It seems like everywhere you look, there are more and more home decor “rules” to keep track of. Headlines like,
185 home design rules you should NEVER break!
97 MUST KNOW design principles!
You will die alone if you’re behind on these 41 design trends!
scream from page and screen every day. Okay, so that’s a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea. The fact remains that for most of us, interior design is an intimidating pursuit. Whether you’re starting fresh in a new home, or just need a push to take a room from blah to great, it can be tough to know where to focus your efforts in a sea of competing messages. So we decided to share our own 3 “rules” to help you cut through the noise and find your own chic style.
The only real “rule” is to do what makes you happy!
First “rule” of finding your own style: There are no rules
When faced with a multitude of competing decor truisms, it can be easy to cling to only the safest decisions for fear of making a “mistake.” All woods and metals must match! Avoid mixing patterns! Symmetry, symmetry! Of course, there are tried-and-true design rules of thumb worth following, and it’s good to know some of them so that you know how to break them in the right way. But don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and reject a principle or two. Sometimes, interiors never look better than when some rules are broken.
Second “rule” of finding your own style: Don’t be afraid to mix and match
Mixing Mid-Century with Industrial? Go right ahead!
A home doesn’t have to be perfectly curated and coordinated to be stylish. Besides, there aren’t too many people who consistently stay in only one design lane (we’re looking at you, Joanna Gaines). You may have found that your taste has morphed over time into a mashup of different styles – a little mid-century modern, a touch of farmhouse, and a dash of rustic industrial. But have no fear, for it’s precisely the juxtaposition of different styles, lines, and textures that make a home interesting. So go ahead and commingle a masculine mid-century modern dining table, industrial bar stools, and cozy tufted chairs in the kitchen area. Hang that round, vintage brass mirror over an angular console in the entry. Pair a modern, fur-and-metal bench with a rustic, smooth accent table. You get the idea. Contemporary spaces that blend the look of old and new are filled with character. So in the end, trust your own eye. What’s most important is the feeling you get when you walk through the door.
Third “rule” of finding your own style: Do what makes YOU happy
Love the look of blue velvet, gold metallics, and cow hide? Put them all together!
This is possibly the most important rule of them all, and one that often only comes with time. In the end, you’re the one that has to live in your house. Not your mother-in-law, not your totally-put-together friend on Facebook, not the latest decor blog tastemaker. Does a “mismatched” piece make you happy because it reminds you of a special family vacation or holiday? You will never find anything in a store, no matter how good it looks, that will make you feel the same way as a piece that holds meaning and brings you joy. And, if you are one of thousands of families who move often due to military or corporate transfers, you will come to cherish those items even more with every new city and home you live in. So in the end, do what makes you happy. What’s most important is that you surround yourself with things you love, that inspire you, and feel like home.
Have you put together a room that shows off your unique Chic Style? Let us know in the comments below.
Be sure to check out MyChicHome.com for the latest tips, on-trend furniture, and home accessories at affordable prices!
