For some people, sticking to interior design ‘rules’ or principles is paramount when designing a space.
People commonly refer to the seven principles of interior design: balance, unity, rhythm, emphasis, contrast, scale and proportion, and details. Some consider a space well-designed if it adheres to, or at least considers these principles.
Unorthodox interiors for London homes may go against one or more of these design principles and embrace a more unconventional approach, creating a more unique interior design throughout their space.
While constraints in a capital city home may mean you have to bend the rules and play with these principles, others may just want to explore more quirky interior design ideas that inject some fun or personality into their homes.
When it comes to embracing unorthodox interiors, there’s no right or wrong way to achieve it – it’s all about eccentricity! However, it can be daunting to begin your design journey. So, we’ve put together some key steps to help embrace unconventional design and create showstopping interiors for London homeowners.
Don’t be afraid of colour
Colour can be a great way to embrace quirky interior design. From colour drenching to clashing colours, you can play around with shades and paint finishes to create a unique and playful look. There are several ways to use colour in your interior design to express your personal design style.
Colour drenching a room means using one colour, or shade, for your walls, woodwork and ceiling and is growing in popularity. You can take this one step further and use the same hue in your furniture and furnishings for a really unique interior design choice. Try adding some made to measure curtains in the exact shade to tie the look together.
It can be tempting to steer clear of darker colours when it comes to home decor, especially in spaces with limited natural light and smaller square footage, in fear of making it appear even smaller. However, leaning into the darkness in smaller, dimly lit rooms with a deeper paint shade can actually make the room appear bigger, or at least make it feel cosy.
To further balance these moody tones, consider restoring original features like sash or bespoke casement windows; renovating them not only floods the room with natural light but will drastically improve insulation, making the space feel warm in both ambience and temperature.
Choosing clashing or unorthodox colour combinations can also add interest and creativity to a room. We’ve often been told to stay away from certain colour combinations and avoid ‘clashing’ colours. While colour theory is a great thing to consider when putting together your colour palette, don’t be afraid to explore uncommon pairings.
Play with patterns
Another key way to embrace unorthodox interiors is through playing with different patterns. From botanical and floral, to stripes or geometric patterns, there are so many patterns that can be introduced into your home in soft furnishings or wallpaper.
Gather samples of patterned fabrics you like and see how they look together; you might be surprised that patterns that you assumed would clash actually complement each other. Instead of repeating a pattern in various spots in the same room, for example matching curtains and cushions, try layering different patterns or textures to add depth to your space.
Balance bold with neutral
Whether you’re going bold with your paint choice or clashing your patterns, adding in some neutrals can help to balance your space.
Neutral doesn’t have to just mean black, white or beige. There are various shades and tones within the neutral spectrum to choose from that will help balance out bold colours. It can also be achieved with natural materials like wood, stone or metal. If your statement colours are warm, opt for neutral shades with warmer undertones, and vice versa if they are cooler.
Having some neutral colours or materials in your space can help to avoid overwhelm, visual overload, and keep the focus on your unique interior design.
Mixing metals for a modern feel
A big trend of 2025 is mixed metals in bathrooms, but why not extend this to other rooms in your abode? Traditionally, we’re encouraged to stick to just one metal per room for finishes or details, but by mixing metals, you can create an eclectic feel to your space. It can also expand your options when it comes to finding the perfect finishing touches.
Much like in jewellery, mixing metals is no longer seen as a faux pas. This works best in kitchens or bathrooms, where metals often play a more featured role in finishes, like taps, lighting and appliances. However, this can also be embraced in other rooms, such as living rooms or bedrooms, in decorative items like mirrors and frames.
Remember to add equal amounts of each metal throughout the room, rather than one odd chrome piece amongst copper, as this can look unintentional and like a mistake. Adding various metals throughout the space will look intentional and purposeful, and let your personal design choices shine.
Adding art to express your personality and interests
The easiest way to introduce unique interior design into your home is through statement art pieces. It’s a common misconception that adding art to your home is expensive, but there are many ways to add art to your home, regardless of your budget.
Starting your art collection can be intimidating. A great place to begin is looking at prints and reproductions of art by your favourite artists. If you follow any artists on social media, see if they sell any of their pieces. Alternatively, have a go at creating your own art! Host or attend a paint-and-sip party and let your creative juices flow.
From gallery walls that combine smaller art pieces and prints, to large scale canvases or mixed media artworks, incorporating art into your home is a great way to show your personality and interests before committing to a full redecoration project.
Combine old with new furniture to create a unique interior design finish
When it comes to furniture, it can be easy to find a period or style that you like, and match all your furniture. Unfortunately, this can lead to rooms feeling too staged or themed, and you run the risk of your space feeling dated too quickly.
Instead, creating an interesting juxtaposition by mixing old and contemporary furniture pieces can, surprisingly, create a timeless feel to your space. In combining pieces in styles from different decades, you can add interest and talking points to your home.
Sourcing vintage or antique pieces from flea markets or auction houses can help you ensure your decor is one-of-a-kind. Placing next to modern, or even futuristic pieces can create a really interesting layered story told through your interior design.
Final Thoughts
Embracing unorthodox interior design in your home is a great way to express your style. By taking an unconventional approach, disregarding traditional design ‘rules’ and mixing anything from furniture to metals in your home, you can create a space that is layered, unique and full of interesting conversation starters.
While it’s important to give yourself creative freedom, maybe don’t try to do it all at once! Start small, and add eclectic elements slowly so you can see the overall look develop. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, not everything you try is going to work, and that’s ok!
Ultimately, if your space is functional, comfortable and a reflection of your style, then there are no rules! Happy decorating.
