Wooden Blinds with Turquoise Fabric Couch

Break The Rules

My husband is a phenomenal chef. I, on the other hand, couldn’t fry an egg if my life depended on it. I just don’t have it in me. When guests come over for dinner, they always ask for his recipes but he always says: “the best recipe is no recipe”. (I think he might have stolen that line from Chef Michael (who probably stole it from someone else))… However, what he did not steal is his talent. You just can’t make that stuff up.

Decorating is a lot like cooking. If you follow the recipe, you will most probably end up with a pretty good result however, there is so much more to it than just a recipe. In decorating, there are rules. You can get the look from a magazine that you dream of by following these rules but, what really makes it unique is that little something that comes from within. It’s all about passion, an inner fire, a sixth sense that not everyone has.

Many clients ask: “what are the rules?”. Over the years, I have come to know these “rules” inside and out. I have studied them and I have also practiced them long enough now that I know when they can (and can’t) be broken. Some of the best rooms I have created have come from what I felt was right but, while creating them, I broke every rule doing it and those were the happiest clients ever!

Here are some of my favourite decorating rules to BREAK:

Colour: Not every colour scheme has to be by the “Bible”, otherwise known as the colour wheel. I know yellow is across from purple and technically that makes a perfect picture, however, what about adding red as well? That one, unexpected punch, can make a room go from “nice” to “unexpectedly perfect”.

Do everything in odd numbers: I’m always the odd one out. I do like this rule and follow it most of the time however, sometimes, I vote for simple symmetry. From time to time, “even” just works better.

Small rooms need to be painted in light colours: Nu-huh! Not here! When done right, dark colours make a small room feel cozy and luxurious. Do you know anyone who doesn’t like “cozy and luxurious”? I don’t.

You can’t mix metals: I am here to tell you that you can! If you are going to do it, keep the odd metal finish as an accent. Don’t go crazy and it will work wonderfully.

Stick to one style of furniture: This would be like everyone dressing the same.. boring! I am all for mixing styles, but again, when done right. Super modern chairs around your granny’s 1960’s Danish dining table she gave you or contemporary furniture with a traditional accent chair is way more interesting than anything you can buy as a package deal.

All trims must be Cloud White or a shade there of: Ok, even I have fallen victim to Cloud White. Though it’s easy and it works every time, there are so many other options for trims, baseboards, doors and ceilings. Consider painting your trims a completely different colour other than white. Maybe take a cue from the Stones and “paint it black”! Coloured interior doors and ceilings really add a “wow” factor to a space, whether subtle or dramatic.

When it feels right, then it is right. No consulting the decorating dictionary. That’s it, end of story.

At C&M Textiles, we have all the products to get you that exact magazine look. We also have the sixth sense too though . For those brave enough, we can help you create the perfect room, never seen before. We know when to follow the rules and when to break them. Together, let’s have fun with us breaking the rules!

Written by: Alicia Hewitt