Last we spoke of scale and proportion. Today’s post will talk about BALANCE.
Just like you are attracted to a color but don’t really know why, you will be attracted to either a SYMMETRICAL design style, or an ASYMMETRICAL design style.
Symmetrical balance creates a mirror image by the placement of items that are identical on both sides of a central point. Think 2 twin beds with a nightstand in between. The beds have the same bed style and the same bedding, the night stands and lamps are identical. How does this picture make you feel?
Symmetrical balance suggests formality, orderliness and restraint.
Asymmetrical balance requires finding objects that are compatible but varied enough to be interesting. Objects and furniture balance well because they are judged by their visual weight, not pairings. For example, you may have a large sofa on one side of a room that is balanced by two large chairs with an accent table in the middle.
Note the height of the tall white vessel and the floor lamp. It is the visual ‘likeness’ that creates balance.
asymmetrical balance suggests a more informal or ‘active’ room.
Okay, how do you react to the picture used to illustrate asymmetrical balance?
Look around your rooms and you will quickly see what type of ‘balance’ of design elements you are most comfortable with.
Tomorrow wear a non-matching set of jewelry if you usually always ‘match’ . Start playing around and see where it all leads!
