INTERIOR DESIGN RULES YOU SHOULD NOT FOLLOW | DO'S + DON'TS

INTERIOR DESIGN RULES YOU SHOULD STOP FOLLOWING | DO'S + DONT'S
Interior Designer: Kristen McGowan
Thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this video! I’m sharing with you 10 Interior design rules that I think are worth breaking! Interior design rules are helpful but sometimes they can be limiting!! Don’t get stuck on the rules, sometimes breaking the rules leads you to better results! These are common interior design rules we’ve all heard before that may be limiting your design choices! I’ll take you through the do’s and don’ts of interior design from paint choices, furniture ideas, color palettes, and unique design choices and guide you to design and decorate your home like a pro! #IFWYK #interiordesign #homedecor #Walmart #Ad #Sponsored @Walmart #MagicLinks @MagicLinks
- S H O P T H I S V I D E O -
Gap Home Tonal Plaid Flannel Organic Cotton Comforter Set (Khaki): go.magik.ly/ml/1mmum/
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Better Homes & Gardens Cactus Decorative Pillow: go.magik.ly/ml/1meok/
Mainstays Faux Snow Leopard Fur pillow: go.magik.ly/ml/1meog/
▶ My Podcast: / @chrisandkris
- R O O M M A K E O V E R S -
MY GUEST BEDROOM MAKEOVER: • DIY EXTREME GUEST BEDR...
MY LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME LIVING ROOM MA...
NEW BREAKFAST NOOK MAKEOVER: • EXTREME BREAKFAST NOOK...
DIY ENTRYWAY MAKEOVER: • DIY EXTREME ENTRYWAY M...
LOUNGE ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME LOUNGE ROOM MA...
BATHROOM MAKEOVER: • DIY BATHROOM MAKEOVER ...
DINING ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME DINING ROOM MA...
SMALL BATHROOM (POWDER ROOM MAKEOVER): • EXTREME SMALL BATHROOM...
STAIRCASE DIY MAKEOVER: • DIY STAIRCASE MAKEOVER...
MY BEDROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME BEDROOM MAKEOV...
MY BEDROOM MAKEOVER ROUND 2 : • BEDROOM MAKEOVER ON A ...
BACKYARD MAKEOVER: • DIY BACKYARD MAKEOVER ...
BOHO TODDLER BEDROOM MAKEOVER: • DIY BOHO GIRLS BEDROOM...
FRONT DOOR MAKEOVER: • DIY FRONT DOOR MAKEOVE...
LIVING ROOM + ENTRYWAY MAKEOVER: • LIVING ROOM + ENTRYWAY...
MY LIVING & DINING ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME ROOM MAKEOVER ...
SHARED KIDS BEDROOM MAKEOVER: • BEDROOM MAKEOVER REVEA...
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME ROOM MAKEOVER!...
- F O L L O W M E -
Kristen McGowan: Designer, Bachelors degree in Interior Design from Sheridan College
▶INSTAGRAM: @kristenmcgowan
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FTC Disclaimer: Some links above are affiliate links from which I get a small commission. This does not affect you as a customer at all, but helps me keep on making videos for you guys! All opinions are my own :)

[@KristenMcGowan]

HAPPY WEDNESDAY EVERYONE! I hope today's video gives you some inspiration & ideas you can use in your home😍 Thank you to Walmart Walmart.com for sponsoring this video! Check out their PRODUCTS Gap Home Tonal Plaid Flannel Organic Cotton Comforter Set (Khaki): go.magik.ly/ml/1mmum/ Better Homes & Gardens Gray Tonal Floral Decorative Pillow: go.magik.ly/ml/1meoj/ Better Homes & Gardens Cactus Decorative Pillow: go.magik.ly/ml/1meok/ Mainstays Faux Snow Leopard Fur pillow: go.magik.ly/ml/1meog/

[@mariamangion21]

So proud of you for getting sponsored ❤

[@KristenMcGowan]

@@mariamangion21 aw thank you so much!!

[@nottoday3666]

Walmart has really stepped up their game over the past years. I buy alot of home items there !

[@kecc7094]

Hello! Is there a way to consult with you? Please say yes!

[@emilyferrante4589]

These were awesome tips, I always thought different metals could work if done tastefully!

[@ephemeraphilesbytomi]

The only design rule I follow is “does this space make me feel happy/comfortable/welcome?” Works almost every time. And pretty much fits all of these tips!

[@patriciakeats1621]

Me too.

[@TranquilDisturbance]

Knowing that you can mix different wood tones and different metallics and being shown how to do so is a huge game changer, honestly. It can be really stressful to have to match everything exactly. Thank you!

[@carlievilsizer6424]

Totally agree with tip 2!! I painted my powder room bathroom walls AND ceiling black. My husband was nervous about it but we love it. So dramatic and cozy, and makes it feel WAY bigger.

[@msaijay1153]

I wish we could see pictures!

[@kano2130]

AND if you are an avid DIYer doing all the walls, trim and doors the same color then you don’t have to cut in or use tape(just on the floor). Lots of bonuses.

[@mariamangion21]

Does anyone have a huge smile that doesn’t drop when she posts!! ❤

[@laurinda9009]

Yes!

[@checkinwithchinajessegonza7759]

Me!!!

[@janineaggott6741]

Hahaha, yes! I just opened up KZbin and got the biggest smile on my face because Kristen posted a video! I just love her. She’s better than anyone on HGTV!

[@thenightporter]

🙄

[@tiaalbright5559]

Absolutely!

[@tenwaystowearit]

Such great tips and advice. I get tired of so many rules to everything. I’m a rule-breaker. 👏🏾♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@reneeamaya]

Not matching wood tones makes so much sense! It gives it so much more of a classier look, thank you!

[@debrahayes3778]

One of your most useful videos yet. Please do more like this.

[@css4521]

Thank you Kristen! I found a handmade painted dresser that I loved.. And I (unconventionaly) placed it in my living room. I felt so much joy in my heart every time I saw it! 🙂 Don't be afraid to mix and match woods and items that 'should be' in another room! I enjoy your videos so much and share them, also! Hugs 🤗

[@grace4976]

I’m so happy to hear her say it’s ok to mix metals. I love the way it looks. Black handles on white cabinets, stainless steel faucet, with a stainless pro stove And a white counter depth refrigerator. Sounds very mix matched but it actually makes each item show its own beauty. Thanks Kristen. Really enjoy your videos.

[@jahnastokes4236]

I have all matching dining chairs and I love the look. The mismatched chairs almost gives me a we held on to chairs from previous dining sets because our current table didn't come with chairs kinda look. Not a fan myself. I like the idea of the same colour palette but different patterns for couch cushions etc. I do the mix of metals a bit in my home. I also do like the contrasting wood tones idea.

[@sealswimswim354]

🥰 Love the creative furniture use! I spent months trying to find my perfect coffee table. In the end I fell in love with a solid wood entryway bench, with a white wash paint and modern/architecturally clean shape. It’s now the most complimented piece in my living space and all my friends want a “coffee table” like it. 🤣

[@paulandcindybrown426]

My husband and I were thinking of using an antique mirror in our dining room, it doesn’t have the same wood tone as our table, so we hesitated. Now I will put it in with confidence. Thank you.

[@juliemarkham4332]

I have matching dining chairs, but I do like the look of end-of-table chairs different than side chairs.

[@maxinemm1607]

I always hated when people did a dark room. It never looked good to me. Then I realized it’s because they didn’t paint the trim, doors, or ceiling. It looks disjointed. You have to go all out when going dark

[@jemimabonadie6882]

Love your content! It’s so short, sweet, very informative and to the point! 😊

[@jacquih8804]

Kristen, you are "very talented!" Love the way you think about design/decor! I DO NOT want a "sculpture" home, but a beautiful ME relaxed home! THANK YOU 😊!! Blessings 🙌🏾!

[@user-ck3fc4ev3d]

Fantastic tips! Thank you Kristin, and thank you for always posting fresh content. Other designers are getting lazy with posting the same tips over and over.

[@loribragg2947]

I agree; these rules can definitely be broken and you can still achieve a striking, unique look. And furniture should definitely be looked at from a creative standpoint. I had a very large, vintage red oak tv cabinet that would no longer fit today's wide flat-screen tvs--but with a few adjustments it makes a great prepper pantry (which was good because my kitchen is small). Everyone in the house calls it The Grocery Store. 😂 The only thing that still looks strange to me is art hung on book shelves. I think the items on the book shelves distract from the art itself.

[@wildwestjanbutcher650]

I love using furniture for different purposes. I up cycled an old lead light crystal cabinet that I now use to store my handbags. They look so pretty! I also painted an old hall table and padded the top with some pretty fabric for a permanent ironing board in my sewing room. The drawers are handy for spray starch and even my little craft iron fits in there. I have a small kitchen butcher’s block next to my machine that stores my laptop in the drawer and sewing mags in a wire basket. It’s perfect for the spot. 👍

[@vaderladyl]

These are great times we are living when we can be more free to not follow rules that closely any longer. Another tip for you: paint your walls with the sheen that you like or fits the best, not all has to be flat paint.

[@NYCBrat]

There’s so much fluff out there when it comes to decorating trends, much of it is repetitive and predictable. But THIS video is so fresh, relevant, and useful. It contains a lot of excellent takeaway which can be put into practical use. Thank you for posting this Kristen, 5 starz!

[@adrabruzzese7610]

Agree with everything you said! I have 2 different style chairs for my kitchen table, have painted small rooms dark, feel it makes them appear larger. I'm not a big print person but mix multiple textures. I have brushed nickel hardware for all doors and most light ceiling light fixtures but have gold, champagne, and bronze pieces throughout my home. My old glass dining table now serves as a desk. I love using dressers in rooms other than the bedroom as they add tons of storage and charactor. I love tone on tone and feel no need to add a pop of color. And just like mixing metals, I love mixing different wood tones. My floors are light maple and my wood furniture is dark to mid toned.

[@annonym8936]

I have a small kitchen and painted walls and ceiling in dark red. I didnt like it, so I painted it white. The light colour looks much better in this small room. But I painted the large living room all black and I think this room looks really stunning and even bigger now. Its amazing that dark colours are not considered as excentric anymore. :)

[@ajhags8728]

I love the rule about wood tones! My husband & I have been hesitant about buying some new furniture because we’ve been trying to get it all to match. Love that mixing it up is actually a better option!

[@lilicollazo750]

Oh Kirsten! I think through the years I made all these mistakes. My style has evolved so much and it is completely different now. Thanks to consulting and watching designers like you. I agree 100% with your tips and advice on this video. Thank you! I’m always on the watch for your latest video.

[@yourconnection9303]

Excellent points!! I'm happy to see that Walmart is bringing in some great decor. And the way you've done your bedding looks gorgeous!!💯👌 Thanks once again!.

[@patriciakeats1621]

I don’t like dark colours generally but will occasionally do a dark grey accent colour. I love white mostly.

[@marvymaxee]

I love using furniture pieces for purposes other than their intended design. All good tips. Thanks!

[@janicetribbiani7535]

I prefer to call them "guidelines." ☺

[@clairemckayhart1109]

This inspired me to paint my worn out 2010 travertine fireplace surround a flat charcoal gray, put on a weathered warm oak mantle and accent copper and goldtone for Christmas... it looked superb. So happy to step out of my comfort zone. Thanks!

[@katkat4298]

Wow! I totally agree!!! I just got back from Italy and they used old style dinning room tables with all different chairs and it looked incredible! I would never think this would work but it is so incredibly beautiful! Love your design recommendations, Kristen! Thank you for sharing!

[@inesmundt6130]

love your suggestions and insights. In my home, I have a mismatched collection of oak antique dining chairs with arm rests--no two are alike. The two taller ones are at the end of the table. They have matching loose seat cushions which brings everything together. thought I would share that idea with you.

[@alycat9186]

THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!! The one that I hadn’t heard explained before but have seen done in design is mixing metals. TYSM!!! I also LOVE dark moody rooms for small bathrooms and offices! Master bedroom I also like moody but not too dark. LOVE light and bright kitchen and living spaces! Love your tip on using furniture for its unintended purpose! I have a small foyer so I used two matching “night stands” pushed together for the space since it also has storage for our keys and sunglasses and things.

[@LadyBeeSting2434]

I’m so not a decorator, so thank you for taking the anxiety out of it 😊

[@snorlund1]

Great advice! I have recently added blonde wood to my dark woods and I really like the effect!

[@beckymartinez6898]

As always, great tips! I was on the fence about painting my powder room a dark color, even though I was so wanting to do it, but now I will definitely go for it!

[@margaritamcwilliams472]

I absolutely love Kristens advice, she's amazing with style!

[@tanjacavlovic8053]

Great tips! Thank you.

[@ccadvisor489]

We painted our interior front door black and we absolutely love the drama that it gives to our entrance way.💕

[@betsyfernandez1104]

Great ideas! ❤

[@paulineniles370]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I will start with the dark color in a small space and mixing textures.

[@iuliasprinceana497]

Love all of your ideas!!! Symmetry can be a tad boring sometimes, so yes to multiple, rich patterns, darker rooms, and mixing metals.

[@lisasellers8627]

This is one of your best videos. Thank you so much for your ideas and picture references. Great job Kristen. You always make me smile.

[@sassynchicago]

Love all the pictures used as examples.. so helpful

[@vanessachavez8161]

Thank you for tips and advice, always looking forward to your videos...I am looking into changing the color pallete in the living room and hallway, but the rules of painting were getting to me...I love the dark moody look with light color furniture. I didn't know about the dinning chairs, good to know as well. Thank you

[@lorimalcolm197]

Thank you for this video! I have wondered about putting different patterns together. And the different metals. I have brushed silver sink hardware and black(ish) drawer/cupboard/ door handles. I have been wanting to add a little bit of gold but wasn’t sure if I should. Thank you for all your videos. I love them and always get great ideas.

[@fransirahome]

Love the wall art idea and matching wood tones.

[@peter.g6618]

Hi Kristen, I've always wanted to paint my trim a darker color than white. Viewing your video, I think it looks great. Definitely going to do this now. White does eventually go off after time. Also, I did always think to not to paint a small room dark colors. You've certainly convinced me to try this...lol. I just love your ideas. Amazing content. I love your KZbin channel. Your the best on here. Brilliant stuff. Thank you for sharing. Take care. 👍👌💚

[@eloiselamons1454]

Love the idea of mixing the dining room chairs !

[@tashagervais8733]

Love. Agree with all these rule-breaks!

[@tlanc1283]

Thanks for providing helpful advice!

[@sealswimswim354]

☺️ Also on the matter of creative furniture use, I put a credenza in my bedroom too! It’s my favorite way to display my vintage book collection, and I’m too clumsy with pull out drawers. 😅

[@tonikinney40]

Love the mixture of vases size

[@yolandagiddens6007]

Love this ❤ I have mixed metals in my home and it looks great!

[@laurieduncan7079]

I'm so glad I found you, Kristen. So incredibly helpful and insightful. You and your video posts are the best. Thank you!

[@amandap4473]

I always love your videos! Thanks so much!

[@mariaortega1657]

Thank you for this video Kristen❤️❤️❤️

[@kathydawson5958]

Thanks! I’m currently looking for dining set. I thought if my cupboards were dark brown I had to have dark brown dining set. Love that I can have lighter wood.

[@amandamorgan7626]

Great video again ❤ I always go with what I like over trend and rules, I’m happier that way 😊

[@triciacarolkilbride2993]

Glad you said coloured ceilings..I'm a huge fan of them and adds soooo much warmth xx

[@dianejohnson7235]

I agree with you! That the way that I style my own home!

[@jacquelinebustard1103]

Just loved watching this video and hearing all your tips 🙌

[@margui6224]

Thank you so much for the advice, Kristen.

[@mookierevell6268]

Kristin, you are the best! I love your tips, taste, ideas, videos. You get right to the point without a lot of wasted comments. You are very friendly and relatable. Thank you. You are my fav!

[@Sjp374]

Love this! All this is so freeing. Even as a child, I’ve never understood the idea of matching wood… a forest doesn’t have one type of tree, right? And we’ve almost never had matching dining room chairs (although we currently do). Currently, we have a mountain home. There’s a folk art painting resting on my son’s violin music stand in our living room (near a brick fireplace). I actually like it propped there… both pieces add interesting middle-ground height and interest. Our metals are not all coordinated having moved in this past summer and not sharing all the same tastes as the former owners… and yet, it looks pretty good! I tried to convince my husband to get an antique dresser for an odd, large space in a bathroom with little storage. He couldn’t fathom it, and I questioned my sanity, but now I wish we had it! Love the idea of a bench as a narrow coffee table. So often, I’ve found a room “feels good” yet doesn’t follow these rules, and now it makes sense to me!

[@gfitfitnessstudio]

This might be my favourite video of yours!! I agree 💯 with all of it!!!!!

[@wendypecikonis424]

Excellent interior design rules video!! Love to break rules too that add personality and contrast as you stated! Perfect photos for reference. WELL DONE!

[@fb9001]

I have 6 dinner chairs, 3 times 2 of the same. I’ve painted them all the same color to be adhesive. Also painted my little room dark and that’s incredible. Like to paint furniture also. Love your videos❤

[@natmrk7269]

Another fantastic video Kristen!

[@rosaotterstetter7282]

Thanks for another fun and informative video! My husband and I are decorating our new home, and your channel has been so helpful!

[@crystalwood4633]

Kristen you are the best! Thanks for sharing.

[@mniambrum]

Fantastic choice of examples.

[@susanmorris-smith5509]

Love your information… I especially love mixing my metals!!!

[@lisamarutz9772]

Yes Yes Yes I have watched this twice and saved it!!! Loved it 🥰

[@RetrnRetrn]

GREAT TIPS, KIRSTEN. THANK YOU

[@arirose3889]

Perfect timing when Kristen posts! I love these videos! Thank you love for all the videos and time and advice you give!! ❤️

[@paulaleeper3668]

Loved this video! Thanks for sharing. I’m painting my entire house 3286 sf!!! I’m having so much fun!

[@lindadowling247]

Thank you great info

[@user-zt2vp9lm5z]

Thank you! This is so helpful!

[@gracemiller2468]

Great info!! Totally agree with all points!! Keep tips coming! 👍🏽👍🏽🥰

[@sherryidibo2304]

great ideas Kristen especially the idea about painting the ceiling in different colors, I have seen like these homes and I think they give a warm dramatic look.

[@kristiwetherington2798]

Ur work is always so super inspirational ❤️

[@mniambrum]

Very valuable! Thank you

[@anyajohnson8664]

Amazing ideas ! You have given me a new and exciting way of decorating. Thank you ❤

[@Ccdurko]

Your videos are amazing and so helpful. Thank you!!!!!

[@clarechomyn9686]

Hi Kristen, love your channel. I do want to say, as a retired interior designer, these were not really design rules as much as old guidelines. Most of these guidelines were broken most of the time EVEN when I was in school in the 1970's. I agree with you that that is what makes good design.

[@hopemardis4825]

Dark rooms are depressing for me. Idk why but I need bright light pastel/off white colors for my living space. I definitely agree w/Kristen about the doors, ceilings & trim work. Have a great day everyone! Tfs Kristen! I always love your ideas & how you can bring a space alive! Much Love and Many Blessings & Prayers too You All! ✝️💪🏼🙏🏼👣💜

[@rekwa3860]

We covered our bedroom in dark grey wallpaper and while it looks really beautiful, in wintertime I feel like it chokes me a bit. I need more light with my north-facing windows. But I'm prone to seasonal depression, so there's that.

[@hermananilda3835]

I love it. Great idea thank you very much.

[@lormor460]

I love this video! I love that comforter and your ideas on paint. We have a dark living room which requires lights to be on pretty much all day. The paint color we have now is a whitish color which I have resolved myself to keep because I'm afraid anything else would darken it even more. We also have a small open-concept space so whatever happens in the living room, has to be good for the kitchen and eating area. I was thinking of warm tones but light such as ivory or colors somewhat like that comforter you showed. I love that color. Any thoughts? I love blue but not on the walls. My area rug is dark blue on beautiful walnut floors. Thank you!

[@damarisramsey4729]

Wow great video! Thanks

[@mattfischer1]

Love all these points you touched on!

[@robertadonnell3118]

Super helpful thank

[@vidishapatel13]

Love your videos. Like the way you explain everything😊

[@maloyshrout5540]

I enjoy watching your videos. I am learning sooooo much. Thanks .

[@letitiajohnson6987]

I agree with all of these tips! 👍🏻👌🏼

[@NancyThecheerfulheart]

Definitely going to try some ideas. Great video!

[@nedraford5461]

Very helpful tips. Thank you for sharing!

[@rebagandy1133]

I love your advice reference to mixing metals in your home ❤