The Ultimate Guide to Interior Design Rules (That Actually Make Sense)

Okay, let’s be honest for a second.

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Have you ever scrolled through Pinterest, fallen in love with a gorgeous living room, and thought, “Why can’t my house look like that?” You buy similar pillows. You rearrange your furniture. You even splurge on that trendy vase everyone’s talking about.

And somehow… it still doesn’t look right.

I’ve been there. Like, many times. I once spent an entire weekend arranging and rearranging my bookshelf, convinced I was missing some secret formula that interior designers were hiding from the rest of us.

Turns out? They kind of are.

Not intentionally! But there are actual rules and formulas that professional designers use every single day. Things like the 3-5-7 rule, the 60-30-10 color trick, and a bunch of other number-based guidelines that sound confusing but are actually pretty simple once someone explains them properly.

That’s what we’re doing today.

I’m going to break down every major interior design rule in a way that actually makes sense. No fancy jargon. No condescending “well, obviously” explanations. Just real talk about how to make your home look amazing.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand why some rooms just “work” and how to create that same magic in your own space. Plus, we’ll talk about what colors are trending for 2025, where to shop without emptying your wallet, and how to steal looks from the fashion runway for your living room.

Sound good? Let’s do this.

The 3-5-7 Rule: Why Your Shelf Display Looks “Off”

You know that frustrating moment when you’re styling a shelf or mantle, and something just feels wrong? You move things around. You swap items. Nothing helps.

Here’s your answer: the 3-5-7 rule.

What’s the Deal with 3-5-7?

It’s beautifully simple. When you’re grouping decorative objects together, use odd numbers—specifically three, five, or seven items.

That’s it. That’s the rule.

But here’s why it works, and this is actually pretty fascinating. Our brains process even numbers differently than odd numbers. When you put two candles on a table, your brain goes, “Ah yes, symmetry. We’re done here.” It feels complete but also kind of… boring.

When you add a third candle? Now your eye has to travel. It goes from one to two to three, creating movement and visual interest. It’s like your brain is playing a little game, and it enjoys it.

How I Use This in Real Life

Let me give you some actual examples from my own home:

On my coffee table: I have three items—a small plant, a stack of two books with a decorative box on top, and a candle. Three distinct groupings.

On my bookshelf: Each shelf section has either three or five objects. A cluster of five small frames here, three vases of different heights there.

In my entryway: Three hooks on the wall, three baskets below, three items on the small console table.

See the pattern?

The Secret Sauce

Here’s what took me forever to figure out: it’s not just about counting to an odd number. You also need variety within your grouping.

Mix up:

Heights (tall, medium, short)
Textures (smooth vase, rough woven basket, soft plant)
Shapes (round, square, organic)

But—and this is important—keep some common thread running through. Maybe they’re all in the same color family. Maybe they all have gold accents. Maybe they’re all vintage. Something should tie them together so they feel intentional, not random.

For more styling tricks like this, check out our living room styling guide. It’s full of before-and-afters that’ll make this click even more.

Wait, What About the 3-4-5 Rule? Is That Different?

Yes! And people mix these up all the time, so let’s clear it up.

The 3-4-5 Rule is About Math, Not Styling

The 3-4-5 rule comes from geometry class (I know, stay with me). It’s based on the Pythagorean theorem and helps you create perfect right angles.

Here’s how it works: If you measure 3 feet along one wall, 4 feet along the adjacent wall, and the diagonal between those two points is exactly 5 feet, you’ve got a perfect 90-degree angle.

Why Would You Even Need This?

Actually, it’s super useful for:

Hanging a gallery wall: Ever spent an hour making sure your frames are straight, only to step back and realize the whole thing is slightly crooked? The 3-4-5 method helps you create truly straight lines and perfect corners.

Placing rugs: If your rug looks slightly off but you can’t figure out why, it might not be properly squared up with your furniture. This method helps.

Checking old houses: Older homes often have walls that aren’t quite straight (thanks, settling foundations). This helps you figure out what you’re working with.

I’ll be honest—I don’t use this one as often as the 3-5-7 rule. But when I need it, I really need it. Like when I was trying to create a photo wall and couldn’t figure out why it looked drunk. The 3-4-5 method saved me.

For a step-by-step on using this for gallery walls, check out our furniture placement guide.

The 3 Color Rule: Stop Overwhelming Your Eyes

Here’s a question that haunts every homeowner: “How many colors should I use in a room?”

The answer, according to most designers, is three.

Why Three Colors Works So Well

Three gives you:

Enough variety to be interesting
Not so much variety that it’s chaotic
A clear hierarchy of what’s important

Think of it like a band. You’ve got your lead singer (dominant color), your guitar player (secondary color), and your drummer (accent color). They all work together to create something good, but each has a different role.

Choosing Your Three

This used to stress me out so much. But then I learned a few tricks that made it way easier:

Option 1: The Nature Method
Look at nature for color combinations. Think about a forest (green, brown, blue sky), a beach (sand, ocean, sunset), or a flower garden (green leaves, colorful blooms, brown earth). Nature already figured out what colors look good together.

Option 2: The Artwork Method
Find a piece of art, fabric, or even a photograph you love. Pull three colors from it. Boom—you’ve got a palette that’s already proven to work together.

Option 3: The Color Wheel Method
Pick colors that are opposite each other (complementary) or next to each other (analogous) on the color wheel. Add a neutral, and you’re set.

Sherwin-Williams has an awesome free tool that helps with this. Seriously, bookmark it.

Putting It Together

Here’s how I applied this to my bedroom:

Dominant color: Warm white (walls, bedding base, curtains)
Secondary color: Soft sage green (accent pillows, throw blanket, lamp shade)
Accent color: Warm brass/gold (light fixtures, mirror frame, small decorative objects)

Three colors. Nothing more. And it feels calm, intentional, and put-together.

Want more palette ideas? We’ve got a whole color palette inspiration gallery that’s basically like Pinterest but more helpful.

The 60-30-10 Rule: The Color Formula That Changes Everything

Okay, if you only remember one thing from this entire article, let it be this rule. The 60-30-10 formula is the backbone of professional color design, and once you understand it, you’ll see it everywhere.

Breaking It Down Super Simply

Imagine your room is a pie chart (mmm, pie). You’re going to divide it into three slices:

60% = Your Dominant Color
This is the biggest slice. It goes on your walls, your largest furniture pieces (like your sofa), and big rugs. It’s the background of your room, the canvas everything else sits on.

30% = Your Secondary Color
This is the medium slice. It shows up in smaller furniture, curtains, accent chairs, and maybe some bedding. It supports your dominant color and adds depth.

10% = Your Accent Color
This is the fun slice! It’s your pop of color—the pillows, artwork, decorative objects, and small accessories that give the room personality.

The 60-30-10 ratio creates something designers call “visual balance.” It’s uneven, which sounds bad but is actually good. Perfectly even distribution (33-33-33) would be boring. This ratio gives your eye places to rest (the 60%) and places to explore (the 10%).

It’s like seasoning food. The main ingredients are the dish, but those little pops of spice make it memorable.

Real Life Example

My living room uses this formula:

60% (dominant): Warm creamy white walls plus a big neutral linen sofa
30% (secondary): Warm wood tones in my coffee table, side tables, and bookshelf, plus terracotta/rust in my curtains
10% (accent): Deep green in my plants, throw pillows, and a few ceramic pieces

When I added up the visual “space” these colors take, it worked out pretty close to 60-30-10. And the room finally felt finished.

For painting specifically, Benjamin Moore’s color tools can help you visualize these percentages before you commit.

See more examples in our room color planning guide.

Other Ratio Rules (Because Designers Love Numbers)

The 60-30-10 rule is the most famous, but there are a few other ratio rules floating around. Let me demystify them real quick.

The 60-40 Rule

This one is about balancing two strong elements rather than three. It’s especially useful when:

You’re blending different styles. Maybe one partner loves modern, and the other loves traditional. A 60-40 split means one style leads, but the other definitely shows up. It prevents the “two different houses got smashed together” look.

You’re mixing patterns and solids. 60% patterned fabrics, 40% solid (or vice versa) keeps things interesting without visual chaos.

You’re balancing old and new. 60% contemporary pieces with 40% vintage finds creates an eclectic but cohesive vibe.

The 70-20-10 Rule

This is basically 60-30-10’s more minimalist cousin. You use:

70% dominant color (even more neutral)
20% secondary color (less of it)
10% accent color (same pop)

This works beautifully for:

Small spaces where too much color feels cramped
Scandinavian or minimalist aesthetics
People who love lots of white and want their accent colors to really sing

I use this in my bathroom. 70% white everywhere, 20% natural wood and soft gray, 10% eucalyptus green in towels and a plant. It feels spa-like without being boring.

The 80-20 Rule

This one comes from the Pareto Principle (fancy economics term), but it’s super useful for decorating.

The idea: 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts.

Applied to design, this means:

Invest heavily in 20% of your furniture—the pieces you use and see most. For most people, that’s the sofa, the bed, and the dining table. These should be quality pieces you love.

The other 80%? You can be more budget-conscious. That side table nobody really notices? IKEA is fine. That lamp in the corner? Target, baby.

This mindset saved me so much money and so much stress. I stopped trying to make everything perfect and focused on making the important stuff great.

For more on strategic spending, check out our budget decorating strategies.

How Many Paint Colors Should Your House Have?

This question keeps people up at night. I know because it kept me up at night. How many is too many? How few is too few? What if my house looks like a rainbow disaster? What if it looks like a boring beige box?

Deep breath. Let’s figure this out.

The Sweet Spot

Most designers recommend:

Smaller homes (under 1,500 sq ft): 3-5 colors total
Medium homes (1,500-3,000 sq ft): 5-7 colors total
Larger homes (over 3,000 sq ft): 7-10 colors total

But here’s the thing: these numbers include neutrals, whites, and trim colors. So it’s really not as limiting as it sounds.

The Biggest Mistake People Make

Treating every room as its own separate project.

I’ve been in homes where the living room is blue, the dining room is red, the kitchen is yellow, the bedrooms are green and purple, and walking through feels like a tour of a paint store.

The problem? There’s no connection between spaces. Your eye doesn’t know what to do. It’s jarring.

How to Create Flow

Start with a whole-house palette. Pick 3-5 colors that all play nicely together. Then distribute them throughout your home in different combinations.

Maybe your palette is: warm white, soft gray, navy blue, warm wood tones, and brass accents.

In your living room, you emphasize the warm white and navy. In your bedroom, you go heavier on the warm white and soft gray. In your office, you bring in more navy with brass accents.

Same palette, different emphasis. Everything feels connected.

Use hallways as bridges. Paint hallways and connecting spaces in a neutral that appears in adjacent rooms. This creates smooth transitions.

Pay attention to sight lines. Stand in doorways. What can you see? If you’re looking from your blue living room into your red dining room into your yellow kitchen… yeah, that’s a lot. Those colors need to at least tolerate each other.

Behr has great whole-house palette tools that can help you map this out.

For a complete guide, see our whole-house color planning resource.

The Golden Rules of Interior Design

Every field has its “golden rules”—the unbreakable principles that professionals swear by. Interior design has several, and they’re honestly pretty intuitive once you hear them.

Golden Rule #1: Function Comes First

I cannot stress this enough. A room that looks stunning in photos but is uncomfortable or impractical in real life is a failed design.

Before you pick a single color or buy a single throw pillow, ask:

How will people actually use this room?
What activities happen here?
What needs to be within reach?
What’s the traffic flow?

The prettiest dining room in the world is worthless if the chairs are uncomfortable and no one wants to sit there.

Golden Rule #2: Every Room Needs a Star

This is about focal points. When you walk into a room, your eye should have somewhere to land first. Maybe it’s:

A fireplace
A piece of art
A stunning view through a window
A beautiful bed
A statement light fixture

Without a focal point, your eye bounces around nervously, and the room feels unsettled. With a clear focal point, everything else can support it.

Golden Rule #3: Balance is Everything (But It Doesn’t Mean Matchy-Matchy)

Balance can be symmetrical—matching nightstands, matching lamps, matching everything. That’s the traditional approach, and it works.

But balance can also be asymmetrical. A large armchair on one side of a fireplace balanced by two smaller chairs on the other. A tall floor lamp balanced by a cluster of smaller objects across the room.

What matters is that no single side of the room feels “heavier” than the other.

Golden Rule #4: Layer Your Lighting

One overhead light = sad, flat room. Layered lighting = warm, inviting, dimensional room.

Every room should ideally have:

Ambient lighting (general illumination—overhead lights, recessed lights)
Task lighting (for specific activities—desk lamps, reading lights)
Accent lighting (for drama and highlighting—picture lights, candles, fairy lights)

This is honestly one of the fastest ways to make a room feel more expensive and intentional.

Golden Rule #5: Mix Something Old with Something New

The most interesting rooms have layers. They feel collected over time, not purchased all at once from the same store.

Try to incorporate:

Something vintage or antique (character, history)
Something contemporary (freshness, relevance)
Something natural (plants, wood, stone—connection to nature)
Something personal (items that tell your story)

This creates depth and makes your space feel uniquely yours.

Explore all the golden rules in our complete interior design principles guide.

The Three F’s of Interior Design

If the golden rules feel like a lot to remember, the Three F’s simplify everything into just three questions.

Form, Function, Flow

Form: Does it look good?
Consider the shape, structure, and visual appeal. Is the item aesthetically pleasing? Is it proportionate? Does it fit the style you’re creating?

Function: Does it work for your life?
Does it serve a purpose? Does it support how you actually live? (Even “the purpose is to bring me joy” counts!)

Flow: Does it fit with the space and allow easy movement?
Can you move through the room easily? Does it contribute to a logical visual journey? Does it connect well with what’s around it?

Using the Three F’s

Before buying anything or making any design decision, run it through the Three F’s:

“This gorgeous velvet armchair… Does it look good? (Yes, amazing form.) Does it work for us? (Hmm, we have pets and kids, so maybe not practical…) Does it flow with the room? (It’s a bit big for the corner I had in mind…)”

See? The Three F’s just saved you from a beautiful but wrong purchase.

For more on functional spaces, visit our space planning essentials guide.

Is the Kitchen Triangle Rule Outdated?

You’ve probably heard of the kitchen work triangle—the idea that your sink, stove, and refrigerator should form a triangle for maximum efficiency. It’s been around since the 1940s.

But is it still relevant?

The Short Answer: Kinda, But It’s Evolved

The original concept made total sense when:

Kitchens were separate, closed-off rooms
Only one person cooked at a time
Kitchens were smaller
There were fewer appliances

Today, kitchens are often open to living spaces, multiple people cook together, islands change the whole layout, and we have coffee bars, beverage centers, and double ovens to consider.

The Modern Alternative: Kitchen Zones

Instead of one triangle, many designers now think in zones:

Prep zone: Counter space, knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls
Cooking zone: Stove, oven, spices, cooking utensils, pot holders
Cleaning zone: Sink, dishwasher, trash, cleaning supplies
Storage zone: Refrigerator, pantry, bulk storage
Serving zone: Dishes, glasses, serving pieces (ideally near dining area)

The Verdict

The triangle’s underlying principle—minimize wasted steps and create efficiency—is still valid. But the execution has become more flexible and zone-based to fit modern living.

If you’re renovating a kitchen, don’t stress about hitting the exact triangle measurements. Focus on creating logical zones that support how you actually cook and live.

For kitchen design insights, check out our kitchen layout planning guide.

What Color is Replacing Gray in 2025?

Gray had a really good run. Like, a decade-plus of ruling living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms everywhere. But the tide is turning.

Gray Fatigue is Real

After seeing gray walls, gray sofas, gray floors, and gray everything for years, people are ready for something warmer. The pandemic accelerated this—when we spent so much time at home, we craved coziness and comfort that cool grays just couldn’t provide.

What’s Taking Over

Warm Neutrals:
Beige, taupe, and greige (gray + beige) are stepping up big time. Colors like “Pale Oak” by Benjamin Moore or “Accessible Beige” by Sherwin-Williams offer that neutrality we love without the coldness.

Earthy Greens:
Sage, olive, eucalyptus, forest green—green in all forms is having a moment. It brings the outdoors in and pairs beautifully with wood tones and other naturals.

Warm Whites:
Not bright white, not stark white. Creamy, warm whites with a slight yellow or pink undertone. Think “White Dove” or “Swiss Coffee.”

Rich Ochres and Terracottas:
These sunset-inspired tones are popping up in accent pieces and even on accent walls. They add warmth and earthiness.

Moody Blues:
Deep navy and dusty blues offer sophistication without the coolness of gray.

For the latest color forecasts, Pantone’s Color Intelligence is always fascinating.

See more in our 2025 interior color trends.

Some colors just scream “luxury.” Here’s the psychology behind the palette of expensive-looking homes.

The Luxury Color Lineup

Navy Blue:
There’s something inherently sophisticated about deep navy. It’s bold but classic, dramatic but timeless. Navy walls in a dining room or study instantly elevate the space.

Black:
Use it thoughtfully—black cabinetry, black trim, a black accent wall—and it transforms ordinary into extraordinary. It’s the little black dress of interiors.

Clean White:
When done with quality trim, molding, and finishes, crisp white reads as refined and expensive. Think art galleries, luxury hotels, high-end spas.

Deep Green:
Hunter and emerald greens have strong associations with luxury—exclusive clubs, fine jewelry, lush gardens. There’s a reason private members’ clubs love this color.

Warm Metallics:
Brass, gold, and bronze accents instantly elevate. Even small touches like cabinet hardware or picture frames add a layer of luxury.

The Real Secret

Here’s the truth: it’s less about the specific color and more about the quality of execution. A beautifully painted room in any thoughtful color will look more expensive than a sloppy paint job in the “perfect” luxury shade.

Invest in good paint, proper prep work, and clean lines. That’s what actually makes things look expensive.

More luxury-on-a-budget tips in our affordable luxury design guide.

Runway trends don’t stay on the runway—they trickle down into home décor, paint palettes, and target aisles everywhere. Here’s how to incorporate them without redecorating every season.

Treat trendy colors as accents, not investments.

Your sofa? Keep it neutral. Your walls? Probably neutral. Your expensive rug? You guessed it—neutral-ish.

Then layer in trendy colors through things that are easy (and affordable) to swap:

Throw pillows: The easiest update ever. If butter yellow is having a moment, grab a few yellow pillows for $30 and call it done.

Throws and blankets: Draped over a sofa or at the foot of a bed, these add color without commitment.

Fresh flowers and plants: Seasonal blooms naturally bring current colors into your space. Coral tulips in spring, deep burgundy dahlias in fall.

Artwork and prints: You can even get affordable prints in trending colors and swap them seasonally.

Small accessories: Vases, candles, decorative objects, trays—these are your color playground.

This timeline always blows my mind:

Fashion Week showcases new colors (18-24 months before they’re mainstream)
Color forecasters like WGSN and Pantone publish predictions
Home manufacturers develop products in those colors
Products hit retail shelves
Colors become mainstream about a year after the runway

So when you see a color trending in fashion, expect to see it in home stores about a year later.

For seasonal updates, visit our seasonal decorating guide.

Let’s get practical. Where can you actually find home décor in current fashion colors?

Best Online Stores for Fashionable Home Décor

West Elm
Contemporary designs with trend-forward colors. They update seasonally and have great sales.

CB2
Modern, sleek, and always on-trend. Crate & Barrel’s cooler younger sibling.

H&M Home
Super affordable and surprisingly stylish. They update with fashion seasons, so colors are always current.

Zara Home
Fashion-influenced home goods. If you like Zara clothes, you’ll love Zara Home.

Target
Honestly underrated for home décor. Their Threshold, Opalhouse, and Studio McGee lines are fantastic.

Anthropologie
Unique, bohemian-eclectic pieces. Pricier but great for statement items.

Wayfair
Massive selection. You can filter by color, which makes finding trendy shades super easy.

Benjamin Moore
Their Color of the Year and trend palettes are always on point. Premium quality.

Sherwin-Williams
Great tools, wide availability, and solid trend forecasting.

Clare
Direct-to-consumer with curated, fashion-inspired colors. Fewer choices, but all good ones.

Backdrop
Modern, curated collections. Great if too many choices overwhelm you.

Farrow & Ball
British heritage brand with incredibly sophisticated colors. Pricey but gorgeous.

Affordable Furniture in Fashion Colors

IKEA
Updates regularly, surprisingly trend-aware, and you can’t beat the prices.

Article
Mid-century modern at reasonable prices. Great color options.

World Market
Global-inspired pieces often in unique, on-trend colors.

Facebook Marketplace
For the adventurous—secondhand pieces can be painted or reupholstered in any color.

For our complete shopping guide, see best home décor retailers.

Sometimes you want expert guidance without the in-person commitment (or budget) of a traditional interior designer. Enter virtual design services.

Top Virtual Design Services

Havenly
Affordable online design. You work with a real designer who creates a customized room plan. Starts around $99.

Modsy
3D room visualization is their thing. You can “see” your redesigned room before buying anything.

Decorist
Various price tiers from “budget” to “celebrity designers.” All virtual.

Collov
AI-powered tool that generates design ideas based on your preferences. Fun to play with.

Many furniture stores also offer free design services if you’re buying from them. Pottery Barn, West Elm, and IKEA all have design help available.

Custom Curtains and Upholstery

Want something in an exact color? Custom is the way.

The Shade Store
Custom window treatments with endless fabric options.

Spoonflower
Custom printed fabrics. You can literally upload any color or pattern you want and get fabric made.

Comfort Works
Custom slipcovers for IKEA furniture. Transform your old Billy bookcase with fresh fabric in any color.

Local upholsterers
Don’t overlook them! They can reupholster existing furniture in any fabric you bring.

More in our virtual design services review.

You’re almost there. You understand the rules, you’ve got your colors figured out, you know where to shop. Now let’s talk about those final details that bring everything together.

Trending Throw Pillows and Rugs

Current hot colors in pillows:

Butter yellow and soft gold
Sage green and eucalyptus
Terracotta and rust
Soft lavender
Warm blush pink

Where to get them:

Serena & Lily for coastal luxury
Pottery Barn for classic style
Amazon for budget finds
Etsy for unique handmade pieces

Trending rugs:

Warm neutral bases with subtle pattern
Solid sage or olive
Vintage-inspired faded designs
Natural jute and sisal in warm tones

Where to get them:

Ruggable for washable, stylish rugs (game changer if you have pets or kids)
Rugs USA for affordable variety
Loloi for designer quality

Lighting That Complements Your Colors

Lighting isn’t just functional—it’s a design element that can support (or sabotage) your color scheme.

Metal finishes trending now:

Brass and gold (warm, luxurious)
Matte black (modern, dramatic)
Mixed metals (contemporary, interesting)
Natural materials like rattan (organic, warm)

Light bulb color matters:
Warm bulbs (2700K-3000K) enhance warm color schemes. Cool bulbs (4000K+) can make warm colors look weird. Match your bulb tone to your room’s color temperature.

Statement lighting sources:

Schoolhouse for vintage-inspired, colorful options
Rejuvenation for quality, classic pieces
AllModern for contemporary styles
Anthropologie for unique statement pieces

Home Décor Subscription Boxes

Want trendy décor delivered to your door? Subscription boxes take the guesswork out.

Decocrated
Quarterly boxes with 6-8 home décor items reflecting seasonal trends. Great for seasonal refreshes without effort.

For more accessory ideas, see our seasonal accessories guide.

Whew! We covered a lot. Let me give you a simple action plan so you can actually use all this information:

Step 1: Pick Your Foundation

Use the 60-30-10 rule to establish your base palette. Choose a dominant neutral that you’ll love for years. This isn’t where you get trendy.

Step 2: Apply the Three Color Rule

Choose two more colors—your secondary (30%) and accent (10%). Make sure they play nicely together.

Step 3: Check the Three F’s

For every furniture piece and major decision, ask: Form? Function? Flow? All three need to be a yes.

Step 4: Style with 3-5-7

When arranging decorative objects, group them in odd numbers. Vary heights, textures, and shapes.

Step 5: Add Fashion Colors Carefully

Use that 10% accent allocation for trendy colors. These are your easy-swap items—pillows, throws, small accessories.

Step 6: Don’t Forget Lighting

Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting. Choose finishes that complement your metals and color scheme.

Here’s what I want you to take away from all this: decorating your home is not rocket science, and you don’t need some special “designer gene” to get it right.

These rules exist because they work. They’ve been tested over decades by thousands of designers. They’re based on how our brains process visual information and what makes us feel comfortable and happy in a space.

But here’s the other truth: rules are meant to be broken. Once you understand why the 60-30-10 rule works, you can decide when to ignore it. Once you get why odd numbers feel more dynamic, you might intentionally choose symmetry for a different effect.

Start with the rules. Learn them. Practice them. And then, when you’re ready, play with them.

Your home should ultimately reflect you—your life, your style, your story. These rules are just tools to help you tell that story more effectively.

Now stop scrolling and go rearrange something on your bookshelf using the 3-5-7 rule. Seriously. Start small. See how it feels.

You’ve got this.

Ready to keep going? Explore our complete library of interior design guides for room-by-room inspiration, shopping resources, and way more practical tips. Your dream home isn’t as far away as you think.