Is the 60-30-10 color rule truly outdated? While it has been a longstanding guideline in interior design, a new wave of designers is pushing the boundaries, challenging the traditional percentages, and creating more sophisticated spaces. This article explores how these designers are breaking free from the rule, focusing on balance, timeless palettes, tension and texture, the evolving nature of color rules, and the importance of color harmony. It also delves into the personal perspectives of experts in the field, offering a unique insight into the creative process behind these bold design choices.
Breaking Free from the 60-30-10 Rule
The 60-30-10 color rule, which dictates that a space should be divided into 60% dominant shade, 30% secondary color, and 10% accents, has long been a go-to for designers. However, in 2026, designers are embracing a more fluid approach, prioritizing balance over percentages. Rebecca Hughes, founder of Rebecca Hughes Interiors, emphasizes the importance of instinct and color theory, stating, "Great spaces feel intuitive. They respond to the light, architecture, and mood you want to create." This philosophy is evident in her recent London project, where she layered warm, tonal hues to create a nuanced and interesting palette, breaking away from the traditional dominant color hierarchy.
Timeless Palettes
Brian Jerauld, founder of Blank Slate Studio, takes a different approach, never following the design rules from the start. He advocates for a timeless palette that feels soft, neutral, grounded, and calm. "Colors that don’t demand attention but reward it,” he says. “Tones that age well, sit quietly alongside natural materials and make a room feel like it has always been exactly as it is." This philosophy is reflected in his use of colors like Benjamin Moore's Gentleman's Gray, which adds a timeless touch to any space.
Tension and Texture
Marcelina Janizewska, head of interior design at Project London, also prioritizes tension and texture over strict color ratios. She believes that the best spaces are layered and instinctive, with color, texture, materiality, and tone working in harmony. "Today's interiors are more personal, collected, and expressive, which naturally challenges the rigidity of color ratios," she explains. This philosophy is evident in her use of materials like wood, stone, linen, and metal to create balance and visual harmony without obvious color-blocking.
The Evolving Nature of Color Rules
Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux, is a color renegade who understands the rules better than most. She acknowledges that the 60-30-10 rule is feeling dated because a fresh rule book is being written. "It includes drenching the room in just one or two colors, capping it with a beautiful shade on the ceiling, creating ‘peek-a-boo’ color surprises from one room to another, and going all out-maximalist with bonkers clashing palettes and patterns," she says. This new rule book encourages designers to break the rules and explore new color theories, such as color capping and maximalism.
Rule-Bending and Color Harmony
Helen Shaw, color expert at Benjamin Moore, is a fan of the 60-30-10 formula but appreciates the way designers apply it has evolved. She recommends color capping as a way to introduce more color without risking too much of a bold contrast. "It uses tonal layers from the same color family across walls and ceilings to create a seamless wash of color that deepens gradually throughout the space," she explains. Alternatively, she suggests focusing on the 10% accent and getting creative with highlighting architectural features.
Personal Perspectives
Interior designer Sam Grigg emphasizes the importance of color harmony, stating, "Real homes aren't made up of neat blocks of color. They're created by weaving color through pattern, artwork, textiles, and furnishings with little touches repeated and dotted around the room so everything feels connected." This philosophy highlights the importance of personal touches and the connection between different elements in a space.
In conclusion, the 60-30-10 color rule is not outdated, but it is being challenged and adapted by designers who prioritize balance, timeless palettes, tension and texture, and color harmony. As Marianne Shillingford says, "Rules are there to be broken. Go and get that hammer and have some fun." This new wave of creativity is pushing the boundaries of interior design, offering a fresh perspective on color and space.
