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You’ve probably heard that symmetry gives a sense of order and stability in interior design. This type of balance is achieved by dividing the room into two halves that mirror each other. It may, for example, have a living area with two sofas separated by a coffee table. However, not every area benefits from the unified appearance of order that symmetry delivers. That's why, rather than precise replication, mastering asymmetry in interior design may be a better way to attain balance. Read on to learn how to use asymmetry in interior design to make a room feel much more alive and intriguing.
1. Create an off-center focal point
When you go into a room, your eyes are pulled to a particular element or piece of furniture. So before balancing the space, determine your room's main focal point. It can usually be a fireplace, a bed, a dining table, a mural, a window, or a ledge. Make sure that your chosen focal point is placed off-center from the midway, then build the rest of your design around it. Getting away from traditional symmetry will evoke feelings of movement and add unexpected visual interest to your space.
2. Create a Visual Weight Balance
In terms of visual weight, both parts of the room should be roughly equal. If you have an off-center fireplace, for example, one side of the room will have greater visual weight than the other. So, to level out the area and establish harmony, add substantial furniture or decorative items on the other side of the room. You should consider not just the furniture but also the textures, colors, and design. In a design scheme, darker, bigger, more complex, and more textured items seem visually heavier. So, if your focal wall is dark in color, for example, use the brightness of a window to counteract it.
3. Use Items of varying Heights
Asymmetry may also be achieved by using different layers of items. Different heights of furniture and design pieces allow your eye to roam throughout the space, keeping the interest alive. So, place furniture or décor of varying heights opposite each other like a tall houseplant on one side of the sofa, and a table with a small table lamp on the other side. To draw the eye up and create a nice zig-zag moment, hang a mirror or an artwork on a wall while keeping other decorative objects plain and low to the ground. Also, a bigger sculptural light on one side of an armchair creates a sensation of flow, while a woven basket on the other side anchors the weight on the floor.
4. Create a Sense of Continuity
It's important to incorporate a few common threads when going asymmetrical to help tie everything together. The way to proceed is to repeat elements with similar colors, shapes, and textures. A unified color scheme and a well-chosen material combination will give the area a sense of belonging. To achieve an overall cohesion, combine complementary colors and materials throughout the space. Bursts of copper and bronze, for instance, complement each other, while the use of woven accents on chairs, poufs, and baskets create visual consistency.
5. Use Odd Numbers
While even numbers provide symmetry, odd numbers inspire curiosity and produce a more natural and less forced setting. So organize your key pieces into harmonious groups of three, five, seven, or nine to add visual depth and interest throughout the room. When it comes to decorating a coffee table, display a matched set of decor - three various sizes or shapes of the same sort of object, or three distinct items for uniqueness. You can also hang an odd number of mirrors or frames on a wall to create fun and informal designs.
6. Use Asymmetrical Designed Furniture
Asymmetry can also be an effective way to create a focal point in a room. Choosing an asymmetrical table over a square or rectangular table, for example, instantly gives a space a distinctive aspect. An asymmetrically designed bed for instance stands out on its own. You can also put together several asymmetrical tables to create a layout that automatically attracts the eye of everyone who enters the room. Sometimes, tilting a chair at an angle or placing it diagonally in the corner of your room is enough to keep the eye moving and intrigued.
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