If you don’t wanna put your couch against that wall – don’t! Trust me – the decorating police won’t come after you. Hear are a few rules you can ditch, courtesy of I Village.com.

• Don't use white - it shows dirt. As long as they're washable and bleachable, feel free to use white slipcovers, curtains, towels and rugs. But make sure it’s practical for your home. If you have a dog or cat that sheds, kids under five, or a home in a snowy or rainy climate that creates a lot of mud – you’ll probably wanna steer clear.
• It all has to match. No way! In fact, a mix of styles, colors and periods can make your home exciting. Just try to have at least ONE common element to tie them all together. If you mix styles, have some common colors. If you mix colors, go for a common motif, like southwestern or retro.
• Another myth when it comes to decorating your home: The sofa goes up against the wall. Not always! Instead of lining the furniture up against the wall, try setting a few pieces at an angle. Another great idea is to create a few small areas for conversation - away from the walls. For example, if you have a fireplace, a sofa and lounge chair facing the fire can create a cozy area for your friends and family to hang out. So break away from the unexpected.
• And one last decorating myth busted: When in doubt, use beige - it goes with everything. Here’s the deal: Yes, neutral colors usually blend easily with other colors. But beige isn’t the only option you have, and certainly not the most exciting! Any "earth color" – rust, gray, brown, and especially green and blue - can serve the same purpose and are far more interesting. So shake things up a little!