THE 60-30-10 RULE: ADDING COLOR TO YOUR SPACE

When decorating your space, divide your colors into percentages,  using the 60-30-10 rule. Take a look at any decorating magazine photo to see how this rule applies.  It's really quite simple.  Here is how it works:

60%  of a dominant color

30% of a secondary color

10% of an accent color


Mark McCauley, ASID, described it perfectly when he said, " The color breakdown is similar to a man's suit":

60%  of the color is the man's jacket and pants

30% of the outfit's color is the color shirt

10% of the outfit's color is the tie


So translated, this means:

60% of color is the walls

30% of color is in the upholstery

10% of the color is in the accents or floral arrangement

This striking kitchen follows the 60-30-10 rule, using the last 10% of color as a bold accent above the cabinetry.

Afraid of using color in a small space? Don't let it scare you.  This cozy nook used the 60-30-10 rule and the results are fabulous.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Who Said Hardwood Flooring is Just for Floors?

Give your home, or home-to-be, the wow factor and make it stand apart from the rest by adding small, creative touches through out the home.  Plain walls are the perfect place to begin.  Most people will default to painting their walls, but let's kick up the creativity a notch and use traditional flooring as a wall treatment.  

Flooring used as a wall treatment adds dimension,sophistication, and drama. You can take this idea and apply it to a ceiling as well. If cost is a  factor, shop for flooring on Craigslist, Habitat for Humanity, or Salvage shops.  

How-to Guide

Find a home where you can apply this DIY project

(Photo source:  Fulcrum Structural Engineering)