Principles of design: balance

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This is the first article in a five-part series about the principles of design.

1 of 2

PHOTO SUBMITTED

This fireplace setting depicts formal balance in a room.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Informal balance is shown in this family room.

The principles of interior design – balance, emphasis, rhythm, proportion and harmony – aren't hard and fast rules to be followed unvaryingly in every decorating job. Rather, they are guidelines that will help you create satisfying living environments.

Balance is probably the most easily understood design principle. In decorating, it simply means a state of equality – or equilibrium between two elements or two parts of a design composition. There are two kinds of balance: formal (or symmetrical) balance and informal (or asymmetrical) balance.

Formal balance is achieved when the two halves of a composition or design are exactly the same. Identical end tables flanking a sofa; a fireplace with matching bookshelves on either side; or a pair of candlesticks placed the same distance from a central bowl of flowers all represent formal balance. This kind of evenly matched balance tends to produce a sense of order and stability – evenness – if you will. It is fairly easy to create, but you need to remember that formal balance has a tendency to make a room seem static and stiffly conventional if it's overdone.

Informal balance is achieved when two halves of a composition balance each other even though they are not identical. Size and physical weight are not the only factors involved in this kind of balance, which can only be appraised by the eye. Bright colors seem to advance "weight" more than pale, softer colors or neutrals, which seem to recede. Irregular shapes seem more important as they engage the eye longer than regular shapes, and therefore also "weigh" more in terms of balance.

Interested in creating informal balance in your room? I suggest you think about a see-saw. Equal weights balance each other when they are equal distance from the centre. If one weight is heavier than the other, it must be moved closer to the centre to balance the lighter one. This is also an excellent way to arrange objects on top of a table or fireplace mantle. The heavier, larger or more brightly colored object should be placed closer to the centre than a companion that is lighter, smaller or less noticeable. Ignoring this rule makes one side of your design composition seem too top-heavy.

The same see-saw theory can also be applied to decorating foyers and halls. You need to treat the door or opening as part of your overall composition, and balance it by placing a light-looking grouping a greater distance from the centre of the wall. Strangely enough, an opening or archway has more "weight" than a plain wall and just as much as a door, so it should be treated the same way or carefully balanced.

Today, the trend is definitely toward informal balance. Why? Because it works extremely well with design's ever popular eclectic look. An informal balance plan also works well in creating a contemporary style of decorating. With most of today's homeowners interested in creating a relaxed, casual lifestyle it's important to take into account an informal balance plan.

Sarah Pacey is the award-winning owner of the local Interiors by Decorating Den, which serves commercial and residential interior decorating needs from Oromocto to Grand Falls. Contact her office today with questions or to book a consultation at 392-8882 or by e-mail at paceyteam@decoratingden.com.