waxing philosophical

First, all the people who made up the rules are dead. Thus, we have no one to report to. However, there are a few basic things that seem to hold true, regardless. There is a thread of common sense that knits the fundamentals of design together.

• Size matters. Bigger is better. A few large focal points outweigh a few trinkets (chachkes) scattered hither and yon. However, knickknacks presented in the form of a collection, become one “big thing” and are desirably attractive.
• Continuity transcends time. It doesn’t matter how far back you go, the most celebrated designs tend to share a sense of continuity throughout. Themes can change, from room to room, but the fixed background is usually common in most well produced designs seen throughout the world, varied as they may be.
• There is no such thing as a neutral color. Every color has an undertone, and those colors need to share a sense of continuity from stem to stern. For instance, there are more than 150 shades of the color commonly considered “white.”
• A simple 90 degree angle is rarely good reason to change a paint color. If a room has cased openings or crown molding, they allow you to change colors, but you realize this is NOT a rule. In the absence of such architectural accoutrements, color most often continues (from wall to ceiling, for example). However, please keep in mind: all the people who made up these rules are dead, so you’re allowed to do whatever it is that pleases you.