In life, some rules are meant to be broken, or maybe just slightly bent.

Well, that very same adage applies to interior design. While there may be an art to designing that Pinterest-worthy space, sometimes the best-designed rooms are a result throwing a little caution to the wind. So, whether you’re working with a blank canvas or want to breathe new life into an existing space, here are 5 design rules just begging to be broken.

Always hang artwork at eye level. This rule is best suited for rooms with about 9-foot ceilings and for art that’s 30 inches tall or less. If you’re working with bigger art pieces and higher ceilings, hanging the art at eye level can make the room look out of kilter. Your best bet is to visually divide the wall into horizontal thirds, then place the top of the art toward the top of the middle third.

Never decorate with fake plants. When we think of fake plants, we often think of those faded, dust-collecting floral arrangements at great Aunt Esther’s house. But fake plants have come a long way. Now, if you’re lucky enough to have a green thumb and abundant natural light, by all means use real plants. Otherwise, give faux-florals and greens a chance.

Never mix different colors or finishes. Gone are the days of matchy-matchy woods or metals throughout a house. Instead of getting hung up on matching, think about how the pieces in a room work together as a whole. The goal is to create a cohesive, intentional look.

Don’t put large furniture in a small space. Granted, if you’re living in a 500 square foot studio, filling it with large, bulky pieces won’t leave you with much room. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for doll-sized furniture, either. Choose the piece that’s most important to you. If you dream of a large, cushy couch, skip the massive side tables and opt for floating end tables. If a king-size bed is your priority, use ender bed storage or a closet organizer for clothing instead of adding a large, bulky dresser.

Never face the back of a sofa toward the door. Generally, this is a great rule. However, if you’re working with a large room, you might need to create a couple separate seating areas to make the space feel more intimate. In this case, place a sofa with it’s back toward the entry, add a sofa table, and build from there.

Here’s one rule, however, that should remain intact:  protect what you own. And that means, in part, having a home security system you can trust managed by a company you truest just as much.  For more information, contact Now Security Systems today.