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This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

I know I am splitting hairs here - but those "rules" are not rules. There are no rules like that in design. It's a pet peeve. Sorry, couldn't let it pass by.

I'm sure you're correct, Cocok, but to the average Joe, they SEEM like design rules. My purpose was to dispell any idea that they're even
"rules" to those who fear they're making mistakes. As you know, many a poster in the past felt they're set in stone design rules.

Sorry I hit a nerve w/ this post. Appreciate your valued clarification nonetheless.

Of course I'm not critiquing you Froo Froo, I just don't like the premise of the article.

Those "rules" do seem a bit frivilous...I don't remember learning about any of those in interior design classes.

There are elements of design which include: Line, Color, Shape, Texture, Space and Form. Within those are subcategories. For example, color has hue, value and saturation.
There also several Principles of Design which have been recognized in the art and design world for centuries. In no particular order of importance, they include: Proportion/scale, Balance, Focal point/emphasis, Rhythm/repetition, Harmony/unity, Contrast, Color.
Whenever magazines write these silly articles in an attempt to sound authoritative about what is "right" and "wrong" in design, it makes me want to tear out what is left of my hair. Could it be they are out of ideas??

What article, what rules? The original topic is gone, what happened to it?

I am right with you Cavin, about the hair tearing.

Ultimately, articles like that perpetuate the false idea that there is some mysterious set of "rules" that if followed will make your home look perfect and acceptable.

What I don't like is that 1.There are no rules like that, and so the whole idea is false, and 2.The idea that there might be rules, makes people afraid to break them and make mistakes, and so they are afraid to try things in their home for fear that it might not be acceptable.

In my mind it is just wrong to do that to people.

The truth is that designers use the principles of design to manipulate the elements of design to create solutions for interior environments. Meaning that we use our understanding of the principals of scale, proportion, balance, rhythm, emphasis, and harmony (unity and variety) to manipulate the elements, which are space, shape or form, mass, line, texture, pattern, light, and color. (I learned them a little differently than Cavin, but they are basically the same things we are talking about)

So for instance if I were choosing fabrics for a room I might be using the principle of harmony which is both unity and variety. So I would look at the elements of pattern, color and perhaps texture and evaluate them using my understanding of harmony. In other words I would be looking for fabrics that are somewhat different (variety) but that contribute to a unified whole concept or look (unity).

So some people I have come in contact with seem to think there is a rule for picking fabric. One stripe, one floral, and one small pattern. I have actually had people say that they can't do this or that because it has to be one stripe, one floral and one small print. They have heard. That is the rule.

I am sure you can see how limiting that could be. Especially when THERE IS NO RULE LIKE THAT!

Enter the wild eyed, half bald interior designer. Just joking, kind of.

Moving on..I am wondering Froo Froo, why you deleted the original post? Even though this topic can be a tad bit controversial, it is interesting and informative. I think it should be discussed. Maybe you could repost the original article so that readers can discuss their thoughts about it.

And just to give fair warning. There are a couple topics I get my feathers ruffled over. One is this rules business, and the other...I am whispering..design education. Lets not go there now. (Whew, lots of sighs of relief from the general readership, I'm sure) But, if we don't talk about things that matter, than this board would be pretty bland.

So how bout it Froo Froo, shall we discuss the article?

I agree with both of you. These so-called "rules" is what makes people nervous about decorating or designing their own home. A lot of what is in magazines is there because a sponsor is paying to have their product shown.

I never stifled myself by rules. It helps to know the design basics that Cavin mentioned, but I have never limited my choices, thoughts and ideas because of them, DH and I do what makes us happy.

Come'on Froo come back...

quote:

Moving on..I am wondering Froo Froo, why you deleted the original post? Even though this topic can be a tad bit controversial, it is interesting and informative. I think it should be discussed. Maybe you could repost the original article so that readers can discuss their thoughts about it.

I agree. No one is criticizing you Froo, please don't take this so personally. There are so many misconceptions perpetuated by magazines and tv design shows and all we are trying to do is have a discussion. I assumed you posted the link so we could talk about it.

I hate it when people delete their OP. Oh,well.

Just came across this in my weekly HOUZZ
e-mail. Written by Laura Gaskill, I think it is appropriate at this time.

"Tune in to your feel-good factor. Forget, for a moment, everything you ever learned about design and just answer this one question: What makes you feel good? What color instantly lifts your mood? What sort of artwork makes your heart sing? Instead of trying to live up to someone else's ideal, allow yourself the luxury of choosing what you love."

Regarding 'rules' it's funny how they are merely called rules and eventually they become 'laws' in your head. I've become rather superstitiuos about wearing white shoes after Labor day. silly of course. Then I wonder about white purses and belts, white jackest and other things... would that apply I wonder.

Just because I heard it somewhere, whatever the 'rule' might be, whether it's silly or I believe it or not, I still think about it:
like wearing white shoes after labor day,
or wearing black with navy blue..
matchy matchy furniture taboos
Mixing metals
Saving calories by eating off of someone else's plate
others...