Painting

Intersior design, colour is not just about the choice of wall paint; it is also a crucial element in shaping the atmosphere of a space, enhancing comfort, and improving quality of life. The combination of colours has a profound impact on mood, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.


The 60-30-10 Colour Rule

The 60-30-10 rule is a classic guideline for colour proportions in home design that helps you effortlessly create a harmonious and layered space. This rule divides the colours in a space into three main proportions:

60% Dominant Colour

This is the primary colour in the space, typically used on walls, large furniture, or carpets, covering substantial areas. It sets the overall tone and atmosphere of the entire space.

30% Secondary Colour

Complementing the dominant colour, the secondary colour is used in areas of medium coverage, such as curtains, smaller furniture, decorative walls, or artwork. It adds depth and richness to the space.

10% Accent Colour

The accent colour is the smallest amount of colour, used in small items like cushions, ornaments, floral arrangements, or lighting fixtures. It injects vitality into the space, provides a visual focal point, and enhances the overall style.

By mastering this proportion, you can ensure that your space is visually balanced and interesting, avoiding monotony or chaos.

60-30-10 法則是一個經典的家居色彩搭配比例,它能幫助您輕鬆打造和諧且富有層次感的空間。這個法則將空間中的顏色分為三個主要比例:

60% Dominant Colour

This is the primary colour in the space, typically used on walls, large furniture, or carpets, covering substantial areas. It sets the overall tone and atmosphere of the entire space.


30% Secondary Colour

Complementing the dominant colour, the secondary colour is used in areas of medium coverage, such as curtains, smaller furniture, decorative walls, or artwork. It adds depth and richness to the space.


10% Accent Colour

The accent colour is the smallest amount of colour, used in small items like cushions, ornaments, floral arrangements, or lighting fixtures. It injects vitality into the space, provides a visual focal point, and enhances the overall style.


By mastering this proportion, you can ensure that your space is visually balanced and interesting, avoiding monotony or chaos.

The Importance of Colour

Colour plays a crucial role in interior design; it not only affects aesthetics but also profoundly influences the feelings of residents and the practicality of the space.

Emotional Impact

Different colours can trigger various emotional responses. Warm tones (such as red and orange) can bring warmth and vibrancy, while cool tones (such as blue and green) create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Perception of Space

Colour can cleverly alter the visual size of a space. Lighter shades make areas appear more spacious and bright, whereas darker tones can make larger spaces feel cozier or create a sense of depth in smaller areas.

Functional Distinction

In open-plan spaces, using different colours can effectively delineate functional areas. For instance, warm colours can define a leisure area in the living room, while cool colours can distinguish a focused zone in the study, helping to organise the space more coherently.

Colour Scheme Examples

Here are several classic and practical colour schemes that you can choose from based on your preferences and the characteristics of your space:

White and Light Grey
  • Suitable Styles: Modern Minimalism, Scandinavian.
  • Features: Creates a bright, clean, and spacious visual effect, ideal for small homes or spaces that embrace minimalism.
  • Suggestions: Pair with wooden furniture or a few vibrant accessories for accents.
Wood Tones and Warm Beige
  • Suitable Styles: Japanese Wabi-Sabi, Natural Relaxation.
  • Features: Brings a warm, comfortable, and relaxing atmosphere, evoking a sense of returning to nature.
  • Suggestions: Choose varying shades of wood and beige to add depth to the space.
Dark Blue and Deep Green
  • Suitable Styles: Vintage Luxury, Subdued Elegance.
  • Features: Exhibits sophistication and depth, creating a tranquil and artistically rich environment.
  • Suggestions: Combine with metallic elements or velvet textures to enhance the quality.
Pink and Beige Grey
  • Suitable Styles: Sweet Romanticism, Fashionable Elegance.
  • Features: Balances softness and harmony, crafting a warm yet stylish space.
  • Suggestions: Opt for low-saturation pinks to avoid an overly saccharine look.
Light Sources and Complementary Colours

Light is a key factor influencing the presentation of colour. A proper understanding of the complementary relationship between light sources and colour can enhance the perfection of your designs.

  • Natural Light: Different orientations of windows bring varying colour temperatures. North-facing light tends to be cooler, whereas south-facing light is warmer. Try observing paint samples in different lighting to ensure the colours meet your expectations.
  • Artificial Light: The colour temperature of lighting can significantly alter the appearance of wall colours. Warm yellow light makes colours appear softer and warmer, while cool white light makes colours look clearer and brighter. When selecting light fixtures, consider their colour temperature's impact on wall colours.
  • Reflected Light: The colour of walls can also be influenced by light reflected from surrounding objects. For instance, the reflected light from green plants can impart a slight green hue to nearby walls.

Before finalising your colour choices, it is essential to conduct small-scale tests in the actual space under different light sources during both day and night.

Material and Colour Combination

The combination of colour and material can create a rich visual and tactile experience in a space. Different material textures affect the presentation of colour and the atmosphere of the environment.

  • Smooth Surfaces: Materials like gloss paint, glass, and metal reflect light, making colours appear more vibrant and modern. These are suitable for creating sophisticated and contemporary spaces.
  • Rough Surfaces: Materials such as concrete walls, coarse linen, and unpolished wood absorb some light, resulting in a more subdued and natural texture. These are ideal for creating rustic, warm, or industrial-style spaces.
  • Textile Textures: Fabrics like velvet, cotton-linen blends, and wool add softness and rich layers to colours. The luxury of velvet, the freshness of cotton-linen, and the warmth of wool can all blend beautifully with colours.
  • Transparent Materials: Materials like glass and acrylic allow colours to penetrate or refract within, creating a light and airy effect. When combined with colour, they can enhance the modernity and playfulness of a space.

In design, it is important not only to consider the colour itself but also how it performs on different materials to create a harmonious and detailed home environment.

Conclusion

Colour coordination is an intricate art in home design, impacting not only aesthetics but also the mood and quality of life of the inhabitants. Through this guide, you have learned:

  • How to apply the 60-30-10 rule to construct harmonious colour layers.
  • The profound effects of colour on emotions, spatial perception, and functional differentiation.
  • Various inspiring practical colour schemes.
  • How light sources alter the presentation of colour and how materials enrich colour texture.

I hope this knowledge helps you make more informed colour choices in your home decor. If you still feel uncertain about colour coordination, consider seeking advice from a professional interior designer. They can provide tailored solutions based on your needs and the characteristics of your space, helping you create an ideal home that is both beautiful and comfortable.

Made with