Leigh Spicher
I’ve told you about the Five Principles of Design and how to use them in your design . Now let’s dig a little deeper into each principle and see how you can achieve it in your home! The easiest way to understand balance is to picture a scale with equal weights on either side. But that doesn’t mean that each side has to be exactly the same. A pound of feathers will balance with a pound of lead, but they’re definitely going to look a little different! Design elements don’t have to be identical to “weigh” the same and when the details of are in balance, they create a sense of calm even if they seem chaotic on their own. Here are five ways you can use this design principle to make your home feel calmer:
1. Make it useful:
You probably have to keep some things out on your counter. Whether they’re appliances, spice racks, or fruit bowls, arrange them so they balance the space and your counters won’t feel cluttered.
Photo Source: Ashton Woods
2. Balance top to bottom and left to right:
The heavier sofa and console anchor the space while the lighter accessories on the wall mirror the TV, creating symmetry in all directions.
Photo Source: Ashton Woods
3. Build it In:
Alcoves make balance part of the architecture of your home and create a frame that surrounds furniture or fixtures like a work of art.
Photo Source: Ashton Woods
4. His and Hers:
Balance can also create functional spaces that keep you and your spouse from battling over the sink while you get ready in the morning!
Photo Source: Ashton Woods
5. Shelve it:
Think of each side of your built-in shelves as echoing, rather than mirroring each other. Match items by color, size, or number on either side of a fireplace or TV.
Photo Source: Ashton Woods
