Friday, June 26, 2009

Pet Peeve ~ Symmetrical Overload

I know I am going to get debated on this one and I am okay with it . . .
But I am just not a Symmetrical kind of gal . I know that it keeps things calm and quiet and most designers love it, but for me it can be a bit too quiet and a bit boring.

Even in the nicest of spaces, I find myself wondering what could have been. Where is the something unexpected, the element of surprise ?


I guess I like to take a change and be creative when I design. So no, it is not for me . . . how do you feel about Symmetrical Overload ? Debate me, bring it on . . .



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31 comments:

  1. chat to textJune 26, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    I soooo love a good debate but the problem with this is that I also hate Symmetrical Overload! Sorry I can't "bring it" this time.

    Will be returning to watch all the comments that try to debate....should be fun

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  2. Room Service ~ Decorating 101June 26, 2009 at 3:54 PM

    Okay chat to text, you're on my side, and we will take them on together. lol Thanks

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  3. AnonymousJune 26, 2009 at 4:28 PM

    To me symmetry is boring! So you get no argument here. Sasha

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  4. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJune 26, 2009 at 4:47 PM

    I don't really like a lot of symmetry either, so I guess I am with you. Hugs, Marty

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  5. imjacobsmomJune 26, 2009 at 4:52 PM

    I've never cared for symmetry either. Too matchy-matchy! ~ Robyn

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  6. Blue Creek HomeJune 26, 2009 at 5:04 PM

    Hi- Thanks for the shower compliments. It means so much when a compliment comes from someone who has such a good eye and great style. I just saw the photo's of your outdoor bridal shower. Everything look yummy. The pool house/pool was the perfect setting. I can imagine when the pretty young women and the gifts were there, it was quite a sight. Rhonda

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  7. Linda in AZ *June 26, 2009 at 6:08 PM

    * Wellllllll, Vicky-girl, "Sometimes you feel like a nut, someetimes you don't!"... The first three pics, if I may be so bold, ARE just TOO MUCH! (Eeeeks!!!). (At least we know these designers can probably do "each half" of their faces correctly/the same/"matchy-matchy"!!!

    Hugs as always,
    Linda

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  8. Rosaria WilliamsJune 26, 2009 at 6:13 PM

    Balance, symmetry, all intented to keep the flow, I gather. In all three pictures, I can fall asleep by all that symmetry

    From someone who is intrigued by novelties, give me confort, and then distract me with a wow nod.

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  9. Four Paws and CoJune 26, 2009 at 7:27 PM

    I think I lean more on the side of symmetry, but the photos you posted are just lacking in many areas. Guess it just depends on the piece or area whether I go with whimsy or symmetry or both. ☺ Diane

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  10. AnonymousJune 26, 2009 at 8:15 PM

    I like both. Symmetry in a bedroom is restful but in other areas of the home, I find it b-o-r-i-n-g. I am so interested in what others think. Great post!

    Charla

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  11. Tales of WhimsyJune 26, 2009 at 10:19 PM

    I like it but use it sparingly.

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  12. AnonymousJune 27, 2009 at 12:21 AM

    a Few years back i was obsessed with symmetry, but it really made all the rooms BORING! Two of this, two of that it looks like my rooms where popping out twins all over the place. Now i learned that you can create balance if you use the same colors/textures/patterns in diffrents rooms so they flow into each other, that creates a nice vibe.

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  13. AliciaJune 27, 2009 at 12:26 AM

    ZZZZ....oh so sorry fell asleep there for a moment. Total yawn & am I the only one that feels the items on & over the mantle are too small, including the sconces.
    The first image reminds me off a Pottery Barn add...show me over & over to sell me, especially since its not even a double sink....yawn..yup too predictablezzzzz.......

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  14. artis1111June 27, 2009 at 4:16 AM

    Mix it up,the same things looks like you don''t know any otyher way to do something. If it more interesting the eye is having a better time enjoying looking at a place or a vignette. If you just change a few items it isfresh and diffrent. Kathy

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  15. My Galveston CottageJune 27, 2009 at 4:58 AM

    that first image is certainly a great example of overload!!! however, i personally like a certain amount of symmentry for a clean, balanced and youthful look. but, really, doesn't it kinda depends on the space design.

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  16. Room Service ~ Decorating 101June 27, 2009 at 6:00 AM

    Great comments everyone, and yes, I think it ,like all elements of design depends on the space. I like some symmentry, but I think most people do too much of it because it is just plain safe and easy. In everything in life let there be balance. Thanks

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  17. Room Service ~ Decorating 101June 27, 2009 at 6:08 AM

    Mom, when are you going to start a blog of your own... all that talent you have and not sharing it, you should be ashamed. Let's say it all together gals...Mom start a blog. And you too sasha, And brenda, don't even get me started ...

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  18. Room Service ~ Decorating 101June 27, 2009 at 6:20 AM

    juju, I can not ever figure out how to leave a comment for you...But know that I have tried and always enjoy your visits here...

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  19. Hill Country House GirlJune 27, 2009 at 6:44 AM

    I think symmetry is good as a basis to build on. For example, two vases on either end of a mantel, and then add your element of surprise on one end, or 3/4 of the way down the mantel.Another case would be symmetry using two different objects - the same in scale but not matching. I agree, in the photos you have chosen, one might as well have copied a furniture showroom display.Lovely, but boring!

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  20. cedwards55June 27, 2009 at 11:41 AM

    Sometimes I think symmetry is called for. Like if the client wants to fall asleep in the middle of dinner. I don't LOVE symmetry but I do LOVE balance. I think that to the average person, symmetry is pleasing. It drives creative types crazy. There is a local designer in my town who does a room almost as if she was cooking dinner. Every room has the same ingredients...white walls, crystal lamps and accessories, a huge bouquet of flowers, glass top tables,a white sofa and one chair with a colorful fabric for upholstery. All of the accessories come in pairs, just like Noah's Ark! She's wildly successful. I can't figure it out!!!!
    Carol

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  21. Four Paws and CoJune 27, 2009 at 1:31 PM

    Great idea Vicky! I love to see how you change the boring rooms to make them pop! ☺

    Carol, I'm so guilty of the Noah's Ark syndrome & I'm hoping you ladies help me out of rut!!! ☺ Diane

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  22. mrsbenJune 27, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    I implicitly agree with you Vicky. More often than not there is a confusion between symmetry and balance. ie: Re the last photo in particular; it might have been more economical just to have just mirrored the wall. :)

    HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND Vicky.....and YES I too think Lynda 'Mom' shud start a blog. Shame, shame on her. Such wasted talent!
    Hugs (to both of you) -Brenda-

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  23. laneyJune 27, 2009 at 2:07 PM

    ...the words balanced and symmetrical are not synonymous...

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  24. mrsbenJune 27, 2009 at 2:29 PM

    Ooops, shud have read: 'just to have mirrored the wall'. (Reason why I don't have a blog ..... I wud be required to proof read.)

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  25. AnonymousJune 27, 2009 at 4:07 PM

    I like for things to be balanced but not necessarily symmetrical - if that makes *any* sense!

    While all of the photos are lovely, they're too matchy-matchy for me, not to mention a wee bit on the austere side. I like little bit of "stuff" sitting out.

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  26. French-KissedJune 27, 2009 at 4:52 PM

    The real problem with the symmetry you showcase is that it is identical mirror image symmetry and nothing could be less creative or more unimaginative. The secret for symmetry that is calming rather than disturbing is to deliver it in a way that it is not so obvious and boring. Objects of similar mass, height, color, shape, or texture can work to provide symmetry without being identical. A good symmetrical approach is usually to anchor with two identical items and then mix the rest up within a symmetrical balance. Symmetry is really more about an even delivery of energy rather than a look. Harmonious symmetry rather than identical symmetry is far more pleasing. Believe me I am no expert but that is my 2 cents.
    ~J~ @ French-Kissed.com

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  27. Room Service ~ Decorating 101June 27, 2009 at 6:28 PM

    Thanks for all the comments and I do admit I picked the most boring room to show as my examples, I was trying to make a point... I think I was sucessful.

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  28. Nicole ~June 28, 2009 at 7:33 AM

    I have to agree with you, it is quite boring. But, I do find myself wanting to balance things out perfectly! I have been trying very hard to break out of of this mindset.

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  29. xinexJune 29, 2009 at 10:58 AM

    Hi Vicky! I like to create balance but in our formal living room, there is a little bit of symmetry, makes it look more formal I guess, although I can tell you that the room is not boring at all....Christine

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  30. Bill @ Affordable AccoutrementsJune 30, 2009 at 6:59 PM

    Hi Vicky,
    Thank you so much for the nice comment you left on Affordable Accourtrements!

    I really enjoyed the symmetry post -- you selected perfect images to spark discussion! I'm a Libra, so balance is important to me (it's in the stars!!! LOL), but I must say I really prefer informal arrangements. Or a balance of formal and informal. OK, I'm babbling. I guess it's one of those "know it when you see it" things for me -- intuitive.

    I fully agree with your overall message that too perfectly balanced can be static and boring. We need a little spice with the sugar, don't we?

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  31. MarthaJune 30, 2009 at 7:57 PM

    I like symmetry but sometimes too much is too much. I'm a symmetry kind of gal but my husband isn't -- whenever there is two things alike, you can bet I bought them! But not everything is symmetrical because of my husband.

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