According to Nate Berkus, there are a lot of 'myths' commonly associated with interior design that aren't necessarily true. From decorating with color to matching furniture, some of these design beliefs are widely embraced, yet don't actually need to be followed.
Here, we've rounded up three of Nate's debunked interior design myths, which will help to give you some more clarity on the interior design process. Whether you're looking to carry out your own home decor ideas or enlist professional help from a designer, it's worth knowing these insights first.
1. Everything should match
Responding to this point with a simple: 'No, nothing should match,' Nate makes clear that having all matching decor in a room is no longer a reflection of good interior design. Designers often say that opting for a room with fully matching furniture pieces can look dated and overly formal.
Instead of matching items, opt instead to establish an overall theme that unites the space, yet allows each furniture item to act as a standalone piece. For example, you could choose a general color scheme but have furniture made from different fabrics and finishes to add depth and dimension to the space.
2. White walls are boring
Decorating with white is often a hot topic in the interior design world. While in recent years, white walls have been criticized for being bland and clinical, Nate says this isn't always the case: 'White walls could be boring, it just depends on how many textures and the shape of the furniture that you put in the space, and what you hang on the white walls.'
As Nate advises, make sure to add lots of interest to your white room ideas through texture and wall decor. You could also consider opting for warm white paint, which is a lot softer and more welcoming than cool-toned whites.
3. Interior designers get rid of things you already own
If you're considering enlisting professional design help for your space, you should be aware that this doesn't have to mean getting rid of items you already own. According to Nate, a good interior designer should be able to integrate items that have sentimental value to you, rather than sourcing entirely new pieces.
'A good interior designer will listen really carefully to what you have to say, especially about the things that are important to you, and make sure they figure out how to work around and with the things that really matter to you.'
If you're feeling inspired to make some decor changes to your home, these are the decor trends that designers are bringing into the new year. From limewash paints to color drenching, there are ideas to suit lots of different spaces.
