Dispelling The Decorating Myths

In today’s decorating, any style goes. Decorating is a very subjective topic. Questioning traditional practices is important when establishing one’s own ”personal style”. There are many decorating myths and I would like to dispel some of them here today.


MYTH 1. The ceiling should always be white.

White is not always the most desirable colour for the ceiling. Our eyes are attracted to objects that stand out and white stands out the most because it has the highest light reflective value. You may want a darker ceiling where the preference is to bring the eye back down to head level. To keep height though, you want white.

MYTH 2. An all white room seems larger.

A room that is all white or all black or all any colour will seem larger than one with many colours in it. Why? It is the contrast in colour that makes a room feel smaller. Think of the one wall darker than the other three, that one dark wall comes at you full force, whereas if the whole room is painted the same colour the space expands, no matter what colour is used.

MYTH 3. Trim must always be painted white.

This subjective area really depends on how decorative the trim is in your home, this will decide whether is it to be accented. White is commonly used however, a lighter or darker shade of the wall colour adds dimension to the room. Contrasting colours can also work well.

MYTH 4. Only certain colours go together.

All colours can be combined. It is the combinations that depend on personal taste and the space it is being placed. What is pleasing to one is not to another. A unifying factor, such as a fabric can blend colours together better.

MYTH 5. Paint colours must match furniture exactly.

Paint colours selected from patterns and colours in furniture, do not have to match perfectly, they do however need to be from the same family of colour and the same tone. Using lighter or darker versions can be very effective.


MYTH 6. Pink is for girls; blue is for boys.

Thankfully this stereotype is disappearing. Children’s rooms are taking on more character and creative use of colours, textures and themes. Though the feel can be distinctly masculine or feminine, the colours used are quite interchangeable.

MYTH 7. There should be only three patterns per room.

As long as the overall effect is not confusion, use as many patterns as you are comfortable with. Generally things done in three’s are pleasant to the eye, however with guidance, a myriad of patterns can be combined to make a beautiful palette of colours.

MYTH. 8. Always decorate around the sofa.

While it is generally one of the focal points of a room, it is not necessarily the only focus. When choosing a paint colour determine what you want to see in the room. Bear in mind all the items going into the space. Use of contrasting or complimentary colours can prove quite pleasing.

MYTH 9. Some colours are taboo.

Any colour can be used, a few colours, like black, dark brown and red can be used quite effectively especially when a little drama is required. Used in combination with other colours they can be incorporated into most rooms.

MYTH 10. Continuity means same colour throughout.

Colour continuity doesn’t mean having to paint the whole house the same colour. As long as there is a relationship between the colour scheme that moves from one room to the next. The use of unifying colours in adjoining room’s make them seem similar while looking different.

MYTH 11. Paint a long narrow hallway end walls dark.

Actually the opposite is true. When you paint an end wall darker than the side walls you are, in fact, making the end recede and are causing the hall to look even longer and narrower. If you want the hall to look wider, paint the long walls one shade and the end walls a darker shade of the same colour. It should visually push the walls out making the hall feel wider.


MYTH 12. The living and dining rooms must be the same colour.

Unless they are one long room, it’s not necessary. Even an archway between can provide the opportunity to change colours. Some common element should be used, a pattern, texture or furniture style will pull them together.

There are many other myths out there so, if you are still confused or have other questions about your decorating, don’t hesitate to contact me, I would love to hear from you.