Symmetry vs. Balance

You can achieve a balanced design with asymmetry.

Yep, you don’t always need identical symmetrical elements to create a balanced design. I always ask our clients if they prefer symmetry or if they are open to “balance.” I like to get a feel for whether you are more comfortable when items match when paired alongside a design feature.

There is a place for symmetry in a design, but by allowing asymmetrical elements, you can still achieve a harmonious and balanced design—just in a unique and unexpected way.

Symmetry is when identical items or elements are mirrored on each side of a feature in a design. The elements can either be structural, like windows flanking a bed, or furnishings like plants on each side of a doorway.

Asymmetry is when different items are used on each side, but the visual “heaviness” is matched to the other side.

What do I mean?

Consider the visual “heaviness.”

Is there an element in the design that visually takes up the space, making that element seem “heavy”? Does the texture, color, or shape stand out from the rest of the design? If so, we add items or features across from the element that take up visual space in a complementary way but do not mirror the element.

This is a great example of symmetry in a kitchen design.

We designed identical upper cabinets on each side of the custom hood.

In this design, the design of the shelves and the sink location offset the lone upper cabinet.

The asymmetry creates a balanced design without having identical items on each side of the wine refrigerator.

In this bathroom, we designed an L-shaped vanity to maximize functionality and storage.

The vanity shape and the mirror placement automatically created an imbalance in that portion of the room. By adding the pendant lights and floating shelves on the other side, we created a balanced design.

We create beautifully cohesive and balanced rooms using unique elements.

Do you want help mixing it up and using unexpected asymmetrical elements in your rooms? We’d love to get to know you and hear about your project.