Now, that’s odd.

Leonardo Pisano (1170-1250), otherwise known as Fibonacci (funny he didn’t just go by Leo) was an Italian mathematician and the namesake of the Fibonacci sequence.  The sequence explains the fundamental nature of the growth pattern.  One, two, three, five, eight, 13, 21, 34... each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers.  Weirdly, Fibonacci’s number sequence is important to the natural world. We see it in the spirals of a pinecone, the petals on a flower. It’s also important in the design world.

It’s used to create balance, proportion, and symmetry. 

Our brains like odd numbers.  We are organically drawn to odd numbers.  Vignettes with three vases are more aesthetically appealing and visually engaging compared to two or four vases.  Re-reading above, you’ll remind me Fibonacci’s formula includes the number eight and we all know eight is even, but, three and five are not. 

One group of three next to a group of five; oddly evenly balanced. 

Similar to Fibonacci’s sequence, the Rule of Three is another design formula reiterating nature’s presentation of pattern. This rule confirms our innate attraction to three or five elements together.  Our reward for loving odd - a more satisfying visual experience. 

Enough with the math and science, you say.  We all want to know how to practically apply these rules for successful design.  Simply adding arrangements in threes and fives will automatically lift your design.  This does require a bit of trial and error.  Proportion and scale have a huge role in good design, but we can play around with a variety of uneven displays.

Three pillows on the couch.  Three books stacked on a nightstand.  Five photos hung in a row.  Two chairs and a couch.  A lamp, a plant, a candle.  Black and white with a pop of color.  A five-column bookshelf.  Fork, knife, spoon.  One single flower.  Three canisters of varying heights.  Identical items or three unique pieces. The possibilities are endless giving us permission to arrange and rearrange.

Go ahead, curate a grouping that can’t be divided by two; odd numbers demand attention.