The style bible: These are the 10 commandments of interior design

In the world of interior design, we’re living in the best, and worst, of times. Thanks to the democratising force of the internet, ordinary homeowners have greater choice than ever when it comes to creating a dwelling reflective of their unique history, passions and aspirations.

So vast are the options at our fingertips, however, that the sheer number of available alternatives can, all too often, lead to confusion.

With this in mind, Domain asked three industry experts to share their go-to, sure-fire, not-to-be-lived-without advice when it comes to decorating your home. Consider it the 10 Commandments of Interior Design, if you will …

Thou shalt … not try too hard

‘”What do you mean?”, someone, somewhere, is surely asking as they fill their gold teapot at their gemstone-encrusted tap, taking care not to bang their head on the low-hanging chandelier. The point is, your house should feel like a home, not the dictators’ guest wing at Mar-a-Lago.

Richard Misso, of The Stylesmiths, says the best interiors reflect the owner’s personality: “Try thinking of your interior like fashion. It’s got to fit and be appropriate – if you try too hard it simply won’t reflect you, like a poorly-fitting, borrowed suit.”

Let there be … (considered, mood-enhancing) light

Good lighting is essential to creating the right ambience. There’s a reason cinematographers, painters and photographers are all so obsessed with the darn thing.

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Kerena Berry, of DesignBX, advises people to see lighting as a tiered approach, mixing ceiling, standing, side table and flooring sources.

“It’s the various combinations that allow a space to move from functional to ornamental,” she says.

Thou shalt … not settle for anything less than the perfect sofa

Like the search for a life partner, hunting for the right sofa can be a long and laborious task. However, it is worth the effort. Just as with your significant other, the two of you will be spending a lot of time together with a takeaway pizza and the latest on Netflix, so it’s important you feel comfortable.

“Think about the sofa’s role in the home,” Misso says. “Do you like to lay on the sofa, or sit upright? Is it for adults, children or pets? Thinking about these things will help you choose the best fabrics and frames.”

Thou shalt … learn to love mixing and matching

A room that slavishly adheres to one particular style is to interior design what Coldplay is to rock music: Inoffensive, sure, but as bland as all get-out.

“Blending styles together is the perfect recipe to create a truly eclectic space,” Berry says.

“The trick here is to ensure you limit this to no more than three styles. By pulling the key design element from each style, and layering them together, you can create a unique look unlikely to be seen anywhere else. Keeping a common theme, like colour or shape, ensures a harmonious flow.”

Thou shalt … not overspend

Christine Grayche, of One x One Interiors, says it’s a good idea to clarify why you’re renovating before you decide how much you’re prepared to spend.

“If you’re completing a full house renovation, you should invest no more than 15 per cent of your home’s value for cosmetic upgrades, for example, fresh paint and window furnishings, and for structural changes, [such as] kitchens and bathrooms, no more than 45 per cent,” she explains.

“If this is your forever home, or the place you plan to be for the next 20-plus years, it’s definitely worth going the extra mile to create a space you’ll absolutely love.”

Thou shalt … use colour wisely

Like the Holy Trinity, paint colours usually come in threes. However, the way they can happily fit together is a lot easier for the layperson to understand.

“The go-to rule is the 60/30/10 divide,” Berry says.

“The ratio of colour within your space must be 60 per cent dominant, 30 per cent secondary and 10 per cent accent.

“It works across each layer of design, from paint selections through to the selection of soft furnishings.”

Thou shalt … remember that function is more important than form

Furnishing your home is a bit like deciding who to date – good looks are a nice starting point, but it’s the underlying qualities that get an item (or person) across the line.

“When we’re in the planning stage we always first consider, ‘Is this functional? What purpose does this serve? Does this add to the design of the house or is it simply design for the sake of design?'” Grayche says.

“If you can’t see a function, then it’s a no.”

Thou shalt … not forget the importance of artwork

“Artwork is like a party animal – it’s at its very best when surrounded by companions, whether a couple or a crowd,” Misso says.

“That said, one large hero piece also works a treat. Take a hero piece, break down the colours and inject these colours throughout the room. It’s a simple, foolproof trick that creates harmony in any space.” Enough said.

Thou shalt … cultivate a green thumb

The right house plants can turn your home into a veritable Garden of Eden.

“Greenery brings beauty, character, texture and good energy into every space,” Misso says.

“Even if you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, just Google the plant name, find out how to take care of them and watch them thrive.”

Thou shalt … set thine own rules

When it comes to The Bible, some commandments seem to take precedence over others. (Thou shalt not kill, for example, appears to be rather more important than, say, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s ox.) So, too, when it comes to interior design. If there’s one inviolable commandment that stands above all others, it is to be true to yourself. Rules are, after all, meant to be broken.

“Take on advice that connects with you,” Misso says. “If it doesn’t speak to you, then it’s not for you.”