60-30-10 Rule: A Guideline For Balanced Furniture & Decoration

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“Design is thinking made visual.”

-Saul Bass

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Decorating your home can be a delightful yet challenging endeavour. One of the key dilemmas homeowners face is how to strike the right balance between furniture and decoration. The 60-30-10 rule, a well-established guideline in interior design, offers a structured approach to achieving harmony in your living spaces. In this blog, we'll explore the 60-30-10 rule, breaking down its principles and providing practical insights on how to apply it to a beautifully balanced and visually appealing home.

  

The 60-30-10 rule is a straightforward concept that divides your colour palette into three distinct percentages:

1. 60% Dominant Color: This is the primary color that dominates your room's overall look. It typically covers the walls, larger pieces of furniture, and the base colour of your décor.

2. 30% Secondary Color: This colour serves as a complementary backdrop to the dominant colour. It can be applied to items like upholstered furniture, drapes, and bedding.

3. 10% Accent Color: The accent colour is your room's pop of personality. It's used sparingly for small décor items, throw pillows, artwork, and accessories, adding vibrancy and interest.

Practical Examples of the 60-30-10 Rule

         1. Living

• Dominant Colour (60%): Beige walls and a neutral sofa.

• Secondary Colour (30%): Soft blue or green accents through curtains and an area rug.

• Accent Colour (10%): Vibrant throw pillows, artwork, and decorative vases in bold yellow or orange.

  2. Bedroom

• Dominant Colour (60%): Soft grey walls and a white bed.

• Secondary Colour (30%): Subtle lavender or blush pink through bedding and curtains.

• Accent Colour (10%): A pop of teal in decorative pillows and a small accent chair.

  3. Kitchen

• Dominant Colour (60%): Crisp white cabinetry and walls.

• Secondary Colour (30%): Charcoal grey countertops and kitchen island.

• Accent Colour (10%): Deep red or navy blue in dishware, curtains, and small appliances.

  4. Home Office

• Dominant Colour (60%): Natural wood-tone furniture and flooring.

• Secondary Colour (30%): A rich, forest green accent wall and office chair.

• Accent Colour (10%): Bright gold or brass accents in desk accessories and lighting fixtures.

Advantages of the 60-30-10 Rule

1. Balance: The rule promotes a balanced visual composition by ensuring that no single colour overwhelms the space.

2. Cohesion: It encourages a cohesive and harmonious colour scheme, making your room feel well put together.

3. Flexibility: You can adapt the rule to suit your style, whether it's with muted neutrals or vibrant hues.

4. Visual Interest: The accent colour adds excitement and visual interest, preventing the space from feeling monotonous.

5. Easy Updates: If you ever want to refresh your space, it's simpler and more cost-effective to change accent colours and accessories than to repaint walls or replace major furniture pieces.

The 60-30-10 rule is a valuable tool for achieving a well-balanced and visually appealing home. By carefully selecting your dominant, secondary, and accent colours, you can create a cohesive and harmonious colour palette that suits your style and sets the desired mood for each room. Whether you prefer a serene and neutral oasis or a vibrant and lively space, this rule can be adapted to bring your interior design vision to life. So, embrace the 60-30-10 rule, and watch as your home transforms into a beautifully balanced sanctuary of style and comfort.

Author: Yogita Sawarthia (Interior Designer)