Madison Mythbusters: Interior Design Myths Debunked!

Crafting the layout and design of a room in your home or office can sometimes be a challenge. There are always so many decor options to choose from and so many different design trends and layout theories.

The following are five interior design myths that, as we address and expose them, should help cut down on some of the confusion of interior design and give you a better idea of what to do and how to go about doing it.

MYTH #1: Small Furniture For Small Spaces.

In fact, using small pieces, such as a tiny sofa or an undersized area rug floating out in the middle of the room, can make the area feel even more slight. But remember, always measure your room, the furniture, and the doorways and stairwells through which they must travel before any money changes hands.

MYTH #2: All Furniture Should Be Placed Against The Wall.

Your living space isn’t a game of Tetris, but when you treat it as such, the room can feel more like a doctor’s office than a home.

Shoving everything against the room’s edges can create uncomfortable or unnatural space between people. Creating different conversation settings and angling furniture is key to making an inviting and user-friendly entertaining space.

Nobody wants to try to carry a conversation across a 15 foot room.

And never fear, condo dwellers: You can do this, too, even if you have a smaller room. Pull your sofa off the wall or angle a loveseat in a corner, and it will actually give you some secret storage space. Just hide a large storage basket behind the furniture to ensure none of your precious space goes to waste.

The same idea goes for home office space as well. Who wants to work at the desk staring at the wall, right? Floating a desk out in the room means you can still enjoy the space, and the people in it.

MYTH #3: Start With A New Coat of Paint.

Many people get off on the wrong foot immediately by choosing paint as their first decorating element. But picking a paint color should actually come last.

After all, you have a whole rainbow of paint colors to pick from, it is much harder to find upholstery or accessories that are the perfect color, so doesn’t it make more sense to start there.

Another painting don’t: A big, bold, contrasting accent wall. Not only is it dated, but a giant red or orange wall can disrupt the flow of a room.

If you like an accent wall, some experts suggest something complementary, such as using the same color paint and going three shades deeper. Or use wallpaper that has those shades, so it continues the flow.

Finally, don’t feel like you have to paint every room a different color. It can make a home feel choppy, especially if it’s already a small space. To maintain a cohesive feel, the experts suggests choosing three colors to use throughout the home.

Madison Seating tip: Make it easy on yourself; consider choosing one paint strip and using the various shades in different rooms.

MYTH #4: The Ceiling Is Not As Important As The Floor.

False! The ceiling oversees your entire space and yet is often forgotten during the design process. Showing your “top wall” some love can take a room from mediocre to stunning.

Painting it an inconspicuous complementary color can help expand the space, while wainscoting or copper trimming can add an extra visual touch. Wallpaper, subtle or bold, is even an option, depending on the vibe you want for the room. It all depends on your taste.

MYTH #5: Matching Furniture.

Being matchy-matchy at home is when most people become bored with their space. If everything is the same, there’s no focal point.

It gives a room more character if you mix colors, patterns and textures.

Your best bets for everlasting happiness? Choose timeless classics, or shades that you look good wearing.

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts and opinions.

On behalf of all of us here at Madison Seating, we wish you a wonderful weekend!