Symmetrical Vs. Asymmetrical Balance (Principles of Design)

Both symmetrical and asymmetrical balance can be achieved throughout your interiors in order to provide these spaces a general pattern and purpose. Although we do not (and definitely should not) decide for uniquely one of these two types of balances, we can always apply one in a more general manner, since it all depends on the room you are currently rearranging. For example, if you are striving to have a more formal look for your living room, then a more uniformly organized interior along the same lines of symmetry could be beneficial for that specific space. However, that does not mean that all formality comes with symmetry, since it is perfectly fine to play and have some fun with the ways that asymmetrical balance can give us extremely elegant and sophisticated areas as well. It is all about imagining our ideal space and making it happen with these two principles.

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Project: "Rejuvenece" by Diego Serrano

As we already mentioned, symmetrical balance gives us that sense of simplicity and formality in a space. In my opinion (and in many interior designers’ ways of thinking) formality is simpler to achieve through symmetry, since basic geometry can easily lead us to achieve a clean and organized space that does not only offer this primness to us, but it has also been proven that perfectly symmetrical panoramas are more appealing to the eye. Nevertheless, when we talk about balancing a space “symmetrically”, we do not always mean to have a very contemporary style where each chair has a pair in front of each other and where we were to divide that room in two, we would have two perfect halves. Symmetrical balance can also just be applied to one of the walls in the room, while the entire space can still be totally asymmetrical, and vice versa. That is precisely what adds originality to the room, and not just a system throughout.

The Serrano Residence by architect Octavio Serrano
& designer Diego Serrano

Asymmetrical balance, on the other hand, can be a multipurpose tool willing to aid us in the design of any space, formal or casual. Personally, asymmetry is very fun to play with, since your options are constantly endless! A key here is around the word “relocation” and is all about never being 100% satisfied with a space…until you actually feel 110% satisfied. The best part of asymmetrical balance definitely is how broad your possibilities are, since change is always welcome, and you don’t have any reason to be afraid of experimenting with every single square foot available to you.

Finally—and before applying these two principles of design to our own lifestyles—we have to remember that as designers, interior design aficionados or just homeowners currently working on our ideal interior spaces, an idea or concept is never something to get married to. Especially when we begin thinking about readjusting the spaces around us, I have learned how difficult it is to simply conform ourselves with our initial plan; not because this initiative will always be “bad design”, but because as humans, we do like to wonder. A lot. And this wondering won’t stop unless we give it a try...several times. So, in other words, it’s time to investigate styles, experiment with them, and keep applying the principles and elements, one step at a time.

(Ready to learn more? We’ll be talking about radial balance on our next entry! Follow us on our social media for daily updates.)