Stop Believing These Design Myths: Tips That Actually Work
There’s so much contradictory advice out there about designing and decorating your home: “Dark colors make a room feel smaller,” “Mixing and matching furniture makes the space feel bigger,” and countless others. It can get confusing—and honestly, it can make you nervous about wanting to renovate or even just refresh a room.
Let’s cut through the noise. Here are some common design myths and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Small Rooms Must Be Painted Light Colors
Why this is a myth: Light colors, including white, are often recommended because they reflect more light. But light alone doesn’t automatically make a room feel larger. How your room feels depends on the type, angle, and temperature of light, as well as furniture placement and even how your eye moves through the space.
What actually works: Bold or dark colors can add warmth and depth, making a space feel cozy—and sometimes even bigger than it is. One trick is painting walls, trim, and ceilings the same color; this seamless flow makes corners less noticeable and tricks the eye into seeing more space. Mirrors, thoughtful lighting, and strategic furniture placement can also reflect light and make the room feel brighter and more open.
Myth 2: Everything Must Match
Why this is a myth: Matching furniture is convenient, but it can make a room feel cold, impersonal, or like a showroom. Walk into any furniture store, and you’ll see how easy it is to buy an entire matching set—from sofa and loveseat to accent chairs, beds, and side tables. But when you bring that into your home, it often lacks personality.
What actually works: Mixing styles, materials, textures, patterns, and colors creates depth and interest. A simple approach: pick one patterned piece as your starting point, then pull complementary colors from that pattern for the rest of the room. Your home should reflect you, not a single furniture line. Diversity in your pieces makes your space feel curated, personal, and lived-in.
Myth 3: All Lighting Needs to Be Functional
Why this is a myth: Functional lighting is important—task lighting helps you cook, work, or read—but lighting does more than illuminate. It can define a space, create mood, and highlight features.
Types of lighting:
Task lighting: Focused light for specific activities, like desk lamps, vanity lights, or under-cabinet lights.
Ambient lighting: General illumination for the room, like pendants, chandeliers, or recessed lights.
Accent lighting: Highlights artwork or architectural details; think track lights, spotlights, or wall sconces.
Cove lighting: Hidden fixtures along ceilings or niches that provide a soft, indirect glow.
What actually works: Layering these lighting types creates a flexible, functional, and visually interesting space. You can brighten the room for tasks or dim it for a more intimate mood. Mixing lighting not only solves practical needs but also brings life and personality to your home.
Myth 4: Ceilings Should Always Be White
Why this is a myth: White ceilings are common because they reflect light, making rooms feel bright. But ceilings are more than just a light source—they’re a “fifth wall” and a chance to add personality.
What actually works: Painting the ceiling a different color can create an illusion of intimacy or continuity. For instance, a dark ceiling in a large room adds coziness, while painting a small room’s ceiling the same color as the walls can make it feel taller. Another fun approach is wallpaper on the ceiling—it adds character and whimsy, turning it into a surprising focal point. Ceilings are an opportunity to play, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Myth 5: You Need More Space to Have a Functional Home
Why this is a myth: Bigger isn’t automatically better. More space doesn’t magically solve layout, storage, or flow problems. Many homeowners believe that their issues come from a lack of square footage—but that’s not the full story. The tiny house movement proves that people can make small, tight spaces highly functional with creative design solutions.
What actually works: Functionality comes from smart layouts, thoughtful design, and clever storage—not size alone. Even a small home can be efficient, comfortable, and beautiful when each element is intentional. Understanding how you live, what you need, and how the space works for you is more important than simply adding square footage.
Design “rules” are guidelines, not absolutes. Just because a practice is common doesn’t make it right for your home. The most important thing is creating a space that reflects your style, suits your lifestyle, and feels like you.
Experiment, embrace your personality, and apply design principles thoughtfully. When done intentionally, your home will be both functional and beautiful—without being constrained by myths.