Interiors

Tips & Tricks: Spring Design, 6 Decor Rules to Break This Season

byTeam GM

5 years ago

Spring has sprung! To celebrate the longer days and the flowers in bloom, we're turning our attention to ways to update your interior decor for the season. Whether that means clearing out pieces in your wardrobe, donating those old books sitting on your shelf or giving your space a spring makeover (our personal fave), the adage “out with the old, in with the new” is guaranteed to bring a breath of fresh air along with it.

That being said, we’re taking that motto literally this spring—and going against the grain and throwing out six interior design rules we’ve been taught to abide by for years. After all, a risk here and there never hurt anybody… So make way for a new look, because we’re throwing caution to the wind and breaking these sixdesign guidelines for spring this year.

1. Art in Unexpected Spaces

Who says that your artwork has to be prominently hung above the couch or in the master bedroom to make a statement? Not us, that's who. We like to break this rule by applying the lean rather than hang method of displaying art, therefore you can place your special artwork in an unexpected location, like say above your kitchen stove, then effortlessly move it elsewhere when it needs to be.

Interior Design Tips for Spring

2. Don't Overdue it With Patterns

Sure, we understand this rule, to a point but there is definitely a way to mix patterns in a way that feels chic andinteresting, rather than cluttered and overwhelming. Take Holly of The English Room's home, for example, she toesthe line perfectly with pattern mixing not to mention another favorite trend - utilizing jewel tones.

3. Stick to Symmetry

While symmetry can be pleasing to the eye and highly favored in spaces like the bedroom, like Gray's guest bedroom, this spring we’re ditching symmetry for a more casual and updated design. Instead of getting matching pieces, try two pieces that complement one another, rather than copying. Where you would normally place two matching accent chairs in the living room, try mixing and matching pieces, or switching up your layout so the chairs aren’t mirroring one another. Or, instead of perfectly mapping out your gallery wall when hanging your artwork, take a more natural approach and eye where each individual piece should go to create a more organic look.

Rocky Barnes at home in Los Angeles

4. The Mixing of Metals

While there once was a day where mixing metals was a no-no, in the modern design age a tasteful mix of metal finishes is not only acceptable but even encouraged! Of course, mixing metals isn’t a requirement for a stylish space, but we love the look of a dominant metal such as brass, mixed with a pop of nickel, deep oil-rubbed bronze, or natural iron for some contrast. However, keep in mind that you can have too much of a good thing in this case. Too many finishes can make a space look messy and confusing, so stick to mixing two metals that complement each other (and choose which one will be dominant in your space). But by all means, go ahead and hang that gilded antique mirror over your nickel-finished sink, and those bronze pendant lights over the dark faucets in your kitchen—you’ll fall in love with this updated look and will be itching to break this rule over and over again.

5. Hang your artwork (57” from the floor, to be exact).

The cardinal rule to hanging art has always been to keep it centered and at eye-level for the most aesthetically pleasing view. While there may be a time and place for measuring the placement of your art to the millimeter, this spring we’re throwing this rule out. Instead, go for an offbeat look by hanging artwork low to create an eye-catching vignette in a cozy corner or extra high (such as over a doorway). Or, curate some casual charm by intentionally tacking it to the wall off-center above your furniture, or leaning and layering frames up against the wall in an unexpected place.

INTERESTING WAYS TO HANG YOUR ART

6. Meticulously measure for the right size rug.

When it comes to choosing the right rug, we’ve all heard enough rules to make our heads spin. All front legs of the furniture must be on the rug, leave at least 18 inches of bare floor between the walls and the rug, and extend your rug well beyond the bed—just to name a few. For a truly fresh look this spring, ditch the rug rule book and go with your gut. Layer several rugs for an eclectic look, try a round rug in the living room, or mix and match materials like jute and kilim to nail that “California cool” design. The combination of varied textures, patterns and color will make your space feel new and interesting, while still tying everything together.

Spring Decor Updates

What do you think? Are you willing totake the risk to break any of these design rules this season?

If you do, we certainly hope you tag us @GrayMalin so we can get inspired!

Xx Team GM

Header Image: Polignano al Mare by Kim Scodro Interiors, (1) Gray's Kitchen, (2) The English Room, (3) Rocky Barnes, (4)Jess IsaacforMelissa Hon, (5) Styling with Bon Voyage, and (6) GM Studio Reveal