Who makes the interiors rules and should we obey them?

If, like me, you follow homes and interiors accounts, or take notice of what (some) designers say, you’d be forgiven for thinking that before you start to renovate or decorate, you need to embark on a course to learn the rules of what you can and can’t have in your own home.

I understand there’s an irony to me, the editor of a homes magazine that includes lots of decorating suggestions, saying you should ignore other ideas. But I hope that Reclaim doesn’t wag its finger at you, nor preach about what makes ‘the perfect’ wallpaper/ cushion / paint colour. Nothing is perfect – ever.

So who decides what you should have in your home? Interior designers and architects do have experience and training on how to best create a harmonious space. So cramming all your furniture against the wall, or filling a tiny space with large, mismatched furniture that doesn’t ‘flow’ is probably not the best. No, I’m talking about the type of rule that says ‘pink walls are passé’ ‘that rug is too small’ ‘brown furniture is out.’ Actually, it’s back in according to …. well, who?

There have always been tastemakers, and some of them have great ideas. Homes and interiors brands have to come up with new products and fresh ways to present them; they’re increasingly looking to history or their own heritage for inspiration, and creating sustainably. They used to have more of a part to play in ‘the rules’ – but less so as they encourage expressive decorating.
Unfortunately, the thorny issue of perceived class and money has a big part to play. If you have a modest, modern build home and can’t afford genuine antiques or designer pieces, apparently you have no style. Or God forbid you have an avocado bathroom in a council house. But hang on –  not any more! Vintage, coloured bathrooms are selling for a pretty high price tag.

I often find the most appealing and inviting homes aren’t showy, and truly reflect the personality of the people who live there. They might even have a whole host of ‘mistakes.’ One of my dear friends has a house sporting a ‘Live Laugh Love’ sign and lots of coastal themed nick-nacks. She even switches on ‘the big light’. All big no-no’s, according to experts. But I love visiting. This home may not win prizes for design, but it’s warm, welcoming and really sweet – just like her.

Do you remember when grey or ‘greige’ was all the rage? Apparently it’s now to be shunned. Similarly magnolia – although plenty of the latest cream colours bear a striking resemblance to exactly that 1980s tone I had in my childhood sitting room. And it was painted on woodchip paper, shockingly.

Following rules, trends and what the experts say is all good if that’s what you want to do, and with so much choice, sometimes it is nice to have someone guide you. Or invest in the ‘it’ colour or product to freshen up a room.

But there’s a difference between presenting the options and celebrating a beautiful home or product – and judging. Because judgement creates division and shame. And I hate the idea of someone being ashamed or embarrassed about where they live.

So there’s no need to feel guilty for your own interior choices, or be worried about making a mistake. The only mistake is to rein yourself in, to want to choose a bold colour, say, or a statement piece of art and then decide not to in case others sneer. Home, as in life, is what you decide it should be.