Ten Decorating Myths Debunked

Ever heard the design rule that states large furniture can’t be used in small rooms? Or that patterns and prints shouldn’t be mixed? The world of decorating is full of myths and misconceptions, often setting such rigid expectations that there’s little room for creativity. Navigating these no-go zones can be frustrating and disheartening but that doesn’t have to be the way. Allow us to poke holes in some of the more outdated notions so you can be free to create a home that represents your style, and most of all, makes you happy.

1 Blinds trump curtains

Myth busted: When it comes to window treatments, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, however, if interior designer Gabrielle Rice had to choose one option, curtains would win hands down.

“Custom curtains are not only functional, either defusing or blocking the light, they also add softness to a room,” she says. “Curtains provide warmth and insulation in winter and help block out the sun and heat in summer.”

Gabrielle likes to specify sheer curtains with partial or black-out lining on a separate track: “The sheers are ethereal and soft and the lining is for functionality.”

2 Wallpaper is a big commitment

Myth busted: For our parents and grandparents, this was certainly true, with copious amounts of glue and patience required to apply wallpaper, and expensive steamers needed to remove it. But today’s wallpapers are much easier to apply and remove, with a huge variety of textures, patterns, colours and finishes.

“I love using wallpaper in studies, bedrooms, lounge rooms, dining rooms and even in laundries and bathrooms,” says Gabrielle. “A study nook, pantry or a powder room can be a great place to ease your way into this look.”

3 You can’t have nice things if you have children or pets

Myth busted: That white linen sofa, leather armchair or shag pile rug that you’ve always wanted but didn’t trust your kids and fur babies around? Buy it now, says Gabrielle. “If you wait until your kids grow up to have nice things, you’ll miss out on creating a beautiful home for you and your family to enjoy together.” If there were studies into these things, they’d probably show that children and pets who are exposed to precious items from a young age grow up to be more mindful of their surroundings. And in the meantime, Gabrielle suggests using washable fabrics, coasters, placemats and some firm

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These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just the affordability of the package the company offers that makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand out as manager Warren Ingleson explains:

‘Our watchwords are Quality,

Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and Value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we got a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers small, call Warren on 0800 612 8359 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft! ground rules to protect your belongings.

4 Natural light is best Myth busted: While natural light is an eco-friendly, efficient way to light and warm a home, in some situations artificial light may be preferable for visibility and functionality. “Artificial light can be a useful tool in situations where natural light is limited or unavailable, or when a specific mood is desired,” she says. “It’s ideal for highlighting specific elements in a room, like artworks or architectural features, and can also control and manipulate the ambience and mood, with dimmers adjusting the intensity of light.”

5 Symmetry is key Myth busted: Using symmetry in decorating stems from a more traditional style, where rooms were split in two and each half designed to mirror the other. But if you’re after a more relaxed mood for your home, “Feel free to forgo the symmetry in favour of less structured arrangements with more variety”, says Gabrielle. She keeps disparate elements cohesive by incorporating a common thread, such as a consistent colour palette or repetition of forms, while also ensuring there are moments for the eye to rest. “Negative space plays an important role in asymmetrical design,” Gabrielle explains.

6 Period homes must be white Myth busted: While white is synonymous with the classic elegance of Victorian style, Kate Waller argues that the success of this aesthetic lies in its balanced blend of hues. “Incorporating different tones and textures will add depth and interest to the overall design, whilst maintaining a sophisticated elegance. Try timber and wicker furniture set on dark timber floors with highlights of soft blue, sage green and sandy beige.”

7 Books belong on bookshelves Myth busted: Your favourite coffee table tomes and page turners don’t have to be relegated to a shelf to gather dust. Stack them on the floor, on a fireplace mantel, in the kitchen or on your office desk.

“Books are always an arm length away in my home,” says Gabrielle. “They are one of my greatest sources of inspiration and there is no place they don’t belong. It would be sad if they all lived on a bookshelf.”

8 Don’t mix patterns and prints

Myth busted: There is no better way to add character to a room than by layering it with a mix of prints, colours and textures. “If everything is too coordinated or matching, it just looks flat or overly prescribed,” says Gabrielle. Her top tip: “When designing a room, I choose a hero fabric or large-scale print with a number of colours in it and then combine this with other colours and smaller scale prints. If the scheme is looking too ‘samey’, I’ll throw in the colour pink as I find pink just makes everything work.”

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House & Home

9 Art is an expensive investment

Myth busted: Sure, an original Van Gogh may not be in your budget, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and art comes in all shapes and styles. “My recommendation for selecting art is to spend time sourcing as widely as possible, from local art galleries and artists, to country fairs or markets,” says interior designer Kate. For her, it’s about the feeling that the piece provokes, not its price tag. “My particular favourites are small still life pieces, which often capture a delicious, serendipitous moment in time.”

10 Decorate for resale

Myth busted: It’s often suggested that design and decorating decisions should be made with future buyers in mind – think all-white kitchens, neutral palettes and universal lighting schemes – but there is little value in this, says Kate.

“I tell my clients – including those who are not in their forever home – to style spaces with their own personal preferences and needs in mind,” she says. “The next owner might be completely different to them in age, preferred aesthetic and number, so there is no way of knowing what hey will require in terms of style, finishes and colours. However, what is appealing to any buyer is an interior that’s well designed with good flow, functionality and elegance.”