5 Styling ‘Rules’ I Break All the Time — And Why
They say you have to learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist. I believe that was Picasso. And honestly, he was right.
When it comes to styling, rules exist for a reason — they provide structure and guidance, especially when you're starting out. In The Styling Masterclass, I teach the fundamental principles that create balance, harmony, and impact. But here’s the thing: once you truly understand those principles, you can start pushing the boundaries, and breaking them in ways that make a space feel more personal, more lived-in, and more you. (I teach this part of the process too!)
Here are some of the rules I sometimes follow — but often break — and why it works.
Courtesy of Bed Thread | Photography: Lynden Foss | Styling: Jackie Brown
Rule #1: Every Space Needs a Focal Point
A focal point is the element in a room that naturally draws your eye upon entry, anchoring the space and guiding the flow of design. It helps create a sense of balance and harmony.
When I Break Rule #1: Some of the most compelling rooms don’t have a single, obvious “hero”. Instead, they create a quiet rhythm — layers of interest that invite you to take your time and explore. Rather than forcing a single statement piece, I focus on creating movement — letting the eye flow naturally through a space.
Example: When I designed the Still Studio kitchen, above, my starting point was the beautiful limestone sink but it doesn’t overpower the space. Instead, it interacts seamlessly with the leather loop pendants, artwork and curated details, such as the ceramic plates and vases. The natural materials, warm tones, and layered textures create a quiet rhythm, working together in harmony rather than relying on a single statement piece.
Rule #2: Symmetry Creates Balance
Symmetry is a foundational principle in design, creating a sense of order and calm by mirroring elements on either side of a central point. It can help spaces feel intentional and cohesive. However too much symmetry can feel predictable or even a little rigid.
When I Break Rule #2: I often break this rule because I want spaces to feel more relaxed, and lived-in, rather than overly polished. Asymmetry introduces movement and character, making a home feel as though it has evolved over time rather than being perfectly ‘styled.’
Example: In the living room of my Byron Hinterland House, above, I chose to hang a large pendant light off-centre. This deliberate placement helped to bring the height of the ceilings down, creating a more intimate atmosphere. The asymmetrical placement softens the space and engages the eye in a more organic way, creating a relaxed and inviting feel.
From “This is Home” Book | Photography: Chris Warnes | Styling: Natalie Walton | Home: Vanessa Boz
Rule #3: Cushions Should Be Perfectly Plumped
Perfectly plumped cushions — with crisp corners and that signature karate chop — are often seen as the finishing touch to a well-styled sofa. This type of styling is often favoured in more formal spaces.
When I Break Rule 3: All the time! I actually don’t like cushions that are karate chopped. They don’t feel inviting. Instead, I prefer cushions that feel relaxed and effortless rather than overly staged. A more natural shape — without the karate chop — helps a space feel inviting, lived-in, and truly comfortable. I also love mixing different cushion sizes and textures rather than sticking to a uniform, perfectly arranged set.
Example: When styling Vanessa Boz's home for "This is Home" I intentionally allowed the soft, unstructured cushions to settle naturally into the sofa. This creates a sense of ease and allows the space to feel warm and welcoming rather than overly styled.
Photography: Lynden Foss | Styling: Natalie Walton
Rule #4: Keep Your Pendant Lights in Proportion to the Room
The usual advice is to keep pendant lights smaller and proportional to the dining table — typically no wider than 50cm–60cm — so they don’t dominate the space or feel too heavy. This ensures the light complements rather than competes with the table and surrounding furniture.
Why I Prefer to Break Rule 4: I love oversized pendants. They’re one of the quickest and easiest ways to create impact and intimacy in a space. A large pendant can also help define a room, soften the overall aesthetic, and bring warmth in a way that a smaller, more ‘proportional’ light simply can’t.
Example: In the Still Studio, I hung an oversized linen lantern pendant above the dining table, above. Its generous scale makes a statement while still feeling light and airy, proving that sometimes, breaking the rules leads to the most beautiful results.
Photography: Lynden Foss | Styling: Natalie Walton
Rule #5: Dress Your Bed for a Luxe Look
Layering multiple pillows — standard, European, and decorative — along with textured throws is often the go-to look for achieving that plush, hotel-style look. It’s a way to create a sense of luxury and indulgence, making the bed feel like an inviting retreat at the end of the day.
Why I Prefer to Break Rule 5: Too many pillows can feel excessive and impractical. I prefer a more effortless approach — just enough for comfort, without turning bed-making into a daily styling session. A few well-chosen pillows and natural, relaxed layers create a space that feels lived-in and welcoming, rather than overly styled.
Example: In the Still Studio bedroom, above, I keep the styling simple with soft, natural fabrics and a restrained number of pillows. The result? A bed that looks beautiful and feels effortless.
The Takeaway
Rules help you understand why a space works, but true creativity comes when you know how to break them with confidence. If something feels right in your interiors — even if it doesn’t follow the ‘rules’ — trust your instincts. Because the most interesting spaces aren’t just well-designed, they’re deeply personal.
Are there any styling rules you love to break? Let me know — I’d love to hear!
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