Symmetry for Home Design and Decor

DESIGN PROBLEM – USING DESIGN to create HARMONY

Perception is everything – literally. In design, the eye’s perception greatly influences the observer’s reaction to a space. Symmetry in interior design can enhance feelings of stability and harmony. Those were exactly the feelings I wanted for our home. Our lives are crazy enough with work, school, sports, volunteer activities, etc. that when I was designing our home I wanted to make a conscious effort to instill as much symmetry as possible.

DESIGN PRINCIPLE – VISUAL SYMMETRY AIDS IN HARMONY

Anything that helps the mind assess what it is seeing helps calm the mind quicker – thus feelings of serenity. Actually, there was an entire movement that connected visual stimuli to the psychology of groupings. Known as Gestalt Psychology, it explain how certain design elements enhance the ability for things to be seen as a whole rather than as individual pieces. Alas, symmetry is one of those elements. This article by Canva (not an affiliate) has a good overview about all elements identified in the Gestalt theory.

SYMMETRY IN MY HOME DESIGN

Moreover, it’s no wonder that the Asian design influence that you will find throughout my home lends itself well to incorporating symmetry. Essentially, both symmetry and the linearity in Asian design help the mind quickly organize what it is seeing. The interior and exterior columns were a perfect way to blend both architecturally.

Further, I ensured that other architectural elements in the space reflected the same symmetry. I designed the fireplace area to accommodate windows on each side of the fireplace. In addition, I located built-in shelves attached to the fireplace columns.

But what if your layout doesn’t lend itself well to symmetry? Fake it till you make it! Our kitchen layout has a central island. The natural placement of the stovetop was directly in the center of the island. However, with multiple people in the cooking area, it did not work to have the kitchen window/sink centered directly behind the stovetop. However, I opted to add as much symmetry as I could in different areas:

• First, I made sure that the overall view of the kitchen had symmetry by adding open shelving to each corner.
• Second, I made sure that the cabinetry grouping on each side was symmetrical since the window is a focal point.
• Third, I chose large glass cabinet doors for part of the kitchen to mimic the feeling of another window.

SYMMETRY IN HOME DECOR

While architectural details have significant impact, they are not the only way you can add some symmetry to your space. Furniture placement, lighting placement, and décor are easy ways to contribute to your home’s harmony.

The design element of symmetry goes hand-in-hand with sightlines for emphasis. Check out this post for more about sightlines.