From the Desk of Clearissa Coward’s Command Center – c4
Design Trends That Are Made To Be Broken
Looking for some great design tips? Well, we have them right here. My blogging buddy Kacey Bradley has done some research for us and has some great ideas. I agree that we all have a personal style and our personal style should be reflected in our personal spaces. How boring to live in a home that looks it was picked up and plopped into one’s space. Matchy, matchy simply does not work for everyone. Today we bring you, Design Trends That Are Made To Be Broken.
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When it comes to interior design, you have so much creative leeway. Still, there are some unspoken rules that might make you limit yourself as you decorate and re-decorate the spaces within your home.
But, as with most rules, so many design tenants are made to be broken. When done right, a design no-no can be a show-stopping element in your home — and one that can convince even the biggest traditionalist that it’s worthwhile to go against the grain from time to time.
Are you ready to break the rules? Here are four design trends that just begging for a refresh:
Cabinets Must Match
Once upon a time, you’d walk into a kitchen and see that every single cabinet was the same color. Sure, you might have cabinets of different shapes and sizes, as well as a few display-style cabinets with glass on their doors. But the wood that made up the storage units would be the same stain or paint color to create a uniform appearance.
Today’s kitchen design pioneers have started writing a new story, though. Rather than installing cabinetry that matches throughout a kitchen, you can and should try mixing and matching your color choices. You could have a darker set of cabinets for your lower set and a colorful or otherwise brighter hue for your upper set. Or, you could go with uniform cabinetry on the upper and lower areas while painting your island a completely different shade — different countertop material optional here, too, to really mix things up.
Paint With Light Neutrals Only
When you bought your home, there’s a good chance that its walls were painted beige, grey or classic white. In terms of selling a property, this is a good choice: neutrals paint a backdrop that’s, well, neutral enough for any buyer to envision themselves living in a home or apartment. Once you move in, though, you should add color to suit your taste — and this includes dark hues.
Some people say to avoid using darker hues like black, navy and eggplant because they can make a room feel smaller, especially when used in a space with large square footage. This shouldn’t deter you, though: your color choice makes a statement about you and your tastes, so paint whatever color speaks to you. Just make sure that you paint your dark color choice properly, as imperfections will be more evident when made with a deep, rich hue.
Mixing Patterns? No Way.
Another no-no that’s actually a yes? Mixing more than one fabric pattern in a room. Previously, you might’ve chosen one patterned element, like an area rug or a set of throw pillows, and paired your selection with other fabric elements in hues plucked from the pattern so that everything matched without being too much. 
Now, though, you can feel free to combine as many patterns as you see fit. A checkered throw pillow, for example, can go perfectly with a floral curtain set, so long as they feature the same colors to bring everything together. You can even go so far as to layer your area rugs, thus giving your floor two separate patterns that stand out and yet, somehow, work together.
Use Natural Light to Guide You
In the past, as you made design decisions, you’d probably have someone in your ear suggesting you hold off on choosing a new paint color or fabric until you saw it in natural light. Sure, the fluorescent bulbs of a furniture showroom or hardware shop can certainly change the way an item looks, but natural light isn’t the only way — or even the best way — to reveal something’s true colors.
Of course, if you’re decorating a room with floor-to-ceiling windows on three of its four sides, natural light is the best way to judge a new color or pattern you’re bringing in, but that’s because the room will always be drenched in natural light. You should only use natural light as a judge in spaces where this is a factor.
Your best bet in choosing a new design element with light as a factor? Bring a swatch of fabric or paint a square of paint on the wall and see how it looks in the light your room provides. Yes, that might include natural light, but it likely includes table lamps or overhead lighting as well. Leave your swatch to sit all day long and contemplate throughout the day. If you like it under all potential types of light, then it’s a match.
Don’t Go Your Own Way
This, like the above four statements, is a myth. You can and should go your own way when it comes to design. Use colors you like and mix patterns to your liking. In the end, it’s your space and you’re the one who has to love it — break the rules as you like and don’t look back.
Featured Writer: Kacey Bradley is the lifestyle and travel blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she frequently writes for sites like US Travel News, Thought Catalog, Style Me Pretty, Tripping.com and more!
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Until next time…I remain in my Element – God Bless!
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Ok, I’m on board with everything that you said!! You hit a lot of great points too!! Thoughts of a true decorator.. love you boo
Love you too Sweetpea, and thank you. The post is not all me. It is also the talent of a guest blogger. And I am sure she appreciates your feedback as well. Thanks for always supporting.
I love cabinets that don’t match in a kitchen. As for paint, I painted a small room a dark red years ago now I’m going the opposite and painting it China White. I want everything crisp and clean now! Funny how our taste change over the years.
I agree Amy. I am about ready to paint everything in some crisp white or grey as well. My whole house is mainly in the Tuscan colors. Golds, burgundy, and greens. But I’m about to brighten things up and moving to the clean farmhouse style. Good luck with your change and wish me luck with mine. 🙂
Great thoughts, and very freeing!
Hi Michele, I am so happy you enjoyed the article.
You give some great tips. I am just waiting for the chance to paint some of our rooms. Husband isn’t onboard yet. lol
Hi Victoria. Thank you from Kacey and me. Painting always makes a statement. Good luck with getting your husband onboard. 🙂
Some good advice here, Clearissa. We each have our own style and comfort areas, but it is good to push beyond that to come up with a unique decorating style.
Hi Barbara,
I agree, we should only use trends or the advice of others as a springboard for our own personal style. There are no wrong answers. It’s all about what makes you feel happy and cozy in your own space. 🙂
Great post but in no way can I feel free to combine patterns, my OCD won’t allow it! 🙂 Thank you Clearissa for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 24 with me! I shared your post on Fb, G+, Pn, and Tw ♥
Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #OverTheMoon this week. Each Hostess displays their own features so be sure to visit me on Sunday evening and to see your feature! I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please don’t forget to add your link numbers or post title so we can be sure to visit!
Oh Wow Marilyn. Thank you!!! I am so very appreciative.
Ha I feel you Dee. I can mix some but not a lot of them. I am OCDish myself. 🙂