How to Use the 60-30-10 Rule in Your Living Room
60%: Create a Neutral Foundation
The “60” in the 60-30-10 rule represents the dominant color that serves as your foundation. In this living room, creamy whites and soft neutrals make up the majority of the palette. The large sectional, Roman shades, and walls all contribute to this airy, light-filled base.
Why it works: A neutral foundation keeps the room bright and timeless while leaving room for accent colors to shine. It also allows larger furniture pieces to remain versatile as your style evolves.
Homzie Tip: When choosing your 60%, think in terms of longevity. Neutral bases (like whites, beiges, or soft grays) give you flexibility to switch out accent pieces without replacing big-ticket items.
30%: Add Depth with Secondary Tones
The secondary color brings warmth and personality. In this design, earthy browns and warm wood tones provide that essential 30%. You’ll see them in the rich area rug, the media console, the accent chair’s wooden frame, and the rustic side table.
Why it works: These mid-tones create a bridge between the light neutrals and the darker accents. Without them, the space would feel flat or overly stark.
Homzie Tip: Use your 30% in key furniture pieces like chairs, side tables, or media consoles. It keeps the palette layered while avoiding visual overload.
10%: Pop with Contrasting Accents
The final 10% is where the magic happens. Here, darker greens in the throw pillows and earthy pottery add just enough contrast to draw the eye without overwhelming the calm foundation. Even the slender faux tree by the window falls into this category, providing organic color and texture.
Why it works: The accents keep the room dynamic and visually interesting. Too much of the same tone can feel monotonous, but a small dose of a deeper hue adds depth and sophistication.
Homzie Tip: Change your 10% seasonally! Swap out pillows, throws, or small decor pieces for an easy refresh without redoing the entire room.
Bring It All Together with Texture & Scale
The 60-30-10 rule isn’t just about color — it’s also about how textures and proportions work together. In this living room, a boucle-style throw, a vintage-inspired rug, and natural wood tones all add tactile interest. Large-scale pieces like the sectional and area rug ground the room, while smaller accents like striped ottomans and ceramics layer in warmth.
Homzie Tip: Stick to the formula for color, but use a variety of materials (linen, wood, ceramic, greenery) to keep the space from feeling one-note.