PSCO | STYLING TIPS
The Rule of Three
Ahh, easily our favourite style hack of all - the rule of three. If you’ve ever dipped your toe into interior design, or in fact many other creative fields, then you might be familiar with the rule of three.
Simply put, the rule states that objects arranged in odd numbers are more interesting and eye-catching than even numbered groups. So, what does that mean for your interior concepts? Stay tuned as we share more about the practice.
How does the theory work?
In basic terms, the brain seems to prefer odd numbered groupings. It finds them more visually appealing. Other odd numbers, like one, five, seven or nine can work just as well, but there is just something magical about groups of three!
Our brains find sparse or perfectly symmetrical rooms a tad boring, whilst with too many objects, our visual senses get overwhelmed and can’t process correctly. Enter, the rule of three - the perfect balance in interior design.
Using the rule of three in your home.
Pendant Lights
If you follow any interior pages on Instagram or love to flick through the pages of Real Living magazine, then you’ll have likely seen a bunch of gorgeous kitchens with three identical pendant lights hanging over the kitchen island or bar counter. This kind of lighting installation is popular for a reason - it’s practical, provides plenty of light and it’s extremely pleasing on the eye.
For something different, you could also try hanging a cluster of three pendant lights at alternating heights. These clusters make a great overhead feature in your dining room, entry foyer, staircase, or anywhere you want to make a statement.
Cushions
Scatter cushions are an easy and affordable way to practice the rule of three in your own home. From the living room to the bedroom, groups of three cushions are the perfect addition to your sofa or bed suite. Try opting for cushions with varying colours, pattern or texture to inject interest and personality into the spaces.
Decorative Vessels
Whether it’s vases, decorative accents or personal trinkets, there’s nothing quite like a cluster of three to create a stylish vignette and, at Perth Style Company, we are huge fans! Perfect for atop your dining table, mantlepiece or buffet unit, this kind of trio makes any surface look good! For us, we love to use a variety of shapes, heights and colours to create a bit of variation and interest in the setting.
Bar Stools
Three bar stools at a counter creates an inviting and casual look, perfect for enjoying breakfast or light meals and drinks with family and friends. Yet, it might not be the right move for every household depending on how many members live in the home. If three isn’t quite cutting it, then opt for five. That is, providing there is enough space for everyone to sit comfortably.