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A Fine Balance Makes the Space
See how designers create a cohesive look by weighing color, form and function
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
When considering basic design concepts, there is always an overarching theme of balance. Balance — in weight, color, texture or function — is key to a cohesive, comfortable and pleasing space. Today we are going to tackle the basics of balancing weight in a space. Join me as we dissect a few beautiful rooms and gain ideas for our own homes.
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| 1. Scale. The easiest way to balance weight in a space is to envision a simple scale. Imagine the fulcrum in the middle with two platforms on either side. In this photo the window is the fulcrum and the two pieces of art are on each scale platform. Notice that one piece of art is slightly smaller then the other. Also notice the small flower arrangement in the bottom right corner of the window. Adding the flowers tips the scale slightly to the right, giving the smaller artwork more weight and balancing the space. Leave one of those objects out of the photo and the weight will be off balance. |
by Dreamy Whites
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2. Tone. When balancing the weight of a room, you have to take the color tones into account. Deeper, darker tones have more weight than lighter, brighter tones and the combination of the two must be in balance.
In this case, imagine you are color blind and can only see the depth of color. Most of the colors in this space and light and bright, save the bouquet at the head of the bed and the chair at the foot of the bed. The deep tones balance each other so that the scale (imagine the bed is the fulcrum...) is balanced and there is not too much weight on one end of the bed or another.
In this case, imagine you are color blind and can only see the depth of color. Most of the colors in this space and light and bright, save the bouquet at the head of the bed and the chair at the foot of the bed. The deep tones balance each other so that the scale (imagine the bed is the fulcrum...) is balanced and there is not too much weight on one end of the bed or another.
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Here is another simple example of balancing tones. This simplistic design is composed of bright whites and deep, dark tones. The bench is a simple way to bring balance to the all-white hallway, and is reflective of the deep tone of the foreground flooring.
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| 3. Asymmetrical weight. So now you get the basic idea of balancing the weight evenly in a space. Let's get a little more complex by looking at weight that is balanced asymmetrically. In this example, the kitchen island is weighted on the right by the two metal chairs in a deep tone. The addition of a medium-toned table and light fixture, both situated off center to the left, balances the whole room. |
by Hufft Projects
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Here is a simpler example of the same concept. The circular sink and window, one to the left and the other to the right, balancing each other's weight.
by Hufft Projects
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4. Parallel weight. Hallways are typically long, narrow and straight and need a little weight to slow down the bowling-alley effect.
In this hallway, a large collection of frames hang gallery style to balance the weight of the imposing bank of windows. The frames are spread out long the length of the hallway instead of a typical square configuration. This reinforces the line of the hallway and keeps you walking, but slows down the pace a bit.
In this hallway, a large collection of frames hang gallery style to balance the weight of the imposing bank of windows. The frames are spread out long the length of the hallway instead of a typical square configuration. This reinforces the line of the hallway and keeps you walking, but slows down the pace a bit.
by Hufft Projects
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Stepping back a step in this same hallway, you will notice a framed chalkboard. This chalkboard again balances the weight of all those bright-colored frames. Imagine the scale's fulcrum to be right in the middle of the floor where the hallway exits to the left. Do you see the deep tones balancing each other?
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| 5. Architectural adjustments. The design of this home balances weight asymmetrically. Notice that there are two windows and two dormers on the right side of the home, as opposed to the one lower window and upper dormer on the left side. To balance the weight of the right 2 dormers, a long, horizontol porch roof extends to the left, giving the house a balanced weight. |
by Hufft Projects
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This fireplace has been placed asymmetrically on the hearth wall. While a pleasing and interesting architectural feature, the weight of the fireplace must be balanced. A sectional in the deep tones of the fireplace surround, situated slightly to the left, balances the feature perfectly.
Show us: Share your balancing acts below!
More: Let's Get Symmetrical
Why There's Beauty in Grid, Column and Row
Show us: Share your balancing acts below!
More: Let's Get Symmetrical
Why There's Beauty in Grid, Column and Row
Comments
maurk Thank you - a great lesson!
16 months ago · Like
Vanessa Stewart Very useful article. I'm beginning to rethink the rooms in my house with these measures. Thanks for this!
16 months ago · Like
LanaCar This is EXACTLY the type of information I want to see on here!!! There's plenty of stuff I "like" but how do I pull it all together? This helps a LOT! Thanks.
15 months ago · Like
joekennedy Balance in your surroundings adds balance to your life.
15 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Feb. 6, 2012.
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