at http://www.room4improvement.ca.Article Source: http://www.ladypens.com

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