Interior design is full of “rules” — some useful, others outdated. While guidance like “measure before you buy” will always hold true, there are plenty of so-called styling commandments that might be quietly holding your creativity hostage.
At Reposing, we believe your home should feel like you — not a Pinterest board stuck in 2014. So here are 5 common home styling rules we say it’s time to break — and what to try instead.
1. Rule: Stick to Matching Furniture Sets
Break It: Mixing > Matching
Matching sets might seem like the safe, cohesive choice — but they often lack personality. Instead of buying an entire room’s worth of matching furniture, curate pieces that complement rather than copy each other.
🔄 Try This Instead: Pair the Copgrove Collection Pedestal Side Table with a bold accent chair or contrast wood tones for a layered look that feels collected, not showroom-set.
2. Rule: Use Small Furniture in Small Rooms
Break It: Go Big (Even in Small Spaces)
Contrary to popular belief, dainty furniture can make a small room feel smaller. Bold, statement pieces can actually create the illusion of grandeur and confidence.
🪑 Try This Instead: Use a large sculptural piece like the Darcy Urn Stone Vase or a dramatic Garda Large Star Candle Lantern to draw the eye and ground the room.
3. Rule: Keep Colour Palettes Neutral for Elegance
Break It: Neutrals are nice — but contrast is luxurious
While a calm palette is soothing, an all-beige room can easily tip into bland. Don’t be afraid to punctuate your space with richer hues or moodier tones.
🎨 Try This Instead: Add colour through accessories like the Burgundy Peony Rose or Coffee Ombre Candle Votives — subtle yet impactful.
4. Rule: Symmetry is a Must for Balance
Break It: Imperfect is interesting
Perfect symmetry can look overly staged. A more natural, slightly off-kilter arrangement brings a sense of movement and life to your interiors.
🕯 Try This Instead: Style your shelf or console with the Set of 3 Stone Ceramic Dishes and a Green Peony on one side, and balance it with a single striking lantern on the other.
5. Rule: Always Follow Trends
Break It: Trends fade — taste evolves
Chasing trends is exhausting (and expensive). What’s “in” today could be “cringe” tomorrow. Instead, anchor your styling around timeless pieces that bring you joy — regardless of what the algorithms say.
💡 Try This Instead: Invest in quietly luxurious items like the Black Tapered Tall Glass Vase or Luxe Collection Marble Effect LED Candle — they’ll still look incredible long after the TikTok trends pass.
✨ Final Thought
Design rules exist to guide, not govern. The best homes are the ones that reflect your unique tastes, quirks, and stories — not ones that follow every rule to the letter. So go ahead — mismatch those textures, play with scale, add a touch of rebellion.
Because sometimes, the most beautiful rooms are born the moment we stop asking for permission.
