Even designers follow rules and so should you

The first lesson in design is that there are two sets of rules: formal and informal.

Formal design rules serve as the cornerstone of every design project, and should be followed to create successful designs. These rules reveal traces of colour theory, space planning, scale and balance.

The formal rules are constant in every design project. Colour theory, which comprises the primary colours (red, yellow and blue) and secondary colours (violet, orange and green) does not change. Their position on the colour wheel helps determine which can be used together. If you're unsure of the colour wheel rules, seek a colour consultation from a professional, or copy a colour scheme from an existing designer space.

In a professionally designed room, look at the proportion-between the furniture and other design/architectural elements. Is the sofa oversized? Are the furniture pieces blocking the natural traffic flow? If so, the space is not functional and the furniture does not complement the design.

Designers have also come up with their own rules of thumb to help homeowners: These informal design rules are subjective and vary from designer to designer. But it's only because they know the formal rules that they can break them and still create a great room.

(prepared by Marc Atiyolil/National Post)