Home decor guide
How to Choose Colors That Go Together
A cohesive color palette is what makes a room feel pulled-together. You don't need to be an artist — a few reliable rules will get you a palette that works every time.
Use the 60-30-10 rule
Split your palette into 60% dominant color (usually walls and large furniture), 30% secondary (upholstery, curtains) and 10% accent (pillows, art, decor). This proportion keeps a room balanced and easy on the eye.
Start with a neutral base
Anchor most of the room in warm or cool neutrals — greige, cream, soft grey — then layer color on top. Neutrals give you flexibility to change accents over time without repainting.
Pick harmony or contrast
Analogous colors (neighbors on the color wheel, like blue-green-teal) feel calm and cohesive; complementary colors (opposites, like blue and warm rust) feel lively and balanced. Choose the mood you want.
Repeat each color at least twice
The secret to a palette looking intentional: repeat every accent color in at least two places around the room. A single pop of color reads as a mistake; a repeated one reads as design.
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FAQ
What is the 60-30-10 rule in decorating?
A palette formula: 60% dominant color (walls, large furniture), 30% secondary (upholstery, curtains), 10% accent (pillows, art). It keeps a room balanced.
How many colors should a room have?
Typically three: a dominant neutral, a secondary color, and an accent — with each repeated at least twice so the palette looks intentional.