The Simple Decor Rule That Makes Any Room Feel Chic & Balanced

Unless you're a professional designer, trying to decorate a space in a way that feels intentional and cohesive can be a daunting task. You may not know how to choose the perfect design style – or maybe you have a sense of your style but can't find furniture pieces and decor to bring it to life. Luckily, there's a simple trick known as the 3-4-5 method that adds personality into your decorating scheme, while making it look as though it was styled by a pro.

The 3-4-5 method, coined by interior designer Nancy Cavaliere of Casa Cavaliere, works like this: When decorating a space, incorporate at least three patterns, four period styles or eras, and five colors or textures. "It's a tangible, fool proof method you can apply to help you decorate any space," Cavaliere says on Instagram. When choosing three patterns, for example, you could combine stripes, florals, plaids — or perhaps animal prints, geometrics, and herringbone. The patterns can be introduced through furniture, such as sofas or upholstered chairs, or through rugs, window treatments, or wallpaper. If three patterns sound like too much for your taste, you can also opt for a solid as one of your pattern choices to keep things a bit more subdued. To keep patterns from overwhelming your home, keep the color palette consistent and vary the scale of different patterns, mixing large and small-scale motifs to create balance.

Next, you should choose four period styles or eras. There are dozens to pick from, ranging from traditional and art deco, to mid-century modern, neoclassical, postmodern, chinoiserie, and Hollywood Regency. These styles can be reflected in your furnishings and decor such as seating, tables, mirrors, artwork, lighting, or other decorative items. If you're decorating multiple rooms, it's a good idea to repeat these styles throughout the spaces to make them feel cohesive. 

The final element of the 3-4-5 method is to include a combination of at least five colors or textures. Depending on your personal style, the colors could be muted and complementary, or bold and bright with contrasting hues. Textures, meanwhile, could be brought in through wallpaper, drapery, or furniture. For instance, grasscloth wallpaper, a velvet sofa, a glass coffee table, or a lacquered cabinet are examples of items that can incorporate texture into your space. While Cavaliere recommends a minimum of five colors or textures combined, she believes five is the perfect amount. Although the 3-4-5 method can be adapted to work with a variety of styles, it tends to resonate more with those looking to embrace a bold, layered, maximalist aesthetic. If you're wondering how to do maximalist decor if you're a beginner, the 3-4-5 method is a great place to start.