In Julie Khuu’s video “12 Design Rules You Should Ditch Today,” she discusses various design rules that should be disregarded in interior design. She starts by suggesting that picking paint first is a rule that should be broken and recommends picking paint last to ensure a cohesive look in the room. Julie also encourages viewers to break the rule of maintaining a specific color palette and suggests experimenting with bold or muted colors. She further discusses breaking the rules of using dark colors in small spaces, painting ceilings white, matching wood tones, matching bathroom fixtures, and choosing the largest piece of furniture first. Julie emphasizes the importance of breaking the rule of installing the same flooring throughout the home and instead encourages using different flooring choices to add personality to each room. Finally, she suggests not relying on accent walls but considering other design elements to add visual interest.
Julie Khuu’s video aims to provide viewers with insight into design rules that can be broken in order to create fresh and dynamic interiors. She asks the audience for their thoughts on the rules they still follow and provides links to her social media platforms for further connection. Additionally, she mentions that the video may contain affiliate links and explains how they support her channel. By challenging these design rules, Julie Khuu hopes to inspire viewers to break free from outdated and restrictive conventions and embrace their own unique design visions.
Introduction
Hey there! Today, we’re going to dive into the world of interior design and discuss some common design rules that you should consider breaking. While rules can be helpful guidelines, sometimes, breaking them intentionally can lead to fresh and dynamic interiors that truly reflect your personal style and taste. So, let’s challenge the status quo and explore these design rules together.
Design Rule 1: Don’t pick paint first
Importance of cohesive look
When it comes to designing a room, it’s crucial to create a cohesive look that ties all the elements together. Often, people make the mistake of picking paint colors first, assuming it will set the tone for the entire space. However, in reality, paint should be chosen last to ensure that it complements the other design elements. By selecting key pieces of furniture, accessories, and fabrics first, you can create a color palette that truly harmonizes with your vision.
Recommendation to pick paint last
By picking paint last, you can avoid the difficulty of trying to match pre-selected paint colors to the rest of your room’s elements. Instead, you can choose a paint color that perfectly complements the overall design, making sure everything works together seamlessly. So, next time you’re planning a room makeover, remember to save the paint selection for the final touch!
Design Rule 2: Stick to a specific color palette
Encouragement to experiment with colors
While maintaining a specific color palette can create a cohesive look, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors. Breaking the rule of sticking to a single color palette can be liberating and allow you to add your own personal touch to the space. Let your imagination run wild!
Mix and match bold or muted color palettes
Bold color palettes can inject vibrancy and personality into a room, while muted color palettes can create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. By mixing and matching different color palettes, you can create a dynamic and visually interesting space that reflects your unique style. So, go ahead and embrace the rainbow!
Design Rule 3: Avoid using dark colors in small spaces
Visual expansion with contrasting light furnishings
Contrary to popular belief, dark colors can actually visually expand a small space when paired with contrasting light furnishings. If you have a small room without much natural light or a windowless space, don’t shy away from using dark paint or wallpaper. Just be sure to balance it out with lighter furniture pieces, light wood finishes, and metallic accents. This contrast will create depth and dimension, making the room feel more spacious.
Design Rule 4: Paint ceilings white
Treating ceilings as the fifth wall
Rather than leaving your ceilings plain white, consider treating them as the fifth wall in your design. Your ceiling presents another opportunity to make a bold design statement. Instead of defaulting to white, choose a color that complements the walls and adds visual interest to the space. By selecting a ceiling color just a couple of shades lighter than the walls, you can create a sense of cohesion while still adding an extra layer of depth and character to your room.
Painting in different colors or patterns
If you’re feeling bold and adventurous, you can even go a step further and paint your ceiling in different colors or patterns. This unique design choice can create a stunning focal point and add a touch of personality to your space. Get creative and let your imagination soar!
Design Rule 5: Match wood tones throughout the home
Creating a dynamic and organic look with mixed wood tones
Gone are the days when wood tones had to match perfectly. Mixing different wood tones can actually create a more dynamic and organic look in your home. Rather than sticking to a single wood tone, embrace the diversity of different wood finishes and textures. The mixture of warm and cool tones can add depth, character, and visual interest to your space. Remember, harmony doesn’t always mean uniformity!
Design Rule 6: Match bathroom fixtures and metal finishes
Adding personality and individuality with mixed fixtures and finishes
While it may have been common practice in the past to match bathroom fixtures and metal finishes throughout the home, don’t be afraid to mix and match nowadays. Combining different fixture styles and metal finishes can add personality and individuality to each room. Imagine a bathroom with brass faucets, brushed nickel handles, and black towel bars. This eclectic mix can make a bold design statement and create a truly one-of-a-kind space.
Design Rule 7: Choose the largest piece of furniture first
Importance of furniture inspiration
When it comes to furnishing a room, many believe that you should start by choosing the largest piece of furniture first. While this can be a helpful guideline, it’s not a rule set in stone. Sometimes, finding inspiration from a unique or eye-catching furniture piece can lead to a more creative and visually appealing design.
Considering overall design
Instead of solely focusing on the size of furniture, consider how it fits into the overall design concept and aesthetic you want to achieve. Sometimes, a smaller statement piece can anchor a room just as effectively as a larger one. So, keep an open mind and let your imagination guide you when selecting furniture.
Design Rule 8: Install the same flooring throughout
Adding personality and distinction with different flooring choices
Traditionally, it was believed that using the same flooring throughout the entire home created a sense of continuity. However, mixing different flooring choices can actually add personality and distinction to different rooms. By selecting flooring that suits the specific function, style, and mood of each space, you can create a truly customized and visually interesting home.
Conclusion
Although design rules can serve as helpful guidelines, breaking them intentionally can lead to exciting and unique interiors that reflect your personal style. From picking paint last to experimenting with different colors, the possibilities for creative expression in interior design are endless. So, don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and create a space that truly speaks to you!
