Our name was lucky enough to land on the guest list this year at the 3rd Annual Domino Bazaar where Domino's new book was the highlight of the evening. The entire space was set up like a huge house which included everything from a formal dining room to an outdoor area. Once we started to navigate the huge loft we snapped shots of things we loved (which was pretty much everything). When we started looking through our photo roll, we noticed a repeated decorating technique that made each space look amazing...
How To: Use Symmetry Effectively
At the 3rd Annual Domino Bazaar
The technique that allowed each space to work seamlessly was the applied use of symmetry. The art and objects in each space were positioned for a perfectly balanced look. Even with some of the frames suffering from a bit of lopsidedness--we still loved the symmetry executed with each scene. The balance used in this formal dining room makes the room seem even more formal and grandiose.
This wall of art uses four levels of frames balanced harmoniously with two silver lamps. The placement of the frames up high mixed with the symmetry of the space gives the room more stature.
Here we have symmetry in the bookcases across the room from the art. This lengthens the space and makes it feel roomier.
And then there's the uncomplicated symmetry of two simple lamps. Looking at this picture, the lamps create a balance that feels safe and warm without looking too contrived.
Two chairs placed on opposite sides of this patio table make the area seem warm and inviting.
We absolutely loved seeing symmetry used in the placement of these succulents. While each plant itself is not perfectly symmetrical, the use of two smaller succulent arrangements flanking a larger one is quite harmonious. We also think creating symmetry using objects in your home is the perfect way to rearrange your furniture and give your space a new look without having to go shopping for new items.
We also loved these previous posts on how to arrange artwork
- Look! Picture Frames Around A Bed This is an amazing before and after of how the perfect placement of pictures can transform a room
- How Do You Choose Your Art Gallery Layout? If you'd like more options on hanging art, this post includes off-center and random options for inspiration
Comments (9)
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any information on how to find details about the teak and stainless patio set?
view dru's profile
Looks like a great event and I'm looking forward to getting the book. The off-kilter frames would have made me nutty though. I don't think I could have held back, I'd have started chewing gum and sticking it behind the frame to try and straighten them. Yeah, I've got issues...
view I Love Upstate's profile
I see the words 'seamlessly' and 'perfectly balanced' with an acknowledgment of these crooked pictures. I guess I would be expecting a little more perfection as it seems what they're going for, and symmetry casts an unforgiving light on the crookedness. It was a theatrical decorated scheme rather than a permanent installation and these things just get put up in a hurry.
I get the gist of what you're suggesting though. Symmetry, or buying things in pairs actually, is an easy way to get things to look put together. One of something, or an imbalanced or asymmetrical look is great too, but I see so many lone little pictures or shelf clutter stranded too far from anything or competing with something that doesn't give it a balanced composition in the room. Symmetry is pleasing and easy to accomplish. If there are two sides to everything, just put the same thing on either side of it and you're good to go.
view K T G's profile
Geez - Did they have an earthquake right before the event?
I agree that symmetry is the easiest way to make a space elegant - but the installations here are inexcusably sloppy.
Deborah Needleman and Dara Caponigro should have been mortified.
view bepsf's profile
it would have taken a few minutes tops to straighten out those pictures. I am hardly a perfectionist but come on? That is just plain sloppy.
view Seaside's profile
ok glad I'm not the only one confused by the crooked pictures! I was thinking, "what symmetry?"!
view lovelyrita's profile
I thought the crooked pictures in the dining rom set were crooked on purpose; sort of a mirroring of the slant. Not anything I would do but it could be interesting. The pictures above the table woith the silver lamps makes me twitch a bit though.
view Janice99's profile
ack! I thought they were crooked on purpose also. Seriously, it takes a second to fix.
view inkstainedwriter's profile
Wait they weren't supposed to be crooked on purpose?
view girlonthem00n's profile