As if decorating a new home weren't tricky enough, trying to keep up with old-school design rules as you navigate the aisles of Home Depot makes the task even tougher. But times are a'changing -- and if the fact that you can wear white after Labor Day isn't proof enough, then try painting your ceiling and see what kind of response you get.

In short: Forget all those dated suggestions you've heard embrace your "rebellious" side. Breaking these rules is a great place to start...

4. Small rooms call for small furniture.

We get it -- sometimes you just can't fit massive pieces through your apartment stairwell, let alone into an itty-bitty apartment. But one of the biggest mistakes you can make in a small space is not to try at all. Go big and live comfortably instead of cramped and un-styled.

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