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As interior addicts, we’re passionate about helping people find their individual style and inject their own personality into their home. We believe that every element of your home should tap into your individuality, from the bedding you cosy up in each night, to the sofa cushions you relax on whilst watching your favourite Netflix show.
That’s why we don’t believe in strict interior design rules.
Whilst it’s great to take inspiration, whether it’s from influencers’ homes, Pinterest, TikTok or interior designers, your home is your personal sanctuary. It should be a celebration of all your favourite colours, patterns and designs in a way that feels right to you — not the product of sticking to a set formula.
We wanted to understand how Brits really feel about interior design rules, so we polled the nation to discover their thoughts on decorating and how confident people feel about putting their personal style into practice. Surprisingly, over a third (31%) of people feel that having design rules actually hinders their creativity!
The vast majority of Brits (80%) say they follow at least one interior design rule, but what does that look like in real homes? We’ve compiled an official list of the 10 styling rules that UK homemakers just can’t seem to break:
1. Sticking to neutral colours for a timeless look (40%)
2. All fabrics in the same room should complement each other (29%)
3. You should make smaller spaces feel bigger (28%)
4. Rugs should complement the flooring (26%)
5. Curtains should touch the floor (21%)
6. You should only have warm lighting at home (18%)
7. Table settings should match (16%)
8. Bedding should be white for a luxurious feel (14%)
9. You should only use three colours in a room (14%)
10. Metal accents should all be the same (10%)
Even more shockingly, just 13% of people believe that their home reflects their personality, and almost a third (31%) claim that interior design rules have a negative impact on their creativity. It's clear that inspiration is needed to help the people of the UK find their true, unique style, and as champions of personality-filled living spaces, we’re more than happy to help out.
Our interiors expert, Anna Jones and design expert, Rea Bell, have weighed in, debunking some of the most common interior design rules, and sharing their top tips for creating a space that truly feels like you.
We’ve got nothing against neutrals - they always feel calm, polished and put-together. And while it’s easy to play it safe with beige and greige, you can end up with a space that feels cold and lifeless.
In fact, two in five Brits (40%) believe that sticking to a neutral colour scheme is the right way to create a timeless space. But timeless doesn’t have to mean colourless, and playing with colour doesn’t have to be scary.
Interiors expert Anna explains: “Neutral spaces can look fabulous, and if that’s the look that sparks joy for you, then great. But you can create a timeless feel while bringing in colour, it just takes a thoughtful approach.
“Start with a base colour that speaks to you. We often use soft greens, deep blues, or muted pinks shades that add warmth and personality without overwhelming the room. From there, you can layer in accessories like cushions, throws or artwork in complementary tones.”
One of Anna’s go-to tricks? Sticking to classic patterns when you experiment with colour - think stripes, checks, or subtle florals. This will help achieve that timeless essence. These types of patterns add personality and still stand the test of time, no matter the colour you choose!
Whether you’re colour-drenching your space or simply switching out a few accessories, the key is to choose colours and prints you genuinely love. That’s what makes a space feel both timeless and totally you.
Texture and fabric are so important when it comes to adding depth and personality to a space. However, with 29% of people believing that all fabrics should complement each other, are we playing it too safe when using texture in our homes? Anna seems to think so:
“Adding different textures and fabrics to a space is a great way to introduce individuality to a room that could otherwise feel flat. Textures like boucle, embroidery or ruffles on cushions or bedding are a fantastic way to catch the eye and bring a sensory element to your space.
Mixing textures and fabrics, rather than relying on one uniform material, like matching fabric cushions on a sofa, introduces an element of unpredictability and playfulness that instantly livens up the room.”
Many people believe that a crisp white bedding set is the only way to achieve a luxurious hotel feel in their bedroom - one in six, to be exact. While white is undeniably a timeless choice, it’s not the only way to luxury. Bold florals or rich, vibrant hues can also add a sense of sophistication and opulence to your space, with the added bonus of personality and warmth.
"You absolutely do not need to stick to white bedding to create that high-end, hotel-style bedroom," says Anna. "If you love colour, embrace it. Why not try swapping your classic white set for a jewel tone like deep emerald green or burgundy red? These rich, warm hues instantly elevate a space and feel incredibly indulgent.
However, it’s not just about colour. “Luxury is in the details,” Anna adds. “Think about layering in embroidery, elegant trims, soft frills, or rich botanical prints. These elements add depth, texture, and a sense of escapism - transforming your bedroom into a true retreat.”
Ultimately, your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. “If going bold with colour brings you joy, layer in what you love,” Anna says. “That personal touch is what makes a space truly luxurious.”
Decorating your home should be a joyful, creative adventure, a chance to bring your dream space to life, piece by piece. But despite the fun it could be, 83% of Brits say they find interior design more tricky than expected.
Top of the list? The cost of it all (32%)- no surprise there. People also mentioned they struggle to actually picture what things will look like in real life (24%). One in five worry about getting it wrong (21%), while 20% admit they’re just not sure what goes together. Then there’s the idea overload (16%), the style clashes with housemates or partners (15%), and simply not having enough time to tackle it all (another 15%).
Some take inspiration from what they’ve seen elsewhere (10%), and 7% say they’re still figuring out what their personal style even is.
So yes, there are lots of practical hurdles such as budget, time, and having too many options. But underneath it all, what really seems to trip people up is confidence. Many of us second-guess our style, worry about doing it "right," or struggle to make our homes truly reflect us.
With decision-making and confidence being the biggest hurdles in home decorating, we wanted to share some expert advice on how to bring your own style to a room - forget about the rules; it’s about you!
Finding your confidence
Rea explains where to start and how to allow your personality to shine through: “It’s easy to go to an Instagram story and replicate a look you’ve seen, creating a carbon copy in your own home. But sometimes, that doesn’t really feel like it’s your own space or an extension of your personality. You should be able to express yourself in your living space. You spend a lot of time there, so it’s really important that it feels like ‘you’.
“Much in the same way that the clothes you wear reflect who you are, your home can too. If you struggle with transferring your personality into your living space, just think about your favourite colours, patterns you’re drawn to, movies you love, quotes that inspire you, countries you love to visit etc. Take a look on Pinterest to see how other people have styled items that tie in with these elements, and think about where these might fit in your home to create spaces that are truly unique to you.”
Whilst almost half of Brits were convinced that whites and neutrals are the best way to create a timeless or classic look in the home, we know that people’s personalities and unique style have much more to offer. You can still provide longevity to your interior decor that lasts throughout the decades - it’s all down to preparation, confidence, experimentation and honing your intuition when stepping into a room.
We’d love to see even more of your wonderfully unique homes, so don’t forget to share with us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok - we can’t wait to see your take on throwing the interior style rulebook away.
Survey Methodology: Using TLF, in March 2025, we surveyed 1,001 UK adults who have the freedom to decorate their home (e.g. they’re a homeowner, or have a non-restrictive landlord), gathering insight from different ages, genders, and cities.
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