Square Footage Inc.
52 Reviews

Breaking the Rules

Breaking the rules in good taste.

There are some long-standing design rules that help steer us in the right direction, and these guiding principles can be helpful.

But when you turn the design rulebook on its head, your space can actually become more engaging and full of delightful and unexpected twists.

In order to create a kitchen design that was personalized, inviting, and stylish, bending the rules was not only a necessity for this client but it also made the process fun!

Here are a few of the rules that were worth breaking to achieve spectacular results in this kitchen.

Rule one
Strive for Symmetry:
There are three cabinets on the left of the range but only two on the right. Gold woven mesh doors at the bottom of the wall cabinet instead of the expected placement at the top.


Rule two
Only Use Matching Metals:
Stainless steel and gold can absolutely work in perfect harmony.

Rule three
Go for High Contrast:
Work with colour that are in the same family but not close enough to look like a mistake; make it intentional. Wall cabinets are a different colour than the base cabinets


Rule four
Elements Should Match:
Forget about matchy-matchy decor. Mix up the door hardware for better function and visual interest.
Forgo a tile backsplash everywhere, instead run your countertop up the wall and add a ledge.




If you want to learn about someone’s design aesthetic, look no further than their great room. It is one of the most-frequented spots in the home, only to be rivalled by the adjoining kitchen.
This living room sets the tone for the rest of the house. And while some might think of it as just a “cozy corner,” this living room is also a great place to experiment with colour palettes, traditional rugs, and a variety of personal touches.
Project Year: 2021
Project Cost: $100,001 - $150,000
Country: Canada