To fully appreciate the field of interior design – and implement its countless applications, methods, and styles – we must first clear our minds from any wrong notion about it. Unfortunately, there are quite a few long-lasting misconceptions about interior design that the majority of those around us still take for granted!
Therefore, in an attempt to clear facts from fiction, we’ve decided to take on the most common interior design myths, one at a time, and prove why you shouldn’t believe them.
The interior design myths debunked up until now are:
- White walls are boring;
- Interior design is only for the rich;
- Interior design is just about the aesthetics;
- Small rooms can’t be functional; and,
- Misconceptions about Christmas.
In this blog, we’re going to deal with another prevalent misconception that says, “In interior design, everything must match.” You may think the same, but we humbly disagree, and here’s why you should start considering a non-matching design.
Why Does a Non-Matching Design Make Sense?
What we know as interior design today is a lot different from traditional interior design. In those days, matching elements in a given space was considered true art as it could create visual harmony and a lovely cohesion in the place.
Our time, however, calls for a more delicate kind of artistic view on design. The one that’s more realistic, yet has the same soothing effect on the dwellers. Besides, such an outlook on interior design has certain rewards which we’ll discuss in time.
Here are a number of reasons why the non-matching design makes sense.
Creates individuality and expression
For not clearly defined reasons, we humans have a desire to be unique, and this desire is reflected in the way we dress, behave, interact, and express ourselves. So, a single design, no matter how great it might be, doesn’t fit our colorful personalities any longer.
Mixing elements, on the other hand, paves the way for that individuality and uniqueness we’ve always sought. Apart from this, a design that mixes styles, colors, and pieces offers an all-around more comfortable place because, as you can imagine, there’s a thing or two for every individual to connect with or feel drawn to.
Never becomes monotonous
A matched design can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if it’s the right season, and the dwellers have the same taste in color, furniture, and other design elements. But seasons change, and, right along with them, so do our moods! َAlso, house members don’t have the same feelings all the time. Therefore, rooms in which everything matches will inevitably look monotonous to one member of the household or another.
By contrast, incorporating a variety of shapes, colors, and textures will prevent a place from looking flat or one-dimensional at all times! No matter what time of the year it is or how any member of the family is feeling at a given time during the day, there’s always something around that can wash away everyone’s negative feelings and emotions.
Be it a piece of furniture that reveals a unique kind of beauty in that special moment – maybe this is just how one sees it then – or a figurine sitting silently by the window, there’s definitely a source of inspiration and comfort awaiting discovery.
Adds visual interest and depth
When furnishings, textiles, and accessories don’t adhere to a single style or color palette, the design has an inherent layering effect that’s not just physical but visual and emotional, too.
Your non-matching style creates a room that has more depth. In fact, in such a style, each piece will act as a focal point, drawing one’s attention to itself and inviting the viewer to explore the contrasts and harmonies that are exceptionally engaging!
Reflects life in the real world
The world beyond your home is filled with discrepancies, irregularities, and inconsistencies, and the less your home is similar to that world, the harder it will be for you to adapt to it. Your home is not an art gallery you can keep the same way forever. It’s more of a living space that changes with your personal journey through life.
The varied and non-matching nature of interior design mirrors the rich tapestry of our lives. Each item in a house carries its own history and sentiment: A gift sofa from a beloved relative, a rug picked up during your travels, or a painting that seized your heart at a local gallery. This eclectic collection embodies your experiences, memories, and the various phases of your life.
Besides, a non-matching design allows you to make minor changes anytime you like. It could be a carpet with a lovely design that catches your eye at the flea market or a pair of vintage lamps from a thrift shop. You can always find a place for such additions and modifications in your design.
Highlights focal points and features
Sticking to a single style where everything matches often leaves you with a single focal point that is the middle of your room, which will, inevitably, cease to interest you. Additionally, the other corners of the room, no matter how beautifully decorated, will attract marginal attention.
Conversely, in a non-matching style, individual pieces can stand out due to their unique color, shape, or texture. This way, every design element in every corner can become a focal point at one time or another. As the items don’t match, a well-placed focal point can create a sense of harmony in the thick of diversity.
Our Verdict: Non-Matching Design Clicks
Adopting a non-matching design is not just a trend, but a reflection of the dynamic nature of our lives. It allows for personal expression and adaptability, showing that our living spaces are aesthetically pleasing, emotionally engaging, and functionally flexible.
This approach dissolves the monotony of matched designs, adding depth, interest, and a sense of individuality to our homes. It acknowledges that our tastes, experiences, and needs change over time, and our living spaces should be able to reflect and accommodate those evolutions. By challenging the misconception that everything in interior design must match, we open ourselves to a world of creative possibilities, where our homes become a true reflection of our diverse and ever-changing lives.
If you’ve been sticking to a meticulously thought-out, matched design, you can now try a non-matching design for a change. Upload a photo of any room in your home and choose from among the non-matching designs that AI HomeDesign offers. In 30 seconds, you’ll experience magic firsthand!
FAQs
Of course! Through careful selection and placement of different elements, a non-matching design can still offer a harmonious and cohesive aesthetic.
A non-matching design allows for easy updates and minor or major changes, making it simpler to incorporate new trends or any personal preferences without a complete overhaul.
Not necessarily. Such a design can indeed be cost-effective as you can integrate some of the existing pieces of furniture or a number of your decent second-hand finds.
