Apply the 60-30-10 rule; colour made easy.
As decorators we are trained to use a timeless but basic rule when creating a colour scheme for a room. The 60-30-10 rule creates a room of balance and visual appeal.
The rule is simple – 60% is your main colour. This colour would be used on walls and maybe a carpet.
30% is your secondary colour and is the accent colour used within the room. Introducing this colour is easy, it could be your sofa, draperies and or an accent chair.
The palette isn’t completed without adding the final 10%. This is the splash of colour to give the room that WOW factor. Simply add that colour with a throw, accent pillows, some accessories or art.
Now that we know how colour balance will create a visually pleasing room, its time to select a colour scheme. Inspiration can be found in a decorative rug, a piece of art or even taken from nature. Where ever it comes from applying the 60-30-10 rule is the key.
When staging I personally like creating a monochromatic look while still using the 60-30-10 rule. Creating that look is easily, let us say the wall colour is a light grey, my 60%. I will bring a sofa in a dark grey colour and chair giving me my 30%. The final 10% is brought in with my accent pieces, pillows, throw, artwork. This colour could be a touch of black maybe some gold or silver. The monochromatic look creates a relaxing and serene feel to any space.
No matter what your colour palette is remembering this simple rule will give you the designer touch.