If you've ever admired a room that feels effortlessly stylish and wondered how to achieve that balance, the 60-30-10 rule may well be at play. This classic interior design principle helps create harmonious colour schemes that are both dynamic and cohesive.
So, what is the 60-30-10 rule?
The 60-30-10 rule is a guideline for distributing colours in a room, as follows:
- 60%: This is the dominant colour, covering the majority of the space: think walls, large furniture pieces, and flooring.
- 30%: The secondary colour, adding contrast and depth through items like curtains, rugs, and smaller furniture.
- 10%: The accent colour, providing pops of interest via accessories like cushions, artwork, clocks, and other decorative objects.
This approach ensures a balanced and visually appealing space, preventing any single colour from overwhelming the room.
Applying the 60-30-10 rule in your own home
As an example of how to apply the 60-30-10 rule, we’ve considered how you might implement it in a living room…
Start with your 60% Dominant colour. It’s a good idea to choose a neutral shade like soft grey or warm beige for your walls, flooring, and potentially your main sofa too. This creates a versatile backdrop.
Then work in your 30% Secondary colour. This is where you introduce a complementary shade- perhaps a deep blue or sage green- through an accent chair, area rug, or curtains.
Then it’s time to focus on your 10% Accent colour. Add a vibrant touch with accessories in a bold colour like mustard yellow, red, or coral. Think throw pillows, vases, or a statement clock.
By thoughtfully layering these colours, you create a room that's both cohesive and full of character.
Flexibility and personalisation
While the 60-30-10 rule offers a solid foundation, it's not set in stone. Feel free to adjust the percentages to suit your personal style and the specific needs of your space. For instance, in a minimalist design, you might opt for a more subdued accent colour, while a maximalist approach could involve bolder contrasts.
Remember, the goal is to achieve a balanced and harmonious look that reflects your personality.
Incorporating clocks into your colour scheme
Clocks aren't just functional, they're also a fantastic way to reinforce your room's colour palette. A statement clock in your accent colour can tie the room together, while a classic design in your dominant or secondary colour can add subtle sophistication whilst carrying your colour through the room.
Why clocks make the perfect 10% accent colour
Clocks make the perfect accessory for the 10% accent colour in your interior design scheme because they offer such a stylish and versatile way to introduce some personality. Whether it’s a bold wall clock in a contrasting shade, a quirky mantel or desk clock bringing an unexpected pop of colour, or even a playful retro alarm clock by the bedside, timepieces easily double up as decorative focal points.
Clocks naturally draw the eye, which makes them ideal for delivering that accent colour punch exactly where you want it. With so many styles and finishes available, it's easy to find one that complements your palette while adding that final layer of interest to your space.
