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8 Ways to Break Design Rules in 2012
Rethink wallpaper, framing, furniture, over-organizing and more this year
I'm a Designer & Color Consultant specializing in interior and exterior color selection. I also create Design Plans for DIYers. I'd love to help you through my eDesign Service {and it doesn't matter where you live!}. Visit my blog at http://www.porterhousedesigns.com/colorsizzle.
I'm a Designer & Color Consultant specializing in interior and exterior... More »
When it comes to decorating our homes, we often take the safe route by sticking to what we perceive are the rules of design. Often these rules are shaped by current trends and what we repeatedly see on design websites and in shelter magazines. We may have even adopted rules based on the design style of people who we know. But sometimes rules are meant to be broken, and in doing so you can realize your own personal style and do what makes sense for the way you live. Don't be afraid to break the rules in the new year.
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Wallpaper your kitchen. Wallpaper in the kitchen may be considered an outdated trend of the 1950s and 60s, but as they say -- everything old is new again. A chic wall covering can give your kitchen a distinctive look and add tons of personality and style.
by simple thoughts
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Forgo the picture frames. There is definitely a sense of harmony in a collection of wall art that features perfectly matched frames. However, this sameness can also feel routine, and purchasing several frames can be expensive. But who says every piece of art needs to be framed? You'll achieve a seamless look and create a more interesting gallery wall by incorporating frameless pieces. Secure them onto the wall with double-sided tape or 3M Hooks, and you're good to go.
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Don't over-organize. While home organization is important, it may not be essential in every room. Parents know it is almost impossible in a child's room, anyway. When it comes to items such as books, it's much easier to create organized piles instead of having each book perfectly placed the same way.
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by Ninainvorm
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| Mismatch your throw pillows. Sometimes, it's just more fun to mix things up, and wouldn't you like to have more fun this year? Then, say goodbye to those matchy-matchy pillows and bring in a bunch of new ones in varying colors and sizes. |
by ABCD Design LLC
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Don't match your sofas. Perfect symmetry is bliss, but don't let it become boring. Every room in your home does not have to be uniform. Why not try two very different sofas in your living room? There is just something very exciting about the unexpected.
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Let your bedroom be asymmetrical. In this room, a pair of lamps is on one side of the bed while one lamp sits on the other side. This odd number is not only interesting but it's also functional. The two white lamps are placed on a desk, which provides plenty of task lighting. This is a great example of how you can treat each side of your bed differently.
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by Nina Jizhar
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| Mix period furniture. It can be intimidating to think about mixing furniture styles because you don't want a space that feels chaotic. However, it you select a color palette that weaves through all of the furniture pieces, it will turn out surprisingly well. Here, a Victorian-style settee and classic wing chair are paired with a clean, modern sofa. The common hues of off-white and black bring the entire space together. |
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by Brooke Ulrich
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| Diversify your dining chairs. Show your creative side by bringing a diverse mix of chairs to the table. Don't worry about matching style or height. Go for punchy colors, and you'll turn your kitchen into a whimsical gathering place everyone will love. More: A Gallery Wall for Every Personality Sitting Pretty in Mis-Matched Chairs |
Ideabook updated on Jan. 1, 2012.
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Some folks call those first four rooms "Creative" - I call them a hot mess...
...and can't stand the mix of scales in the room with the Chesterfield - its like someone brought in a roommate and didn't have anywhere else to put his sofa.
To see the photos below, visit http://www.printedart.com/content/guatemala-wall-2 and http://www.printedart.com/content/ice-goddess
Our house is not quite finished, but we've tried to break a few 'rules' along the way. When you have a blank canvas, why not go with what you really want, rather than what other people think you should want?