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Decoration

The biggest lies they told you about interior decoration

Questioning these ideas about decoration allows for more free choices and projects aligned with the needs of each person.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Sep 14, 2025, 4:37 PM

08 min de leitura
Anna Malta and Andrea Duarte - Correspondent Port. CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2025 Project.

Anna Malta and Andrea Duarte - Correspondent Port. CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2025 Project. (André Nazareth)

The history of interior decoration is filled with rules that have solidified as absolute truths. For years, it has been repeated that one should not mix colors and patterns, that dark tones diminish the projects, among others. However, these ideas are becoming increasingly outdated as new projects show that daring can be an ally of sophistication.

Bianca Rieg Architecture - Enchanting Space DECA. Project of CASACOR Santa Catarina | Itapema 2025.

Bianca Rieg Arquitetura - Estar de Encantos DECA. Projeto da CASACOR Santa Catarina | Itapema 2025. (Lio Simas/CASACOR)

In practice, contemporary projects prove that breaking patterns is what gives personality and authenticity to the spaces. The beauty lies precisely in adapting solutions to the needs of each house and each resident, without being tied to rigid manuals! Below, we list seven of the biggest lies about interior decoration — and how current design shows that they are mere myths!

"Mixing colors and patterns is tacky"


For a long time, it was believed that strong colors and different patterns could not coexist in the same projects. The idea was that an excess of visual information would result in aesthetic disorder. In practice, mixing vibrant, neutral tones and varied patterns can enrich the space and make it more dynamic. The secret lies in balancing proportions and defining a palette that unifies the elements.
Ale Mellos Interior Architecture - Gazebo of Botany. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Ale Mellos Arquitetura de Interiores - Gazebo da Botânica. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Roberta Gewehr/CASACOR)

"Dark colors make the projects look smaller"


The notion that only light colors expand the projects is limited. Although soft tones reflect more light, dark tones can create depth and coziness. What matters is considering the lighting design and the highlight points. A small project with dark walls can become sophisticated and balanced when well planned.
Diego Miranda Leite and Zeh Pantarolli - Quarto Tekoá. Project of CASACOR Paraná 2025.

Diego Miranda Leite e Zeh Pantarolli - Quarto Tekoá. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2025. (Nenad Radovanovic/CASACOR)

"Integrated projects must maintain the same floor"


The uniformity of the floor in integrated spaces is often seen as mandatory in decoration, but this is nothing more than convention. It is possible, indeed, to use different floors to mark specific functions — such as distinguishing the kitchen from the living room. The transition can be done fluidly, creating identity in each space without losing harmony.
ana weege studio boreal casacor sao paulo sp 2022 kitchen dining table

Ana Weege - Estúdio Boreal. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2022. Crédito Gabriela Daltro. (Gabriela Daltro/CASACOR)

"Frames should always be positioned at eye level"


This rule ignores the diversity of contexts. The ideal height for frames varies according to the furniture and the aesthetic proposal of the space. In a room with high ceilings or in gallery compositions, the frames can be above or below eye level, creating visual impact. The flexibility allows for greater artistic expression.
Dado Castello Branco Architecture - Living of the Collector. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Dado Castello Branco Arquitetura - Living do Colecionador. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

"Dining table chairs must all be the same"


The uniform set was once considered a sign of elegance, but today the mix is increasingly valued. Combining chairs of different models, colors or materials can make the dining room more interesting and personalized, without compromising functionality.
Tulip House - Marc Ellmer. Project of CASACOR Peru 2025.

Casa Tulipán - Marc Ellmer. Projeto da CASACOR Peru 2025. (Sebastian Aparicio/CASACOR)

"Cool light can only be used in the kitchen"


Many people believe that cool light should be restricted to the kitchen, as it transmits the sensation of cleanliness and facilitates task performance. But this idea is limited and does not correspond to the reality of contemporary projects. Cool light can be used in different projects, such as offices, study areas, laundries, and even bathrooms, precisely because it favors concentration and highlights details.

Amanda Godofredo Ohpis - Being of the Family. CASACOR Paraná 2025 Project.

Amanda Godofredo Ohpis - Estar da Família. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2025. (Talita Paziam/CASACOR)

"Plants belong outside"


Plants have ceased to be exclusive to gardens and balconies. Bringing species inside the house is a consolidated practice valued by contemporary architecture. In addition to decoration, plants contribute to air quality and to the feeling of well-being. Species adapted to indoor projects expand the possibilities of use.
Mauricio Nóbrega, Bia Wolf, Maria Estellita and Patricia Vieira - Being on the Balcony. Project of CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2025.

Mauricio Nóbrega, Bia Wolf, Maria Estellita e Patricia Vieira - Estar na Varanda. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2025. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.