The guide to use the 60-30-10 rule in interior design

Discover how to apply the 60-30-10 rule in interior design to create harmonious and sophisticated spaces. Practical tips, inspiring examples and the timeless elegance of ALMA de LUCE.

Imagine walking into an empty room. The bare walls reflect the harsh light from outside, the floor echoes with every step, and the gaze wanders, searching for a reference point.

Of course, there are challenges. The colour palette can seem overwhelming, and every choice of furniture, fabric, or accessory can either enhance the room's atmosphere or risk creating a visually overwhelming or impersonal area.

At these times, interior design becomes a true strategic art. More than intuition, it requires a method. And this is where the 60-30-10 rule, a key principle in interior design, can provide the balance and sophistication you seek. More than a strategy or a technique, it is an approach that allows you to organize the proportions of colours in the space, creating a sense of symmetry and balance but also of sophistication that you feel as soon as you walk through the door.

With the careful application of this rule, even the most expressive shades — such as the deep and enveloping Wine Red, the colour of the year by ALMA de LUCE — find their place.

What is the 60-30-10 rule?

Although widely recognized in contemporary interior design, the 60-30-10 rule originates in colour theory and visual psychology fundamentals. Its roots go back to the need to create balanced spaces, in which colour is a strategic tool that guides the eye and evokes emotions and sensations.

• The 60% corresponds to the dominant colour, the one that defines the visual base of the space. It is normally applied to walls, large surfaces, and structural elements.

• The 30% refers to the secondary colour. It is the shade that complements the dominant colour and introduces a subtle contrast, giving the space dimension and dynamism.

• Finally, the remaining 10% should be dedicated to the standout details that capture attention and bring the composition to life.

How can we apply the 60-30-10 rule in practice?

Applying the 60-30-10 rule is more intuitive than it seems, especially when you follow clear logic and respect the personality of each space.

1. Always start with the emotion you want to convey;

2. Use secondary colour to create depth;

3. Give personality with the 10% highlight;

How do you choose main, secondary, and accent colours?

1. The main colour is the base of the space

The main color, the predominant color in the space, should fill 60% of the palette. This color is the main visual background, so it must support the rest of the design.

Neutral tones, such as white, gray, or beige, or even softer colours, such as light blue or mint green, are perfect for the main tones. This way, you will be creating a feeling of tranquility and spaciousness. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t opt ​for deeper colours, especially if the design goal is a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere.

2. The secondary colour is a complement to the base

The secondary colour corresponds to 30% of the colour palette and complements the main colour. This shade should contrast gently to bring complexity to the space without competing with the dominant shade. To achieve this visual harmony, choosing a tone in the same colour family is essential or creates a subtle contrast with the main colour.

Let's look at an example. If the main colour is neutral, such as light gray, the secondary colour can be more vibrant, such as dark blue or wine red.

3. The accent colour is the finishing touch

The remaining 10% should be filled with the accent colour. In this case, the goal is to be bold so that this colour adds energy to the space. This is the time to be more creative, and you can choose vibrant colours or contrasting textures that attract the eye and create points of interest in the room.

For a more sophisticated approach or luxurious aesthetic, you can choose a piece like the Marqueyssac modular sofa by ALMA de LUCE. Its blue accent makes it the real focal point without overwhelming the room.

Intentional harmony: the power of the 60-30-10 rule for creating soulful interiors

A space's visual harmony does not arise by chance. It is the result of conscious choices of attention to detail that transform ordinary spaces into memorable scenes. The 60-30-10 rule is a powerful tool precisely for this reason: it offers a simple framework for creating balance and sophistication while respecting each space's personality.

By applying it, you distribute colours with intention and create areas that exude elegance and comfort. It's the difference between a space that exists and a truly felt space.

See some inspirations on Alma de Luce's Pinterest that may help you understand how to apply this rule and suit your needs, tastes, or client's desires. Once you've gained inspiration, would you like assistance in initiating the process?  Contact us here. 😉

Furthermore, stay tuned to our blog for more information and curiosities from the universe of architecture, interiors, and design!