Friday, January 21, 2011

Creating Balance with Home Decor

 Creating balance can be done two ways.  The first way is Symmetrical design is it’s when you have two unit of each item. It’s like a mirror effect for example if you have two identical tables on either side of the sofa with lamps on them. This is the simplest way to create balance but tends to be a bit static lacking visual interest.

Photo from Campbell DesignsLLC.com

 The second way to create balance is asymmetry, which is opposite symmetric design. Asymmetry is when the visual weight of two items is almost equal and mixed with items that are of different in size, pattern, spacing and shape.

Photo from EthanAllen.com
  Balance is created when everything in the room works together to create a pleasurable feeling. To achieve balance you need to consider that size, scale and lighting our in proportion to the room.

 Let’s talk about how you can apply balance into your space, start with the biggest piece of furniture. For example the sofa will anchor a grouping of art, make sure you artwork is not bigger then the sofa and hung 6 to 8 inches above. This will make the grouping appear as one piece with the sofa. If the art is to height it will look lost or out of balance.

 When accessioning use multiple pieces placed close together all around the room. If you’re selling your home this trick will keep the buyers eye moving around the room, large displays tend to stop the buyers eye.

  The larger the piece of furniture the more room you need to leave around it, this allows they eye to rest. Too much stuff and buyers get distracted; they look at the stuff instead of connecting with the space.

  A great way to add visual interest and balance with accessories is to place décor item at three height levels floor, mid level and eye level. This will help the buyer’s eyes move naturally through the room, an example of item at floor level would be area rugs ,plants and the flooring its self. Décor items at mid level are lamps and accessories placed on table tops. Window treatment and art work are examples of height at eye level.

   Contrast is a great way to achieve interest in a room. Imagine an all white room with white floor and white furniture it would be pretty boring. Contrast helps bring energy to the space and keeps the buyers eyes moving. I love this look.

Elle Decor.com
Elysse Bulloch

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