Suburban Contemporary Furniture

In interior design, there are so many “rules.” Do this. Don’t do that. But here’s the truth—your space is yours! The biggest DON’T I have is: don’t let yourself be limited by design rules. Your home should reflect you, your family, and the way you actually live.

That said, I want to share some of the traditional “do’s and don’ts” of design—and my take on them.

⸻

DO’s

Create a Focal Point

Traditional Rule: Every room needs a focal point, like a fireplace, a big window, or a statement piece of art. Ronette’s Take: Absolutely! A focal point draws the eye, but it doesn’t have to be traditional. Maybe it’s a quirky piece of art you love or even a bold light fixture. Start with something that makes you happy, then carry the eye around the room from there.

⸻

Mix Textures Traditional Rule:

Use wood, metal, fabric, and glass to create depth. Ronette’s Take: YES and YES again! Mixing textures brings warmth, coziness, and dimension to a space. Don’t be afraid to layer rustic with polished, soft with structured—it’s what makes a room feel curated, not flat.

⸻

Use a Cohesive Color Scheme Traditional Rule:

A flowing color palette makes a home feel harmonious. Ronette’s Take: Yes! Especially in common areas—cohesion matters. But don’t confuse cohesive with boring. Introduce new tones in different rooms for personality. For example: a deeper rich hue in a formal dining room feels elegant, while a brighter cheerful color in the family room brings playfulness and energy.

⸻

Consider Scale & Proportion Traditional Rule:

Furniture should fit the size of the room. Ronette’s Take: Duh! But here’s the thing—small rooms don’t always need small furniture. In fact, lots of tiny pieces can make a space feel cluttered. Sometimes one large sofa and a great chair create more comfort and openness than several little pieces scattered around.

⸻

Don’t Be Afraid to Splurge on Key Pieces Traditional Rule:

Invest in timeless furniture or art. Ronette’s Take: Yes—anchor pieces matter. But here’s the twist: not every piece has to be an investment. Mix in whimsical finds or budget-friendly décor that you can swap out over time. That’s how you keep your personality front and center.

⸻

DON’Ts

Avoid Too Many Patterns Traditional Rule:

Stick to a few patterns to keep things calm. Ronette’s Take: I DISAGREE—loudly! I love patterns, and I say the more the merrier! The key is choosing ones that work together and flow, not compete. When done right, layering patterns can bring a room to life. ⸻

No Matchy-Matchy Accessories Traditional Rule:

Don’t buy all the same shape, color, or fabric. Ronette’s Take: A big, resounding NO to matchy-matchy! Nothing screams “I bought the showroom set” more than a room where everything is identical. Curated spaces need variety, personality, and a mix of pieces that tell your story.

⸻

Don’t Make a Room Too Formulaic Traditional Rule: Stick to one style for consistency. Ronette’s Take: Please don’t! Layering different styles creates a developed, lived-in space. It’s the mix of old and new, modern and classic, that makes a room feel interesting and personal—not like it was just purchased yesterday.

⸻

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help Traditional Rule: Hire a designer if you feel stuck. Ronette’s Take: YES—ask for help! I’d love to help you design a home that reflects your story, your family, and your lifestyle. Sometimes a professional can see things you can’t and bring everything together beautifully.

⸻

Final Thoughts Design rules can give structure, but they’re not laws. The only real rule is this: don’t be afraid to create a home that reflects you. Your space should tell your story, not someone else’s.

⸻