If anyone knows about color it’s Denise. She is a member of the Color Marketing Council and has just written a book on, you guessed it, Color. This article is being reprinted because it has valuable information regarding the do’s and don’ts of color. Enjoy!
The 60-30-10 Design Rule:
Designing with color is as simple as 60-30-10. Don’t take my word for it—just look at any award-winning design, and you will find that almost invariably the design is divided into these percentages.
This tried-and-true design rule will make your color choices so easy that you’ll wonder why everyone else doesn’t follow it.
How to Use the 60-30-10 Rule
60% is the dominant color that anchors the space and serves as a backdrop for other items. In a family room, the 60% would most likely be composed of the walls and ceiling, as well as large accent pieces, such as sectional and area rugs.
30% is the secondary color, which supports the dominant color, yet is different enough to provide contrast and visual interest in the room. In many rooms, the 30% can be made up of window coverings, painted furniture, flooring, accent chairs and bed linens.
10% is the accent color. This is the fun part that usually gives a room its personality. An accent color can be pulled from other items in the room, such as printed fabrics, rugs, or artwork. In a living room, the accent color can be found in throw pillows, decorative accessories, plants, and artwork. In a bedroom, it can be found in accent pillows on the bed, a table lamp on a nightstand, and plants.
Denise Turner, ASID, CID, CMG is an award winning international colorist and speaker, color and design trend forecaster, Color Therapy specialist, marketing expert, author, and president of the Color Turners. She is an authority on cultural colors for the US and international market Denise regularly appears in the press, as a media spokesperson for ASID National and CMG Expert Speaker’s Bureau. She is an ASID professional member, former ASID chapter president, Certified Interior Designer, CMG Chair Holder CCIDC (California Council for Interior Design Certification) Board Member, ASID Designated Seat and UCLA graduate. http://www.colorturners.com/ denise@colorturners.com
