6 Outdated Interior Design Rules to Ditch in Your 30s (and What to Do Instead)

There’s something about hitting your 30s that just makes you want to step things up. Maybe it’s the fact that your Pinterest boards now scream “warm neutrals” instead of “faux brick wallpaper.” Or maybe you're simply ready to say goodbye to that IKEA bookshelf you’ve been dragging from apartment to apartment since college. Either way, your interior design style is evolving—and it's time to let go of the old rules and make space for a grown-up home that actually reflects you.

Let’s talk about a few outdated design rules that seriously need to be retired—and what to do instead.

1. “Everything Has to Match”

You’re not decorating a hotel suite—so why treat your living room like one? Matching furniture sets may have seemed like the “grown-up” choice in your 20s, but in your 30s, design gets more fun (and way more stylish) when you start mixing things up. Blend textures like boucle with leather, or go for different wood tones in the same room. Think of it like curating an outfit: it’s the mix that makes it chic.

Try this:

Mix natural materials like wood and rattan with luxe fabrics like velvet or leather
Choose one or two anchor tones, then build in accents with different hues and finishes

 2. “Mirrors Belong in Bathrooms”

If you’re still thinking mirrors are just for checking your hair, let us introduce you to one of the best interior design hacks ever: using mirrors as statement pieces. A large mirror can instantly make your space feel bigger and brighter. And these days, mirrors come in all shapes and styles—arched, asymmetrical, gold-rimmed, antique—perfect for showing off your design personality.

Styling tips:

Place a tall mirror across from a window to reflect light and open up the room
Hang a round mirror above a console table for an easy upgrade
Don’t be afraid to go bold—an oversized mirror can be a room’s focal point

Check out our trending mirror collection

3. “Hang Wall Art at Eye Level (Always)”

Sure, “eye level” is a safe place to start—but it’s not a hard rule. Your wall art deserves more freedom! Play with scale and layout. Go oversized with a single piece, or create a gallery wall that dances around a mix of frames, art, and even mirrors.

Do’s and Don’ts:

Map your layout with painter’s tape first
Mix frames, canvases, and even dimensional pieces like woven hangings
Don’t hang everything in a straight line—it’ll feel too stiff

Browse Spacejoy’s collection of modern wall art

4. “Stick to Neutrals”

Neutrals are safe, sure—but they can also be, well… safe. Don’t be afraid to inject some color into your space! Buttery yellow is huge for 2025 (and it’s way more versatile than you’d think), and earthy tones like sage, clay, and rust are also having a major moment.

Try adding color with:

Throw pillows
Wall art
Rugs or even a fun accent wall

These touches bring warmth and style without overwhelming the space. Bonus: they’re easy to swap out when you’re ready for a refresh.

5. “Don’t Mix Old and New”

This is one rule we’re happy to break. In fact, some of the most stunning homes today blend vintage charm with modern simplicity. A vintage art print above a sleek sectional? Gorgeous. An antique sideboard paired with a minimalist mirror? Chef’s kiss. Mixing old and new creates visual interest—and makes your home feel more personal.

The key? Let each piece have its moment, and don’t try to make everything match. Trust us: a little tension adds major style points.

6. “Interior Design Is One-and-Done”

Here’s the truth: your style is always evolving—and so should your space. You don’t need to overhaul your entire home every season, but little changes can keep things fresh and fun. Rotate your throw pillows. Swap out wall art. Switch your mirror from one wall to another. (Yes, even mirrors like to move around.)

Not sure where to start? Our 60 second design-style-quiz is a great first step. It helps you nail down your aesthetic and gives you a personalized plan to build from.

Time for a Style Glow-Up

You’ve graduated from futons and string lights. Now it’s time for design choices that actually feel you. At Spacejoy, we’re here to help you ditch the outdated rules and design a home that feels stylish, smart, and seriously satisfying.

Whether you’re mixing materials, upgrading your wall art, or playing with color for the first time, the best interior design rule for your 30s is this: there are no rules—just good taste and good vibes.

Ready to upgrade? Explore our online design packages and get started with a pro designer today.