Beautiful balance
In the second of Guthrie Bowron Tauranga’s Design Elements series, we look at the importance of balance when considering changes or updates to your home.
Balance in its essence is the arrangement of elements in a room to create a sense of harmony and equilibrium. It's a key principle of interior design that helps make a space feel comfortable and visually appealing.
Balance is a principle that ensures that no single element in a room overpowers another in terms of visual weight or dominance. There are different types of balance, each having their own unique visual kudos.
Symmetrical balance
The art deco inspired hallway (top) uses symmetrical balance brilliantly. The focal point is clear, and the mirroring of the paint colour archway either side reinforces the central axis. The two simple cane chairs and their upholstery perfectly reflect the Fleur de Joie Paprika/Aqua wallpaper from Harlequin Idyllic Retreat behind them, creating a uniformed and harmonious look and feel to the space.
Asymmetry balance
Symmetrical may be too ‘perfect’ an approach for some, as not all spaces suit the uniformed look of order that symmetry provides. Here is where asymmetrical comes into play, providing a more dynamic, informal look. In this example showing the Kent Khroma Anemone and Malva wallpaper collections (above), the key here is to balance visual weights, textures and colour. See how the heavy curved scotias and panels sit surprisingly successfully within the lighter more delicate olive and taupe palette.
Asymmetrical balance can be harder to achieve, but if it’s done well, it can make a space so much more interesting and alive. The reason for this is that it creates tension and surprise in a room with the visually unexpected by way of paint colour, wallpaper pattern and placement and scale of decorative elements.
You can, of course, implement both asymmetry and symmetry together, to create a more interesting and dynamic design scheme.
Radial balance
Radial balance utilises a central focal point where design elements radiate outward or inwards to the central point. In this example, Agathe Khroma by Masureel (above), the circular sofa, tables and placement of the outer lounge chairs create a radial pattern reinforced by the curve of the face in the wallpaper pattern, and the window frame and choice of side tables.
The use of radial balance is a popular choice for hospitality and commercial spaces as they often create stunning results.
Using the skill, expertise and experience of an interior designer, window treatment consultant or colour specialist to get you on the right ‘balanced’ track, can save you time, energy and open up the world of design possibilities to you.
For more inspiring ideas, visit Guthrie Bowron’s Cameron Road showroom.
