13 Martha Stewart Decor “Don’ts” That Experts Swear By

This post may contain affiliate links.

Trying to decorate your home can be a lot like trying to cook from scratch without a recipe — everyone seems to have an opinion on what’s best, and opinions differ. The queen of classic taste and timeless design, Martha Stewart, swears by her own set of rules. But what if top home decor experts and designers go a different way?

It turns out that some of the ideas Martha might raise an eyebrow at are the very ideas that will give your home a fresh and stylish vibe. If that’s the case, keep reading to learn which decor trends experts are willing to go against Martha’s well established tastes and stir the pot with.

Maximalism

18 Dining Room Ideas So Good You'll Forget About TV Dinners — Image Credit: Vincent Rivaud/ Pexels

Maximalism is in, but Martha Stewart likes clean, minimal. This is all about letting rooms explode with life through vibrant colors, patterns and textures. Maximalism is the chance to show your true personality in your space. It allows you to stack art, textiles, and knick knacks to create a lived in look that tells a story, without playing it safe.

Bold Wallpaper

While Martha might encourage keeping things neutral for a timeless look, many designers will tell you to buck convention and go bold and patterned with your wallpaper to have some fun while making a statement. From florals to geometric shapes to animal prints, they can make walls come alive in ways paint simply doesn’t. Wallpaper can really give a room a dramatic lift and set a mood instantly.

Mixing Metals

25 Stunning Kitchen Cabinet Designs That Will Transform Your Space! — Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/ Pexels

Martha believes in uniformity and would totally match metals in a room. That’s not to say many modern decorators don’t think mixing metals can add a fresh, eclectic energy. Spaces can read layered and interesting when you combine brass, copper, and silver tones. Mixed metals add depth to a room without being too much.

Vintage and Antique Furniture

Don’t Get Duped! 12 Household Items That Are Total Money Wasters! — Photo Credit: ZikG/Shutterstock

Designers are going all in on mixing in vintage and antique pieces, while Stewart often promotes curated, coordinated looks. A weathered wooden chair- or old gilded mirror- will give a modern room a touch of history and character. What I love most about vintage pieces is the imperfection; it turns blank spaces into places with soul and warmth.

Dark Walls

Martha might go for light, airy colors to make a space seem more open, but some experts say dark walls can bring a room to life with drama and sophistication. Deep blues, charcoals and even blacks can create a cozy, intimate, and downright luxurious feeling in a room. According to the American Lighting Association, even darker walls actually help optimize lighting in some situations by offering contrast.

Open Shelving in Kitchens

While Martha prefers closed cabinetry for its clean, polished look, open shelving in the kitchen has become popular with many interior designers. You can access frequently used items easily and display pretty dishes or glassware on open shelves. It does require a little more tidiness, but it can’t be denied that it brings a certain casual charm to a kitchen.

Mixing Patterns

Floral Wallpaper — Image Credit: Noah Silliman Noahsilliman/ wikimedia commons

While Martha might be too classic to mix patterns, many designers think it’s the way to create a lively, engaging space. These can be stripes combined with floral, geometric, with paisleys — done right, mixing patterns creates depth and exudes your personality.

Indoor Plants

Of course, Martha Stewart is a fan of plants, but she may suggest a more moderate style than the full blown ‘indoor jungle’ look. But plant lovers everywhere are bringing nature inside with gusto. Research from NASA states that greenery can improve air quality, make spaces feel fresher and more relaxing and can range from hanging plants to large potted trees.

Layered Rugs

Stewart is famous for her love of simplicity and it might be why she avoids layering rugs. Many designers, however, believe layering rugs adds texture and coziness to a room, particularly if it’s an open plan. A small vintage piece over a neutral rug or a cowhide rug over a jute base can give just the right dose of dimension.

Statement Ceilings

18 Stunning Living Room Inspirations for Your Dream Home Decor — Image Credit: Curtis Adams/Pexels

Martha may keep ceilings simple and neutral, but some experts feel the ceiling is the ‘fifth wall’ that is waiting for attention. Paint a bold color on your ceiling, wallpaper, or even wood paneling and suddenly your ceiling becomes the unexpected focal point. A statement ceiling can change the whole feel of a room and create that wow factor.

Exposed Brick

Exposed brick isn’t too rustic or unfinished for Martha’s world, but it has become a favorite of those who dig an industrial or eclectic vibe. Natural texture and warmth is brought to a space by exposed brick, raw and cozy in its own way. It’s also durable and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance — a practical option.

Boho Tapestries and Wall Hangings

Martha Stewart’s aesthetic is all about framed art and formal decor, but boho inspired tapestries and wall hangings have been surging. With this decor choice, a room comes off as casual, earthy, relaxed, and artistic. Even while wall hangings, macrame and woven baskets offer texture and personality to a space, they also do not cost as much as art pieces.

Gallery Walls

Lastly, gallery walls are a favorite among many decorators, but they might be a little too busy for Martha. A blank wall can become a reflection of personal style with a well curated gallery wall of photos, art and memorabilia. It’s also a great way to show off family memories, favorite places or even some odd things.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.