The golden rule in interior design is often referred to as the 70-30 rule or the 80-20 rule, depending on the context. But more broadly, the golden principle is about balance and harmony. Here’s a breakdown of the most recognized “golden rules”:
🌟 1. The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle in Design)
80% foundation, 20% accent.
- 80% of your space should be made up of core elements: neutral colors, large furniture, flooring, walls.
- 20% should be bold: accent colors, artwork, cushions, statement lighting or textures.
This ensures visual interest without overwhelming the space.
🌟 2. The Rule of Thirds (Balance & Composition)
Derived from art and photography, divide the space into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
- Key elements (like sofas, art, beds) should be aligned with the intersections or lines of this imaginary grid.
- It helps to create visual balance and natural flow.
🌟 3. The 60-30-10 Rule (Color Proportion Rule)
This rule defines how to use color effectively in a room:
- 60% dominant color (walls, large furniture)
- 30% secondary color (curtains, rugs, smaller furniture)
- 10% accent color (decor items, cushions, accessories)
This creates cohesion and depth.
🌟 4. The 7 Elements of Interior Design
While not a rule per se, keeping these elements balanced is essential:
- Space
- Line
- Form
- Light
- Color
- Texture
- Pattern
Ignoring even one of these can throw off the overall harmony.
✅ Summary:
The golden rule in interior design is about achieving balance through proportion, color, scale, and focal points. It helps ensure a room is both aesthetic and functional.
Would you like an example applying this to a 2 BHK apartment or a bedroom design in Delhi NCR?