Break the Rules: 4 Home Design 'Taboos' That Actually Work

When deciding on an interior theme for your home, it may be tempting (and mentally easier) to go with a clear, definable style like ‘minimalist’ or ‘Scandinavian’. The flip-side? Sticking to a typical style leads to a cookie-cutter space!

So, throw design caution to the wind - while most of these decor combinations don't seem to work on paper, their clashing styles play out wonderfully in real life for a look that packs tons of character. So, make mental notes:

1. Vintage x Modern

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Vintage decor has a charming, classy look to it but can be fussy to maintain due to fancy detailing and accents. Modern décor is often clean-cut, and more practical for a number of reasons e.g. price, sourcing, upkeep, etc.

View this project by The Crafters

Both themes seem worlds apart, but the good news is that you can have the best of both! How? The trick is keeping in moderation. Rather than decking out your home with tons of dated accessories, vintage prints, old-school flooring, and generally aged elements to maintain that old-world charm, focus on convenience first then add flavour by installing just one or two vintage elements to a space.

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For instance, you can still incorporate wall panelings and cornices as a nod to the vintage, Victorian look, but balance things out with modern elements like simple wall colours, minimal flourishes and clean-cut carpentry lines.

2. Contemporary Modern x Bold Colours

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Modern-contemporary décor tends to focus more on simplicity and elegance in a space. Which often means sticking to a timeless, practical (but somewhat dull) mix of blacks, whites, greys and neutrals.

View this project by The Crafters

However, the stylish theme still works even when the rules are bended a little. To shake up the blandness in hues, it’s a good idea to introduce a fresh pop of colour for a refreshing, unexpected look!

View this project by Nevermore Design

Be it bold, deep coloured accent pieces like throw pillows or a rug, an attention-grabbing artsy lighting fixture, or even statement furniture – the choice is yours. Only rule? They should be sparingly used as highlights, not as the background of a space - which could be too visually jarring.

3. Urban Contemporary x Cosy Country

View this project by A Moxie Associates Sdn Bhd

Urban, city-inspired décor is edgy, youthful and energetic, but it can lack the heart and warmth that a rustic, countryside theme brings. So why not put the two together to create cosy charm with sleeker, metropolitan edge?

View this project by M Innovative Builders

Make your city-chic space calming and bucolic with a warmer, natural material like hardwood. Incorporate it as an elemental feature e.g. with floorings or walls, or even as a slight but still impactful statement piece such as with a large wooden dining table, etc.

In addition, to soften up urban décor be sure to install ambient, layered lighting as well other gentle pieces like a farmhouse rug and rustic burlap curtains.

4. Edgy Industrial x Beachside Coastal

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The most important thing to consider when decorating your home is not the codified rules that define a décor style, but the designer’s instinct instead. If it looks good - why confine style into restricted boxes?

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Case in point? This cool interior mashup that did not sound great on paper, but turned out to be a marvellous design idea in practice. Part edgy industrial, part laid-back beachside coastal, this style brings a much needed rugged air to the bright and sunny beach house aesthetic. Here, industrial elements lend structure, strength and edge to a warm and airy coastal look – and we'd say the result is a stunning space that's unlike any other.

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