Design lesson: How to mix styles

Dos and don'ts of the 80/20 rule

• DO revitalize neutral interiors with punctuations of colour. A small addition of striking colour, say, a series of vases in chartreuse or a pair of pillows in cobalt, can transform the mood and personality of a room.

• DON'T rely solely on ambient or general illumination for rooms. If 80 per cent of your lighting is overhead, such as halogens or ceiling-mounted fixtures, for example, incorporate a 20 per cent ratio of decorative lighting, like sconces, table lamps, art lamps and library lights, to create interest and draw attention to collections and paintings.

• DON'T show too much leg. When mixing upholstered furniture and occasional tables, it's more attractive to vary the ratio of skirt to leg. In most cases, 20 per cent skirting (either a soft skirt like the apron of a sofa, or a piece of furniture with no legs) is ideal.

• DO save money and create a more upscale look in the bathroom or kitchen by combining 80 per cent stock cabinetry with 20 per cent semicustom or custom options. That allows you to create one standout focal feature, such as a stainless-steel medicine cabinet or a Gothic arch valance above the kitchen sink.

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