One Of These Things Looks Like The Other!!

No!! You are not seeing double, but you are seeing Symmetry, one side matches the other!

Designed by Christopher Maya Inc.

I must admit I love symmetry. It is a comforting look to me.  When I see a vignette perfectly balanced it makes me feel like all is well with the world, or at least my world in the room.  I know in good design asymmetry is actually more interesting and less contrived.  Afterall, if you look out in nature you always see asymmetry and, let's face it, nature gives us the best designs of all.  I have always said God is by far the best designer.

 

I absolutely love the two urns in each window. The simplicity, texture and the natural green of the moss is very appealing and soothing to me.

Designer Jacqueline Derry Segura

This room has nice balance.  I love the symmetry on the console behind the sofa. What keeps this room from looking contrived is the arrangement on the ottoman.  It is asymmetrical and has wonderful interesting pieces with texture and shine.  Aren't the two side chairs interesting designs?

Designer Phoebe Howard

As far as I am concerned Phoebe Howard can do no wrong.  I absolutely love everything about her design aesthetics.  She does symmetry at its best- simple and elegant with lots of interest.  If I had to choose only one designer to describe what I love in design, it would be Phoebe Howard.  Don't you love the mirrored doors and the little golden feet on this chest. Did you notice the key holes and the beautiful texture of the herringbone floors?  I told you I really love Phoebe Howard.

Love this entry!  I think I might have used just a little bit larger scale lamps here.  I always love when there are two matching lamps on a console or mantle.  It just feels right to me!

You can only see a glimpse of the symmetry on each side of the mirror, but you can tell they are matched on both sides. The old glazing on the mirror reflecting the chandelier is stunning.

Love this dining room! Notice a lamp on each side of the Buddha statue and a  white chair on each side of the buffet?  Even down the middle on each side of the white urn there are the same configurations of elements. As much as I love this room, I think I would have not had the arrangement on the table runner quite as symetrical as it appears. 

The entrance into this hallway is treated in the same manner from side to side-simply and elegantly.

Designer Charlotte Moss for Veranda Magazine

Notice only two Ginger Jars on top of the armoire and not the normal three that is usually suggested as a guideline in design.  The reason it works so well here is because as you peek through the panels your eyes automatically center on the compositon, and the symmetry makes it all work.  Three would have just taken it in a whole other direction and would have made it appear more contrived and a bit overdressed.

 

Charlotte Moss for Veranda

Anothr beautifully designed room by Charlotte Moss. Two lamps on a console one of my favorite looks for a room.  I have to point out the wall treatment.  I am not sure if it is fabric or not, but it so interesting.  Do you see the outline of a casual check pattern bordering the more elaborate pattern which is framed by the green gimp? The gimp is why I think this just might be fabric.... lovely!

So, after seeing so much symmetry in the above rooms, are you comforted by accessories matching from side to side, or does it just feel too contrived to you? I would love to hear your opinions on if you gravitate towards symmetry or asymmetry? I will be doing a post in the near future giving examples of asymmetry, so stay tuned!

"Enjoy the Process" Of: Playing with Symmetry

Kathysue

"SALE ALERT"

Another day another "Sale Alert"  Just a few items I thought might interest my Loyal Readers

This is still on sale at Ballard but now it is marked down to $49.99

Love this mirror from JCPenneys, if you can believe that!

I have Averill from blog Odi et Amo to thank for finding this darling stool.  She has used it in her bathroom makeover and it looks amazing!  Be sure and  take a look at her wonderful blog and say,"Hi" for me.

Great little storage bench, again at JCPenney's, Who knew?

Would you believe this accent table is adjustable? This is a  great little table

that could go just about anywhere.

I love the unusual combination of elements in this light sconce from Ballard 50% off.

"Enjoy the Process" Of: Finding great deals!

Kathysue

To Pleat or Not to Pleat? That is the Question!

I have a thing for pleats. I loved to wear them when I was young and now that I have a home to decorate I love them in furniture. I have been looking around at the different pieces you can get with pleats in upholstered pieces and there are some really appealing designs.  Let me show you some that I am loving .

This is an amazing bedroom by Designer Tobi Fairley. I love the nice deep pocket in this oversized box pleat.

Another darling room by Tobi. The ottoman in this girls room has some great box pleats around its edges.

You have to look carefully to see these pleats. They rest above the skirt bottom, just barely peeking out. I really like this look. I find it interesting.

These pleats are a bit different than a box pleat. They are side-by-side almost overlapping. These are called fan pleats. I have noticed that I am liking my pleats with a fair amount of length in order to lay nicely.  The other element I like is the little legs or casters peeking out from underneath, leaving a bit of visual space between the bottom of the skirt and the floor.

Here we have a smaller pleated skirt.  It almost gives a ruffled affect. I would be afraid that this would not lay smoothly after its first washing. It appears to be a slip covered piece. This is another example of a fan pleat.

I found this room on Cote de Texas blog. This room was done by Designer Suellen Gregory.  Pretty and Pink.  Love the large box pleats on the ottoman.

I am seriously thinking about four of these little beauties for my living room.  They are slipcovered  so that would make them washable. That is a plus with a family.  Look at the darling little casters peeking out from under the skirt.

This sofa has box pleats with a good length to them.  I definitely like the legs peeking out from under the skirt.

After looking at all these pleated beauties, do you prefer box or fan pleats? How about the width of the pleat? Do you prefer the larger or the more narrow pleats. One other thing to think about!  Do you like pleats to go to the floor or to leave a little air space between the pleats and the floor?

These are all questions I have asked myself.  So far I am liking the box pleat just like on the sofa in the above picture. I like the little caster feet.

"Enjoy the Process" Of: Discovering if you like Pleats!

Kathysue