{"id":226059,"date":"2026-01-10T02:51:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T02:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/226059\/"},"modified":"2026-01-10T02:51:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T02:51:07","slug":"how-interior-designers-mix-textures-with-the-70-20-10-rule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/226059\/","title":{"rendered":"How Interior Designers Mix Textures with The \u201c70-20-10 Rule\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

We independently<\/a> select these products\u2014if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.<\/p>\n

I recently moved to a new apartment in Los Angeles, and ever since I\u2019ve been on a mission to make my home feel not just cozy and inviting, but also sophisticated. I tend to stick to neutral color palettes<\/a> \u2014 my living room, in particular, has white walls and a white sofa \u2014 so I was looking for ways to add some intrigue to the space through texture as opposed to color. I just wasn\u2019t quite sure how or where to start.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I knew, at least, that I couldn\u2019t be entirely random about introducing new textures to the space. I still wanted it to feel cohesive. \u201cWhen developing a strong design concept,\u201d explains interior architect Alyssa Anselmo<\/a>, \u201cmaterials should be repeated and echoed throughout a home<\/a> so they feel connected.\u201d This repetition is what allows a space to feel like a unified story rather than a collection of random decorative moments. But achieving a balanced look is a lot easier said than done.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Then, one fateful day, I came across this Instagram Reel from designer Sarah Ames<\/a> on the \u201c70-20-10 Rule\u201d<\/a> \u2014 and I knew I\u2019d found the formula for success.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What Is the \u201c70-20-10 Rule\u201d?<\/p>\n

The 70-20-10 Rule is simple: 70% of a room\u2019s textures should be smooth or matte, 20% should be plush or soft, and 10% should be hard, shiny, or raw. The dominant matte texture is calming and provides the visual base (think: matte painted walls, smooth wood floors, or a linen sofa). The plush or soft elements, such as a boucl\u00e9 or velvet chair, a chunky knit throw, or a deep-pile rug, invite touch and add warmth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last but not least, the \u201caccent textures\u201d catch the light to add drama and sparkle, or provide necessary contrast. These can be incorporated via polished metal hardware, raw carved stone, ribbed glass, hammered bronze, and more.<\/p>\n

Experts agree that this rule helps add visual interest to a space. \u201cThe 70-20-10 Rule ensures a room feels cohesive yet dynamic. Smooth, matte surfaces provide calm; plush fabrics add warmth; and shiny or raw accents give visual interest. Even subtle touches, such as velvet furniture or bronze accent pieces, can make the space feel intentional and layered,\u201d explains estates agent Alicia Rivett<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sheffalie Jhaveri, interior designer and founder of Rutam IntArch<\/a>, says, \u201cBasically, this rule is quite useful while designing because one might find a bold texture exciting, but it helps you to use it sparingly so that the entire design doesn\u2019t become overwhelming. This further helps to provide the required balance, keeping the design from being too bland or too loud.\u201d<\/p>\n

How to Incorporate the 70-20-10 Rule in Your Own Home<\/p>\n

Back in my own living room, applying this rule was a revelation. I kept my matte white walls and hardwood floors as the foundation texture. My plush textured sofa and armchair, along with a couple of cozy throws, became the perfect dash of softness. And finally, I chose to accent the space with a glass coffee table and candle stand for that 10% of shine.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Using the 70-20-10 Rule as a North Star, I managed to transform my living room into an elegant space that\u2019s warm and welcoming. While I kept the overall color palette subtle and neutral, the added textural elements created that luxe, layered look I was after. I can\u2019t wait to apply the same formula to the rest of the space!<\/p>\n