Rules I Love to Break (And So Should You)

Ever notice how some interiors look like they’ve followed a rulebook a little too closely? All beige everything, matching sets, nothing out of place. Safe? Sure. Memorable? Not so much. I say toss the rulebook. At La Fabrika, we’re all about homes that reflect you: bold choices, playful textures, unexpected colour combos. Spaces that feel lived-in, loved, and a little bit rebellious. Because the best homes aren’t perfect,  they’re personal.

If your interior’s stuck in the rulebook, let’s rewrite it. These 5 “don’ts” are my favourite creative yeses. Let’s make some beautiful chaos, shall we?

1  Mixing metals? Yes please.

Old rule: Stick to one finish for your fixtures and hardware - all chrome, all brass, etc.
My rule: Mix it up. It adds layers, texture, and personality. Imagine a brass floor lamp next to a black matte coffee table with a chrome-framed mirror hanging above. Suddenly, your space feels collected, not coordinated.

Blending warm and cool tones (like gold and silver) makes a room feel lived-in and styled over time, rather than bought in one go. It’s like mixing vintage jewellery with new pieces - eclectic, but somehow it works.

2  Contrasting colours & patterns is totally allowed

Colour doesn’t have to match. It has to feel good. One of my favourite combos? Yellow and lilac. Sounds a little wild? That’s the point.The secret is balance: use one as the main colour, and let the other pop in accents like vases, cushions or art. You’ll be surprised how alive your space can feel with a few bold colour moments.

And while we’re mixing things up, let’s talk about patterns. Stripes with florals? Graphic rugs with abstract art? Yes and yes again. Layering prints brings instant energy to a space. Just keep one colour thread tying things together and mix big patterns with smaller ones to avoid chaos. Think of your home like an outfit: it’s not about matching, it’s about making it work.

3  Everything on your table should match - does it though?

Your table isn’t just for eating, it’s your chance to express. Mix it up and have some fun. Your table is basically a stage for personality. Why not let it put on a show?

I love mixing different textures, colours, and shapes: vintage-looking floral plates with ultra-modern cutlery, or throwing in some tinted glassware and a striped linen napkin just for the hell of it. It doesn’t have to match, it just has to spark joy!

Hosting or not, your table should feel like a curated party - a little unexpected, a little playful, and totally you.

4  Breaking the symmetry

Here’s a secret: symmetry is fine, but asymmetry is where the magic happens. When everything’s perfectly mirrored, perfectly aligned, perfectly placed… things start to feel a little too perfect. And let's be honest, nobody actually lives in a magazine spread. Real homes, the ones that feel good to be in, have quirks, surprises, and a little movement. That’s where asymmetry comes in. This doesn’t mean chaos (unless you’re into that, I support it!). It means trusting your instinct, playing a little, and leaving space for surprise. Asymmetry is about energy, not error.

5  Go bold where you least expect it

The hallway doesn’t have to be white. Your ceiling doesn’t have to be a blank canvas. And hey, why not give your furniture a splash of moody colour? These overlooked spaces are actually the perfect places to take a risk - they’re small enough to experiment, but used often enough to make an impact. A rich green ceiling in your living room, or a pop of electric blue around a doorway... trust me, it’s addictive.

Design isn’t a checklist,  it’s a playground. The best interiors surprise you, invite you in, and reflect you. So next time you hear a “rule,” ask yourself: does this spark joy… or just play it safe?

Feeling inspired to shake things up at home?
Let’s bring that personal WOW into the room. Book a free intake with one of our interior experts!

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