Cracking the 60-30-10 colour rule – Bedroom edition.

Thank you for stopping by to read this post in my blog.  As an interior designer I’m often asked to share hints, tips and insights which make my projects special.  You’ll find helpful how-tos, dos and don’ts within my posts. If you like the post, please share with a friend.

What is it? 

The 60-30-10 colour rule represents the proportion of colours used in a space.  Needless to say that the colours you use need to go together in the first place, within the colour palette itself, or a combination of wallpaper, paint and fabric. 

(Image: Focal Point Photography)

Why do designers use it? 

I used this in a recent bedroom I designed (above).  I was painting every wall (bar one which I wallpapered)  and the ceiling without a drop of white paint in sight.  This rule was needed a. to make sure the room didn’t end up looking like a fight in a paint shop and b. to harmonise the space.  Following this rule will also elevate the look of your space, making it look more expensive.  Your friends will definitely ask “Which Interior Designer did you use?”.

Here’s how I have broken down the paint and the wallpaper using the 60-30-10 rule when I designed the above, 60 is the pink paint, although the ceiling shade a slightly lighter, the wall colour covers 60% of the room. 30% of the room is made up of gorgeous wallpaper and 10% is the accent colour on the doors and skirting boards.

The 60-30-10 can also be used in fashion styling. You’ll choose a dress (60% main colour or pattern), then you’ll grab a blazer (30% secondary colour pulled from your dress), then you’ll match your shoes (10% accent colour).  And there you have it, you could say choosing a colour scheme is just like choosing and outfit. – a colour scheme. Try it for yourself. 

Hope you enjoyed reading this, please share with a friend if this is their vibe too.