Rules for decorating are not as strict today as they once were. People combine old and new, mix styles together, and don't follow strict color schemes. But no matter how imaginative your idea is or how much money you spend on it, the end result will be disappointing if you don't follow basic principles. Background colors become dull and lifeless from dirt and age. Brighten walls with a good cleaning or coat of paint.
Dark colors hinder light reflection.
Too much pattern in the background makes special accessories go unnoticed. Choose a color scheme. Use different colors in different proportions and vary from dark to light. Tie colors together with a pattern, and repeat the pattern around the room. Use subdued colors in large areas and bright colors in small areas.