As a qualified Interior Designer, I am often asked for insight into common rules / concepts to improve the look of a room. I'm excited to share one of my favourite interior design concepts with you—the 60-30-10 rule. This classic guideline is a secret weapon for creating beautifully balanced spaces, and it's perfect for those of us who love to mix and match our wall art from Painterly Prints.
What is the 60-30-10 Rule?
The 60-30-10 rule is a simple yet effective interior design principle that helps you create a harmonious color palette in any room. Here's how it breaks down:- 60% Dominant Colour: This should cover the majority of your space, typically your walls, large pieces of furniture, and flooring. It sets the overall tone and mood of the room. Think of it as the canvas for your masterpiece.
- 30% Secondary Colour: This complements your dominant color and adds depth. It can be seen in upholstery, rugs, curtains, and smaller furniture pieces. This colour should create a sense of harmony while adding a bit of contrast.
- 10% Accent Colour: The fun part! This is where you can inject personality with bold and vibrant hues. Use this color sparingly in accessories like throw pillows, artwork, or a unique piece of furniture to create focal points and visual interest.
Why Use the 60-30-10 Rule?
This rule ensures that your space isn't overwhelmed by too much colour or, conversely, too monotonous. The dominant colour provides a sense of comfort, the secondary colour introduces variety, and the accent colour brings excitement and drama.
Applying the 60-30-10 Rule with Painterly Prints:
Imagine you're redoing your living room. You could start with a soft, neutral beige as your dominant color, covering the walls and large furniture. For the secondary color, a rich teal on your sofa or curtains adds depth. Finally, introduce vibrant botanical prints from Painterly Prints as your accent color to bring life and nature into your space.
By swapping out these prints seasonally, you can keep your interior fresh without a major overhaul. This approach not only keeps your decor lively but also prevents any single piece from fading into the background.
Examples and Tips
For inspiration, consider reading these articles:
- 60-30-10 Rule In Interior Design – Get The Perfect Look - The Designeur
-
Have You Heard of the 60-30-10 Rule? - Bob Vila
These resources provide visual examples and detailed explanations on how to apply this rule effectively.
So, why not give the 60-30-10 rule a try in your next decorating project? It's a foolproof way to achieve a stylish and balanced home.
Happy decorating!
Craig Spence
Founder & Creative Director, Painterly Prints
Visit us at www.painterlyprints.store
