Why 60-30-10
Color schemes fail not because of wrong colors, but unbalanced proportions. The 60-30-10 rule quantifies “how much,” making harmony actionable.
The Three Layers
- 60% dominant: walls, floors, large furniture — a calm, neutral base
- 30% secondary: sofa, curtains, rug — bridges the palette, same family but more character
- 10% accent: cushions, art, florals — small, saturated, the visual focal point
Practical Tips
Be bold with the accent, but never exceed three main tones.
- Lock the dominant first, then secondary, then accent — order matters
- Swap the accent seasonally for a cheap refresh
- When unsure, keep accents within one color family
Master this ratio and you’ll always have a framework that can’t go too far wrong.
