The Rule of Three: Creating Balance in Design

At Blue Ribbon Construction, principles like the Rule of Three play a meaningful role in how we plan and execute kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, built-ins, and full home transformations. During the design phase, we look at how scale, texture, color, and lighting work together — helping homeowners achieve spaces that feel naturally balanced, visually interesting, and custom to their daily life.

Ever wonder why some spaces just feel right? That’s often thanks to the Rule of Three—a simple design principle that helps create balance, interest, and harmony in a room.

In interior design, the Rule of Three means grouping items or elements in sets of three (or odd numbers) rather than pairs. Our eyes naturally find odd groupings more dynamic and visually appealing.

This rule also applies to scale and layering. Try mixing three different textures—like wood, metal, and fabric—or combining small, medium, and large décor pieces for depth and variety.

When used thoughtfully, the Rule of Three keeps a space from feeling too uniform or “matchy,” creating a look that feels effortless yet intentional.

Below are a few ways we use the Rule of Three throughout real Blue Ribbon Construction projects, helping create cohesive spaces that feel professionally designed.

Three matching pendant lights evenly spaced over a kitchen island. Here are pictures of kitchen lighting we have done at Blue Ribbon:

Where we use this in remodels:
In our kitchen remodels, the Rule of Three is often the foundation for pendant spacing, island symmetry, and even skylight alignment. When working in open-concept spaces, using three fixtures helps create rhythm and visual flow from the kitchen to the living and dining areas.

A base neutral, a dominant color, and a bold accent tone.

Where we use this in remodels:
During the design phase, we help homeowners select color families that work consistently across cabinetry, wall color, tile, counters, and hardware. Using a three-tone palette keeps the space cohesive while still allowing room for personality and contrast. It also ensures every finish selected during the remodel looks intentional when installed together.

Layer different materials to add depth and warmth.

Where we use this in remodels:
Texture is essential for warmth, especially in today’s natural-inspired design styles. We often blend wood cabinetry, matte black or brass metal finishes, stone countertops, tile, and soft textiles. Using a trio of textures keeps the space visually rich without overwhelming it — a big part of making remodeled spaces feel inviting and elevated.

We use this principle throughout the remodeling process, not just at the styling stage. It guides decisions like:

• Layout design: balancing three main functional zones in kitchens (prep, cook, serve)
  
• Lighting design: layering ambient, task, and accent lighting for depth and comfort
• Material selection: choosing complementary finishes that create harmony, not clutter
  
• Built-in design: incorporating three key elements — shelving, lighting, and display space
  

By using this approach early in the planning stage, your finished space feels polished, balanced, and thoughtfully crafted.

These older posts pair well with today’s topic and offer additional design inspiration:

• Learn how to choose finishes that stand the test of time in our blog on how to choose high-quality, low-maintenance materials for a timeless look in home remodeling.
  
• Explore renovation trends that modernize your home without losing its character for more big-picture design inspiration.

The Rule of Three is a simple trick that makes any space feel balanced, intentional, and visually interesting. Whether you’re styling a shelf, arranging lighting, or layering textures, working in threes adds just the right amount of rhythm and harmony to your design.

If you’re planning a remodel in the Triangle, our design team can help you use principles like the Rule of Three to create a space that feels custom, cohesive, and beautifully finished.

View our remodeling portfolio or schedule a consultation to get started.