Friday, May 14, 2021

Symmetry & Chinoiserie

Phoebe Howard


To me, symmetry in interior design is one of the key elements dividing interior design styles into an old school, traditional, classic approach (symmetry) and a more modern, casual, fresh approach (asymmetry). 

In this Phoebe Howards console above, there are five pairs and everything is in perfect symmetry. How do you feel about this? I fall in the in between range. This is a bit too matchy matchy for my personal taste. I now tend to use symmetry to anchor but then mix in individual pieces. 

I do love the British Colonial vibe with dark woods and blue and white Chinese porcelain. The inlaid bone mirror works beautifully too.


21 comments:

  1. First of all, I want to thank you for the hard work you put into this page. Each day it's one of my first stops when I jump on the internet, and I always look forward to seeing what new images and stories you've come up with. As for symmetry, I agree that this image is a little too too. Like you, I prefer symmetry but with a little edginess or eccentricity thrown in to keep it interesting.

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    1. Thanks so much. I always enjoy your comments. Yes, this is a bit too expected.

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  2. I agree completely and I love your blog too.

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  3. I have mixed feelings also. The traditional part of me loves pairs of things and absolute balance. These pieces are gorgeous—especially those drop-dead gorgeous mirrors—singularly and collectively. Having said that, the area is completely lifeless, beautiful but no energy. Like all good design, it depends on its surroundings. There are certainly many homes this would look perfect in.

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  4. Totally agree! I love a dose of symmetry, but prefer a bit of playfulness to a vignette.

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  5. I like symmetry up to a point...but what I really like is when some balance is incorporated in it. Elements that are not identical but balance each other in size or grouping.

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  6. I like the photo above. In that case the symmetry works beautifully.

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    1. At least, the little tea jars are not identical (but are balanced) and I love that type of arrangement.

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    2. Doesn't work for me. Too many small pairs and too many pairs period.

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  7. Completely love symmetry. It soothes my soul.

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    1. I agree but I think too much looks very dated though.

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  8. I like both symmetry and asymmetry, both have their places. What I do not like is a line up of everything in a row, be it symmetrical or not. To me it's like the housekeeper pushed everything to the back and lined it up because that is the way they were taught. I think groupings of things look better. The other issue I would take with this vignette is scale. Other than the lamps and mirror, everything is small, almost no variety.

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  9. I love symmetry and balance, but this lovely vignette, needs a little nudge to make it perfect. I am not a fan of lots of little tchotchkes. All these small items would have more weight in groups and all the visual weight is on top of the table. . I really love the inlaid mirror.

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    1. Exactly. Too many small items and not enough drama.

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    2. IMHO, the vases should move out from under the table and supplant a few of the little doodads. One or two smaller things would be plenty after the vases and lamps

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