Follow the most important home decorating rules:
THE 70-20-10 RULE: For a truly balanced scheme, keep 70% of the elements (say, the walls and floors) as one color, 20% in a second color (prints and fabrics) and add 10% of a vibrant accent (accessories).
THE PATTERN RULE: If you’re mixing patterns, use large with medium or medium with small, never large with small. Choose prints that share a color in common for an ultra-smart, co-ordinate look.
THE PAINTED BOX RULE: The look of paint changes according to the time of day and the light in a room. Paint the inside of a large box with a tester to create a miniature ‘room’ and see how the paint color changes within a 3D space.
AND FINALLY… Always add a surprise. A focal point – whether it’s a feature wall, a huge mirror or a piece of art – is the short cut to a ‘wow’ room.
Source: Ideal Home Magazine December 2014