RE/Design: Rule of Three

Three. The smallest number required to create a pattern. It's short. It's powerful. It's a statement. The Rule of Three is simply the easiest method of creating a focal point in your space. Got three minutes? Give it a whirl!

Let's start with the most basic of trios:

Easy Composition

Directions: Find three similar items; group them together.

Three nearly identical potted plants

Three similar bottles (complimentary colors, patterns, shapes)

Three themed signs (via Pottery Barn)

The human brain is wired for instinctive recognition of basic pattern. With the rule of three, you will strike a purposeful balance between comfort and purpose. It's a natural unit. A family, per se.

Here's are some groupings in action:

How many trios can you find?
Admit it, don't you just want to flop down and take a nap here ... NOW?
P.S. The karate-chopped pillows are a bit much, though, don't you think? Reminds me of an awkward wedgie that you can't unsee.

Now let's take it to the next step.

Add Some Color & Pattern

Directions: Find three complimentary items with three different colors and/or patterns; nestle.

Three patterns; same color scheme

Red, gold and gray on white; three colors with three companion patterns

I love this image with kid art. Blues and kiwi with splashes of pinks. Notice that all the frames are white for a unified presentation. Love it!

Get wild! Three pillows. Three patterns. Three colors.

This one is a little sneaky but completely delicious.
A trio of romantic beauties. Pinks, creams, and blacks. Ooh, la la!
My guess that even the bottom book rings of a triad.

So now that most of us admit that we could barely balance in those gorgeous stilettos any more than we'd stack them on our fancy noone-ever-reads-coffee-table books, let's practice with some everyday items. Look around the house and see what you can find! Need inspiration? Try out your trios on some of these: