10 interior design ‘rules’ that you don’t need to follow
New research from soft furnishing company Furn has found that 80% of Brits follow the interior design ‘rules’, with just 13% saying their home reflects their personality.
Home décor inspiration comes in many forms – whether you look at Pinterest, TikTok, the Good Homes website, or you’ve discovered something amazing at the recent Ideal Home Show.
However, are we playing it too safe with our decorating decisions? Are the ‘rules’ stunting our creativity?
With 6,000 Google searches for ‘interior design inspiration’, and a further 2,000 searches for ‘interior design rules’, in the last month alone, it’s clear many of us are in need of a hand.
What are the ‘interior design rules’?
The interior experts at Furn polled the nation to discover how many people actually follow the rules, and how confident people feel about putting their personal style into practice.
The 10 interior design rules that Brits can’t seem to break are…
- Sticking to neutral colours for a timeless look (40%)
- All fabrics in the same room should complement each other (29%)
- You should make small spaces feel bigger (28%)
- Rugs should complement the flooring (26%)
- Curtains should touch the floor (21%)
- You should only have warm lighting in your home (18%)
- Table settings should match (16%)
- Bedding should be white for a luxurious feel (14%)
- You should only use three colours in a room (14%)
- Metal accents should all be the same (10%)
The survey also demonstrated that the biggest challenges people face with their interiors is the cost of decorating (32%), followed closely by the struggle to visualise decor in their homes (24%) – while one in five of those surveyed have a fear of making the wrong choices.
Debunking the rules
Anna Jones and Rea Bell, interior design experts at Furn, have weighed in on the so-called rules and share their top tips for creating a unique personal space in your home.
Neutral colour scheme
With two in five Brits believing a neutral colour scheme is a necessity for a timeless look, is it possible to create that feeling without sacrificing on colour?
Anna shares: “Neutral spaces can look fabulous, and if that’s the look that sparks joy for you, then great.”
However, you can absolutely create a timeless feel in your space while also adding a pop of colour.
“Start with a base colour that works for you, and build out from there.
“Whether you’re colour drenching the whole space, or adding colour through accessories, starting with one key colour and choosing complementary shades that spark joy will create a personality-filled, timeless space.”
Complementary fabrics
Textures and fabric choice are so important when it comes to adding depth and personality to your home.
However, with 29% of people believing all fabrics must complement each other, are we playing it too safe?
Anna says: “Adding different textures and fabrics to a space is a great way to introduce some individuality to a room that could otherwise feel flat.
“Textures like boucle, embroidery or ruffles are a fantastic way to catch the eye and bring a sensory element to your space.
“Mixing different textures and fabrics rather than sticking with the same fabric sofa cushions, for example, adds a little depth and fun to the room.”
White bedding
Crisp white bedding has been a way to evoke the hotel vibes in your home, with one in six of us still believing in that theory.
While white is a timeless choice, it isn’t the only way to bring luxury and elegance to your home.
“You absolutely do not need to stick to white bedding to create that high-end, hotel-style bedroom,” says Anna.
“If you love colour, embrace it. Why not try swapping your classic white set for a jewel tone like deep emerald green or burgundy red?
“These rich, warm hues instantly elevate a space and feel incredibly indulgent.”
“Luxury is in the details,” Anna adds.
“Think about layering in embroidery, elegant trims, soft frills, or rich botanical prints.
These elements add depth, texture, and a sense of escapism – transforming your bedroom into a true retreat.”
How can I get more confident in my interior design choices?
Rea explains where to start when building confidence in your decorating: “It’s easy to go to an Instagram story and replicate a look you’ve seen, creating a carbon copy in your own home, but you won’t end up feeling like it’s your own space or an extension of your personality.
“You should be able to express yourself in your living space. You spend a lot of time there, so it’s really important that it feels like ‘you’.
“Much in the same way that the clothes that you wear reflect who you are, your home can too.
“If you struggle with transferring your personality into your living space, just think about your favourite colours, patterns you’re drawn to, movies you love, quotes that inspire you, countries you love to visit etc.
“Take a look on Pinterest to see how other people have styled items that tie in with these elements, and think about where these might fit in your home to create spaces that are truly unique to you.”
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