Top 5 Interior Design Myths

If you ask any designer, they’ll often give you a whole list of absolute “dos” and “don'ts” that must be adhered to if you’re going to follow design “law”. However, after looking around on the net and getting some great articles by designers who aren't bent on “design law” we found out that many of the “absolutes” we’ve been told are actually myths that don’t hold up when held to design scrutiny. Here’s the top five myths we busted with the following articles.

#1: White Rooms Look Bigger

In this article by Emile Sennebogen for home.howstuffworks.com, we find out that white does not, in fact, make a room look bigger, but it can make it boring. What actually makes a room appear bigger are combining lights and darks to give the eye interest and the design some depth. Having more colors in a room makes our eyes wander and the room then feels bigger. To get more information on this great tip and a few other design myths, you’ll want to read the entire article here.

#2: A Room That Uses all Dark colors Will Only Feel Depressing

While there is a bit of truth in this myth, this article posted on Freshome.com, shows us that this is not always the case. The article states that while dark colors in a small room with little or natural light can become somewhat of a dungeon, dark colors in larger rooms with plenty of windows and other sources of natural light will feel rich and luxurious. If you love that deep hunter green, then don’t be afraid to throw it up on your walls because as long as you’re in a room with windows, or at least some sky lights, you’re going to give it a nice feeling of luxury. Get more information on this and other great hints by reading the full article here.

#3: Dining Room Tables and Chairs Must Match

In this article posted on Freshome.com, that old myth about dining room tables and chairs needing to match is put to rest. While the article does suggest keeping wood colors the same, or if you’re not going to do that, then to find some unifying element, the end decision is to feel free to create texture and difference without making a setting that makes people dizzy. Check out their fun dining room options by reading the full article here.

#4: Sofas and Beds Always Go Against a Wall

Noted interior designer Robert Passal says the myth that beds and sofas always have to go against a wall is hogwash in this article posted on Edgeboston.com. Passal often uses large pieces of furniture like sofas and even beds to delineate a space. Particularly in today’s open floor plans, we need our larger pieces to sometimes take the place of walls. Get all of the great advice by reading the full article here.

#5: A Pop of Color is Necessary

While you definitely don’t want to have a hum drum design style, this article by Stephanie Kratz for stephaniekratzinteriors.com, states that adding depth doesn’t mean you have to go out and find that elusive “pop” of color. If you really want to stick to one color scheme, try using different tones of the same color to add interest. You can also mix textures and achieve the design interest that way as well. You can find all of her great advice by reading the full article here.