The 70 : 30 Rule of Interiors

Are you doing up your room or redecorating your living space ?? Question is - How do you one  make a room interesting and full of character, and not like a miss mash of styles  -

A simple rule of thumb many interior designers follow is the  70:30 hack   for decorating  a room. 70% of the room in one style and 30% in another. This delicious  “Mix”  of 2 or more styles creates a unique and eclectic look making  the space more personal and individual and bringing your own personalised style signature. 

Matching everything is one of the big no no’s of interiors. Rooms benefit from extra texture, depth and pattern.  So when you anchor your room with one style or colour or shade or material, it works as a harmonising element that ties the room together.  It is often the foundation on which your room is built. The balance 30%, driven often by accents, accessories, art and statement object add the visual appeal and make the room more interesting and dynamic.

It also works as an interiors idea when developing a colour palette - If you colour code the room in one dominant colour or colour tones, and bring in contrasting colours in smaller colour pops , you create a visually standout space.

Visualise if you have your living room walls and upholstery in neutral shades - shades of cream, beige, taupe, coffee,cappucino. You then follow the 30% rule and add dynamic accents with pops of colour - burgundy rugs, jewel colour cushions,  lush plants , a coloured footstool  , and suddenly the room is transformed into a rich, luxurious space.  It becomes cosy, intimate and yet luxurious. The neutral palette acts as a soothing backdrop to let the colours shine and pop and take it from insipid to interesting. 

Similarly if one has a western love for Monochromes and likes a stylish  Black and White interior space, with steel or leather accents, it can make the room clinical and cold. But addng a single statement coloured chair, a wonderful  gilt  edged ornate mirror, a vintage low hanging chandelier, it  changes the personality of the room and creates a strong focal point and statement look.  Adding crystal and glass and unexpected accents will transform the space and make it both stylish and eclectic. 

There are many so  ways to introduce textures, colours and patterns into every space.  It's important to  know when to stop.  Mixing things up while maintaining a harmonious balance is something that comes with practice. Dive into Khoj for  ideas and objects  to add  textures, patterns and materials to your home  - 

1. Jute and  Moonj Grass : Jute and Grass has historically been a tribal craft but is now seeing a revival with many modern and contemporary renditions of this craft. With an understated, minimalistic appeal, using these baskets, add depth and texture to any and every space
   
2. Brass Accents : India has a long love affair with Brass. It's historically been a part of all desi homes. Right from vintage Jhula chains to stunning AshtaLakshmi diyas and Villakus and intricate Prabhavalis , brass is an enduring part of interiors. The golden gleam of brass creates warmth and prosperity in the home
   
3. Marble : Marble adds a luxurious accent to every space. With it's pure white colour and its creamy texture  and it's ability to stand out against colour, it's the most luxurious accent. Marble floors and accents really add to creating a standout appeal
   
4. Stone : Elemental, earthy and both sophisticated and rustic, it works beautifully with understated and tonal interiors. Stone Sculptures have a way of attracting attention and becoming the focal point.
5. 

1. Enamel : These bright, shiny and yet retro style material always provides a wonderful contrast and a metallic, industrial  element into the space. Accessories that are often bold and bright.