Balance
October 19, 2010
I’m so excited to be back! I know I haven’t written in a while and I have missed it so! So let’s get started again!
I have been thinking a lot about balance lately. Balance in my personal life and balance in design. Since I am still juggling to find the most ideal balance in my personal life, let’s talk about balance in the world of design.
One of the core principles of design involves creating a space that is balanced harmoniously. There are two major types of balance: Symmetrical Balance and Asymmetrical Balance.
Let’s talk about Symmetrical Balance first. Imagine a vertical plane. Divide that plane in half. To achieve symmetrical balance both sides of that vertical plane would be identical.
Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy
This type of balance is generally used in formal, traditional spaces through the use of identical objects, ie: matching mirrors, as seen in the photo above.
Photo Credit: genuinestyle.net
Yet, as is evident in the photo below. Symmetrical balance can be achieved just as harmoniously in a modern, playful space.
Photo Credit: interi0r.com
The other main type of balance is Asymmetrical Balance. Asymmetrical balance is created by achieving symmetry with the visual weight of the objects.
Photo Credit: arhzine.com
In general when working with asymmetrical balance, the objects are not identical but they hold the same weight in the space, ie: an oversized piece of artwork opposing a modern sculpture.
Photo Credit: mspmag.com
Balance in a space can act as the foundation to an incredibly visually stimulating room. So, start with this foundation and editorially add details to make it your own!
