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Decorating With Fabric Using The Rule Of Three

May 24, 2025

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You know that old saying about how things come in threes?

Well, despite all the other meanings and sometimes negative connotations, I'm a firm believer that when it pertains to design, three is a magic number.

There's something about the repetition that just ties a room together.

Decorating A Desk Area for summer

And brings a calm, cohesive feeling to a space.

So when it came time to pick a new fabric to cover the glass cabinet doors above the desk in my kitchen, for summer, I went for the familiar.

Oh, not at first. No, no.

Apparently, taking the easy road when it comes to decor is not my specialty

I have to hem and haw about things. I need to gather 100 swatches, pin them up, reject them and then revisit them.

Cutting Red Fabric Swatches

Over and over again.

It's funny, I never used to be this way, I always seemed to know exactly what I wanted, before I even started the redecorating process.

Now, not so much. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm still all about those quick and easy DIYs, but these days it takes me longer to commit.

Thankfully, the results justify the means, because I adore the new look above my desk.
Kitchen Desk Area with fabric covered glass cabinets

The fabric here is the same one I used to cover my curved kitchen bench.



The one my husband made me out of two old wooden picnic benches we found at the curb.

It's also the same fabric that I used to make my velcro sink skirt...the one that covers my cabinet doors.

Red and white kitchen sink skirt hanging below sink and wooden sign about window

It coordinates with the checked curtain panels I made a few years ago.

And my newly upholstered kitchen chair.

Cottage Style Red and White Dining Area with floral chair and pom pom trim bench

That pretty fabric punctuates the breakfast nook, the main kitchen and my adjoining office area linking all three spaces together.

With a bright airy look for the upcoming season.

Then when the fall comes back around, I can put the checks back up.

The ones that match the curtains.

Fabric Covered Glass Cabinet Door

Of course, I'll need to add a checked pillow to the bench behind the desk.

To even out the look.

With an uneven number of decor.

Makes perfect sense.

Don't you think so?

😉

Decorating Rule Of Three

Are you trio kind of decorator?

Here are a few more glass covered cabinet doors:


Happy Decorating, Friends!

Kim Signature


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  1. Soooo cute! The same rule applies when gardening, don't buy just one or two plants - but three. It's the magic number!

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    1. Yes, exactly, Mari! Three is a magic number, inside and out!! Have a great weekend my friend.

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  2. I've never given much thought to the rules of 3 when decorating but I do tend to make groupings of 3 on our side tables and even on our mantle where I have 3 glass vases clustered together so I guess I do but on a more subconscious level.

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    1. I bet it your collections looks great and funny how that works out, isn't it?

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  3. Kim, I love your idea of using material to decorate the glass of your cabinets. I had never thought about this before, but it is a cute idea.
    I am so glad that you are now feeling better, because I missed your inspirational posts! Please take care of yourself and I will look forward to your upcoming post! -sincerely, Mary S.

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    1. Hi Mary! Thanks for the sweet words! I really appreciate them. I'm glad to hear you like the fabric idea. It's a great way to dress up my basic cabinets (and hide some clutter) while using my pretty fabric. Win win for sure!!

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  4. I love the curtains. Always everything looks better in threes. Or any odd number works for vignettes of anything you are styling. I also love the color of your cabinets. I was wondering if you could tell me the paint color. I have been on a redecorating spree myself and have been waffling on the color for my kitchen cabinets. The rest of my home is being done in pinks, sage green and just a touch of blue. I've done all my walls in Linen by Sherwin Williams. I wanted a neutral background so that everything else would pop. I was thinking sage green for the kitchen cabinets but I'm not sure it would be too much green in my home. Decisions, decisions, what's a girl to do !

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  5. I agree that in decor of any kind, threes or odd numbers seem to work better, but especially threes! I've never pondered "why" that is, but it certainly rings true. Your new curtains look amazing, as always! Many blessings to you!

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  6. Oh my goodness...it all looks so yummy, charming, inviting...I LOVE the fabric in the cabinets and on the bench. Cohesive doesn't even begin to describe it. I am so sorry you've been sick. You have shared with us your journey towards better health, but when something like that bug hits, it can really take you down. I'm so glad you are feeling better, but please do take good care. Sometimes the impact of those bugs hangs around for awhile.

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  7. It turned out just lovely. I am with you- Traditionally tried and true-rule of threes. I have been moving things around in our place and decided to move into the master bedroom now that John is in assisted living. It took a bit of arguing with myself to do it. That has been his 'domain' for the last five years as his health failed. I changed the whole setting around because I was able to start with a blank space.
    Anyway- 3 and 5 patterns have always worked for me. xo Diana

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  8. The Rule of 3 is the standard, although I've also been told to stick to odd numbers in general. Do I follow that rule? Sometimes. Not always, because I tend to be a rule-breaker. Your kitchen looks beautiful and I'm so glad you're feeling better, my friend. We'll be talking about decorating and DIY soon since there will be a bit of it in my future...wink-wink!

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  9. I knew this rule applied to gardening and landscaping but I had never thought about it is decorating. Great idea and I do love the choices you made. Decorating with red and white is one thing that I love. Looks great around your place..

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  10. Sara (birdzofafeather)May 25, 2025 at 4:59 PM

    My dad must’ve believed in the rule of threes also; he had three daughters lol! Love your decor! In a hemmer and a hawer in my old age too; it still works out in the end - just takes longer to get there!

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  11. Well, I just went to graduation for my third grandgirl.....does that count????? You know I love your curtains!! Blessings, J

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  12. Beautiful fabric! I love it in your kitchen!

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  13. I didn't know about the rule of three in decorating. Everything looks great.

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  14. Hi, Thank you for this tip... I do apply it in my garden, but did not really think about it in decorating. :-)

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    1. So funny, Carla, a lot of people have said the same thing. Now I have to start thinking about it in the garden!!

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  15. Kim, everything looks so pretty. Great post about decorating. The cabinets look darling with curtains. I am pleased to feature your post on Sunday.

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  16. That looks beautiful Kim, love the new fabric!

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  17. Oh Kim, your fabric looks so pretty for summer! All of your choices of fabrics coordinate so well together. My beloved mom taught me the 3’s rule, but sometimes I do 5’s. Your home looks so cozy. I’d be so happy there ❤️

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  18. The number three really does apply to a lot of things, doesn’t it? Anytime I do any sort of arrangement I work in threes whether I’m pairing three items, or three different kinds of flowers. I’m not sure quite why it works that way, but it does. I absolutely love your kitchen! I liked the before fabric as much as the after fabric to be honest. I do think the skirt under your sink is adorable, and I love your drawer pulls. Everything is so cute!

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  19. Kim, I am in love with this fabric! The print is spot on, and so vintage looking. I wish I would have visited Jo Ann Fabric before they were out of business. I had all sorts of ideas, and then life prevented me from making it. I need that print, stat! I do love those picnic benches to boot. You are always so resourceful, yet you know how to do it all. I wish I had that sort of talent, and I want to sew so desperately. I guess I need to just sit down and figure it out. You've inspired me my dear!

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  20. The “rule of three” approach to decorating with fabric is both accessible and elegant. It brings structure to creativity in a way that makes interiors feel effortlessly polished.

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  21. Hi Kim, I have been MIA in our Creators Group! Miss you! Sharing this tip on the Weekend Edit!
    laura

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