Behind the Design: Why Material Testing Matters
Talie Jane Interiors
August 31, 2026
Talie Jane Interiors®
I’m going to let you in on a little interior design secret…we designers are odd. Well, some of us may be, but we like odd. Numbers, that is. We design in vignettes and groupings of 3 or 5 and sometimes 7 or 9. We refer to this as the “Rule of Three.” But why do we do it and why does it work?
I should clarify, odd isn’t always the way to go; sometimes even numbers work. The importance of pairs should never be overlooked (think side chairs and table lamps). But, odd numbers do add interest, energy and balance and are more effective at capturing your gaze.Embrace the odd in you!
(1) Home Décor by the Numbers: The Rule of Three , Carlisle Wide Plank Floors,
http://www.wideplankflooring.com/blog/home-decor-by-the-numbers-the-rule-of-three/
(2) The Rule of Threes: Why You Should Know It, Love It & Use It, Apartment Therapy, Dabney Frake, April 15, 2013, http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-rule-of-threes-and-other-odd-numbers-218086
References:
http://sierranewsonline.com/odds-are-not-odd-in-design-and-decorating/
http://creativecurio.com/2008/01/why-being-odd-is-good/
http://sierranewsonline.com/odds-are-not-odd-in-design-and-decorating/
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/why-are-odd-numbers-so-visually-appealing-224230
