Colour is the heartbeat of a room, the spark that breathes life into fabrics, furniture and art. Yet creating a harmonious space can sometimes feel daunting, particularly when bold shades are involved. The 60-30-10 design principle offers both balance and freedom. It is a simple rhythm: 60 percent dominant colour, 30 percent supporting tone and 10 percent accent. This approach allows colour to feel adventurous while remaining effortless.
The 60 percent is your foundation, the canvas that grounds the room. In Room 206 at Haymarket Hotel, a soft green sets a calm and sophisticated atmosphere that feels both welcoming and serene.
The 30 percent adds depth and contrast, a counterpoint that enriches the scheme without overpowering it. Here, a rich navy introduces elegance and a tailored edge, bringing structure and refinement.
The final 10 percent is where the unexpected appears. In this room, playful accents in piping and detailing provide energy and personality, the finishing touch that gives the space character.
In our bedrooms, we often shift these proportions between adjoining rooms to create movement while maintaining cohesion. In the Garden Suite at Warren Street Hotel, yellow leads as the dominant tone, while orange provides the bold contrast.
Moving into the seating area, the roles are reversed, with warm orange taking centre stage and yellow shining through in the curtains. Green accents, seen in artwork, cushions and rugs, weave the two rooms together and create a continuous dialogue.
At Number Sixteen, the 60-30-10 principle shows its playful side. A joyful multicoloured headboard sets the tone, anchored by soft blue walls and drapery to keep the space inviting.
Bright yellow accents lift the scheme, while a hot pink artwork connects back to the headboard, providing that element of surprise that completes the composition.
This is the beauty of 60-30-10. It offers structure without being restrictive. It is a rhythm that encourages boldness, while ensuring harmony will follow. Begin with a strong foundation, add a confident counterpoint and finish with a spark of delight. The result is a room that feels alive, layered and full of character.