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Wall Decor “Rules” That Need To Die
Why “Rules” Make Normal People Freeze
“Rules” rule all in the age of information. Influencers and experts are indistinguishable, and everyone online has an opinion on how you should decorate your home. When all of these “rules” pile up it can seem like you’re not allowed to do anything at all! The most important rule to follow when deciding how to style your walls is to remember one thing: they’re your walls! Forget all the viral trends, advice from online strangers, and wall decor anxiety by decorating the way that speaks to you the most. If you’re feeling stuck, here are seven “rules” you can break free from and find your own flow when it comes to wall decor.
The Matchy-Matchy Palette Problem
Color matching seems like a pretty basic rule of thumb that everyone has to follow, right? Not exactly. This thought has gone on to the extreme in social media trends like “color drenching” - where one will “drench” an entire space in one singular color. If this is for you, then great! However, do not feel like you have to adhere to a single color or a primary + complimentary palette. When used properly, contrasting colors can actually accentuate certain parts of your space. Try starting with a single color that you like best and then experiment with a second, and even third, color until you find a palette that not only works together, but works for you.
Gallery Wall… or Visual Clutter?
Another raging trend on social media has been the use of “gallery walls” - where a large amount of smaller art, photos, or signage fills a space instead of a larger piece. While Gallery walls have their place in specific situations, the online trend has exploded into a level of popularity that carries gallery walls to spaces that don’t need them. Unless executed the proper way in the proper place, gallery walls are a quick way to make a space feel cluttered and tacky. In popular spaces for wall decor like over living room couches or office backdrops, a single oversized piece lends itself better to the composition of the room. This way, the eye is drawn to wherever the focal point of your space is without having to bounce around from small frame to small frame. Simplifying and oversizing is a quick trick to calm down the mood in a room that feels cluttered.
Black Frames Everywhere
Black frames are great for almost any room and almost any artwork. However, why play everything so safe? If you want to make your space feel more personal and lived-in, swapping out those plain black frames is one easy way to do just that. Consider the artwork or photograph you want to frame, then decide if plain black actually is the best option, or if you’re just playing it safe. Consider choosing a white frame for a classier but equally timeless look - or a frame with a wood finish for a more rustic, cozy and lived-in vibe.
Neutrals Are Not a Personality
While neutral tones are often a great choice to bring balance and comfort to a space, people often get lost in their obsession over taupes, grays, and beiges. Too many neutral tones can whither away the personality of both the room and those inside of it. Neutral tones bring balance to a space, but are actually a great backbone for building a more complex color palette. Instead of drenching your space in neutrals, try choosing just one and adding pops of color throughout the space. This strategy, if done correctly, can bring a room to life while still allowing the neutral tone to anchor the space.
