You know those interiors rules we’ve all heard, like 'small rooms must be white' or never mix prints? Let’s bin them.
Because some rules are made to broken. Those well-worn design tropes are fine for mass-market homes. But your home? It should feel like you, and if you love bold colours, pattern-on-pattern and rich textures, then do it.
Sophie, our interiors lead has three favourite rules she loves to break.
1 ‘Small rooms must be neutral’.
“If there’s one thing I’d ban from interiors advice, it’s the idea that small rooms must be white.”
We’ve all seen the all-white downstairs loo, the box room painted magnolia and the beige guest bedroom. But Sophie’s take is simple: small, awkward, or windowless rooms are the perfect places to go bold.
"A tiny space in a deep, warm tone can feel incredible. Yes, neutral tones can be useful to brighten up a space, but bold and dark colours add depth and drama”.
The truth is, sometimes painting a smaller space a dark colour is exactly what you need to do in order to make it feel warm, cozy, and chic. For Sophie dark rooms also tend to feel more luxe and boutique-y.
- Think deep navy with brass accents.
- Burnt orange walls with warm wood.
- Inky green with soft layered lighting
A story in style
In one recent project, the client was convinced her guest bedroom had to be neutral. "It’s tiny, and there’s barely any light," she said. Sophie had other ideas.
They painted it deep green, added mustard velvet curtains and layered a floral headboard with graphic cushions. The result was a tiny jewel box of a room.
The room felt confident, it was memorable and, importantly, reflected who the client truly was.
2. ‘Don’t use too many patterns’
There’s a bit of “Interior Design 101” advice that says you should stick to two or three patterns in a room.
Sophie rejects that as a blanket rule. Not because she’s loves chaos, but because it’s not about the number of patterns. It’s about balance.
Mixing prints doesn’t have to be chaotic, the trick is knowing what actually makes it work.
Here’s the approach Sophie uses:
- Pick one colour thread that unites them. One shared tone, like burnt umber or soft clay, can link a botanical wallpaper to a striped rug and a velvet cushion.
- Play with scale. A big print paired with a small motif creates contrast, think oversized large leafy print next to a finer geometric pattern.
- Stick to a temperature. Warm tones with warm tones. Cool tones with cool tones.
And if in you’re unsure, start with two prints you love and layer slowly. Your eye will know when it works.
Patterns are like people. It’s not about getting everyone to match; it’s about making sure they get on.
3. 'The Kitchen Triangle is Non-Negotiable'
The sacred 'kitchen triangle': fridge, sink, hob – all designed to keep steps to a minimum. And yes, that layout made sense when one person cooked and everyone else stayed out of the way. But modern kitchens are so much more, they’re the place where people gather, chat, make tea, take calls, do homework and host.
So instead of forcing everything into one strict triangle, Sophie designs kitchens around zones.
Zones like:
- Prep zone (space to chop and pile ingredients)
- Cook zone (hob, ovens, airfryer)
- Clean-up zone (sink, dishwasher, bins, recycling)
- Coffee and snack zone (so people stop orbiting the main cooking area)
- Social zone (island seating, perch spots, somewhere to lean and natter)
It’s less about following an outdated rule and more about designing for real life.
Don’t follow Pinterest. Follow your gut.
We’ll always give you expert advice, but we’ll also encourage you to lean into your instincts. If a colour makes you smile, there’s a reason, if you want to mix stripes with floral do it!
Ready to make your space feel more like you?
Send Sophie a message with the room you're working on, and what you secretly want. And she'll come back to you with bold, practical ideas.
