The 5-Color Method
Five colors. Five jobs. One simple method.
The 60-30-10 rule helps with proportion. The 5-Color Method tells you what each color is for.
Main
Safe enough for large coverage while still carrying the palette's mood.
Main walls, open areas, hallways, and large connected spaces.
Large rugs, main window treatments, and the biggest upholstered pieces.
Secondary
Reduces contrast shock between the Main and the Statement.
Secondary walls, wainscoting, built-ins, doors, or connecting rooms.
Wood floors, leather, stone, coffee tables, and other fixed elements.
Statement
Provides the strongest visual weight so the room feels grounded.
One accent wall, kitchen island, fireplace, vanity, or built-in.
Media consoles, dining tables, large artwork frames, and other visual anchors.
Accent
Adds personality without competing with the Statement.
Inside bookshelves, a front door, a niche, chair rail, or small built-in detail.
Pillows, lampshades, artwork, textiles, and accent chairs.
Trim
A light white or off-white gives every palette a reliable finishing system.
Baseboards, doors, casing, crown, ceilings, and window trim.
Cabinetry, millwork, shelves, and crisp architectural edges.