At SOUL Home, we believe that creating a beautifully designed home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. To bring each project to life, we use a straightforward but powerful design approach: the 70/20/10 rule. It’s our go-to method for bringing out the soul of a space and creating a style that feels uniquely yours—without the stress of overthinking every detail. 

So, how does it work? It’s simple: the 70/20/10 rule balances three style elements. We use it on every project, every single time, and it never fails. Here’s the breakdown:

What is the SOUL Home 70/20/10 Rule?

The concept is to choose three styles to work together harmoniously, with each style taking on a specific role in the space.

1. 70% – Foundational Style  

   This is the core style that anchors your space, setting the foundation. It’s the most dominant and should feel comfortable and authentic. Think of it as the style that will guide big choices like floors, wall colors, cabinetry, and layout.

2. 20% – Secondary Style 

   This is your supporting style. It complements your foundation but adds depth and character. This 20% might come through in your furniture choices, textiles, or light fixtures—elements that bring an extra layer without taking over.

3. 10% – Accent Style

   This final 10% is where the magic happens! It’s the style that adds that all-important layer of personality and excitement. You’ll see it in bold choices, like artwork, accent walls, or decor items, bringing it all together to create a feeling that’s cohesive but never predictable.

By combining these three, you avoid the trap of getting overwhelmed or lost in trying to stick to a single style. The result? A home that’s balanced, inviting, and entirely *you*.

Choosing Your 70/20/10

And before you say, “But I don’t even know what styles I like!”—relax. You probably know more than you think!

There are the familiar styles like modern, coastal, classic, and country. Then there are newer blends like Japandi and Wabi-Sabi, which mix cultures and aesthetics. But don’t feel limited to predefined names. We like to create our own. You might go with categories like “Color,” “Resort Vibes,” or even “Drama.” It’s about what feels right for you.

How to Find Your 70/20/10

Here’s a quick guide to discovering your unique 70/20/10 mix:

1. Pin it!  

Head over to Pinterest and start pinning without overthinking it. Pick images that draw you in, whether they’re of rooms, textures, or colors. Once you have about 20 images, step back and take a look. You’ll start to see themes and styles emerging.

2. Make it visual 

Now, take those images and go into Canva, or even print them out. Choose one image that best captures each of your three styles. Remember, you don’t have to want every element in your home—it’s just about getting a feel for the overall vibe. Label each image with your chosen style: 70, 20, or 10.

3. Use it as your design guide

With your 70/20/10 breakdown, you’ve now got a roadmap for your project. Hand it over to your architect or building designer at the planning stage, or bring it to your interior designer. Keep it close and refer to it whenever you need to make a design decision. If it fits the 70/20/10, it’s in!

Why This Rule Works

Honestly, this rule is a game-changer because it helps simplify choices and ensures every decision aligns with your vision. You’re creating a style that’s cohesive but not monotonous, and there’s room for creativity and personality.  

Want a real-life example? Let’s look at “The Maybe Forever”, our own project. For this space, we chose 70% Classic, 20% Organic, and 10% Resort Vibes. The classic foundation gave it timeless elegance, while the organic layer brought in natural textures and warmth. The resort vibes? That final 10% of fun and relaxation is what really completes the space.

Ready to find your style? Give the SOUL Home 70/20/10 rule a try, and watch as your home transforms into something that truly feels like ‘you’.