What is the 70 20 10 rule in interior design?

The 70-20-10 Rule in interior design is a guideline for creating a balanced and harmonious room by distributing the color scheme across three key areas in a specific ratio. This rule helps ensure that the space feels cohesive, visually appealing, and not too overwhelming. Here's how it breaks down:

1. 70% – The Dominant Color

This is the primary color that covers most of the space. It sets the overall tone and mood of the room. Typically, this is the wall color or a large surface area like the floor, curtains, or main furniture. The dominant color is the most prominent and should be soothing or neutral to create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.

• Examples: Neutral tones like whites, beiges, grays, or soft blues for walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces like sofas.

2. 20% – The Secondary Color

The secondary color adds depth and contrast to the room but should not overwhelm the dominant color. This color is used in medium-sized accents such as accent walls, smaller pieces of furniture, pillows, throws, or even rugs. The secondary color should complement the dominant color but provide a bit more visual interest.

• Examples: Rich, contrasting colors like teal, mustard, navy, or deep green in accent chairs, cushions, or artwork.

3. 10% – The Accent Color

The accent color is the boldest and most striking color used sparingly throughout the space. It’s meant to pop and draw attention to small but important details in the room. This color can be used in accessories, small decor items, or even a single standout feature like a piece of art, vases, or decorative objects.

• Examples: Bright, vibrant colors like gold, orange, fuchsia, or a jewel tone (emerald, sapphire) used in accessories, lamps, art frames, or decorative trinkets.

How to Apply the 70-20-10 Rule:

1. Choose Your Dominant Color (70%): Start with a neutral or calming color for the walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces. This color should dominate the room and act as a foundation for the other elements.

2. Add a Secondary Color (20%): Pick a color that complements or contrasts with your dominant color. Use it for medium-sized furniture pieces or features like accent chairs, throw pillows, or rugs.

3. Introduce an Accent Color (10%): This is your chance to add a fun, striking pop of color. Use this color in small quantities through decor, art, lighting, or accessories to add personality and visual interest to the space.

Example of the 70-20-10 Rule in a Living Room:

• 70%: Light gray walls and a large beige sofa (the dominant, neutral base)
• 20%: Navy blue accent chairs and a deep green rug (the secondary colors that add contrast)
• 10%: Gold vases, vibrant throw pillows in rich jewel tones, or a bold piece of artwork on the wall (accent color to give pops of interest)

Why the 70-20-10 Rule Works:

• Balance: It ensures a balanced distribution of colors, preventing any one color from overwhelming the space.
• Cohesion: By sticking to this ratio, the room will feel cohesive and thoughtfully designed, without feeling too cluttered or chaotic.
• Visual Interest: The rule allows for a more dynamic design, where the accent color can really shine and create focal points without taking over the space.

Final Thoughts:

The 70-20-10 Rule is a simple yet powerful formula to help you create a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing interior. By focusing on a dominant color, a complementary secondary color, and a bold accent color, you can design a space that feels harmonious, visually engaging, and comfortable.