February has its red. March has its green. February has the heart. March has the Shamrock. Did you know that this three-leaf Irish symbol can also be a guide for interior design? Interior design has its “Rules of Three.” Or consider them guidelines if you are rule averse.
One Rule of Three is that objects look better and are more memorable in groups of three. It can be applied to table-top display, the use of color, placement of wall art, lighting, (like the photo above) or even the entire layout of a room.
In honor of the Emerald Isle, though, we’re going to focus on a different three-point interior design play. The Big Three of Jewel Colors: Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red, and the very timely Emerald Green.
There are other “jewel tone” colors, of course, but in the same way these three dominate the world of precious gems, they can also make a memorable décor statement.
Your Room’s Jewelry
We interior designers are fond of reminding clients that interior design is about function and fashion. Color and accessories are to a room as jewelry is to apparel. They’re the sparkle. They create the memory. They make you smile. Sometimes they take your breath away.
When we’re putting those finishing touches on a room design, we like to step back and ask: What will make this pop? What will stop a person in their tracks? What will make this room say something special?
This can be a good time to think of those Big Three Jewel Colors. Probably using all three is over-doing it. But zero in on one to start, or a shade of one. If you prefer big washes of color instead of an all-neutral room, think Emerald Green, Sapphire Blue, or Ruby Red.
There is Another Rule of Three regarding color selection for a room. The main color should be about 60-percent. A secondary color should be about 30-percent. That leaves 10-percent for an accent color. One of those Big Three Jewel colors could fit any part of the formula.
Accessories are another means to add jewel tones. Throw pillows are always a good start. Candle sticks can be an option. Wall art with one of the Big Three as dominant. A lampshade?
And, while we’re emphasizing these three, don’t forget other jewel tones when fashioning your room décor. Amethyst Purple, Citrine Yellow, silver, and gold—like Notre Dame’s iconic football helmets.
By the way, it’s not only Emerald that’s Irish. Check out the green of Connemara Marble, found only in the region of that same name. In fact, it has many shades of green. If you’re not familiar, you know the drill—Google it.
We end with a toast to the Shamrock for giving us some interior design pointers.
Follow them and your room will make you smile like Irish eyes. Give me a call, I’ll help you make your room something to smile about.
Remember:
