House Beautiful
What do you think a ‘cohesive’ room means? The dictionary defines cohesion as: ‘the state of cohering or sticking together’.
Bryan Road
To me, in design terms, a cohesive room is one that works with pairs and creates symmetry. For example, look at the room below. There are matching pairs of tables, lamps and benches.
House Beautiful
A cohesive room has a balanced look.
Oxford American Dictionary defines symmetrical as ‘able to be divided into parts that are the same in size and shape and similar in position on either side of a dividing line or around a center’. Symmetry is a ‘pleasing proportion between parts of a whole’.
The one room I always try for symmetry is in the bedroom. Since the bed is the focal point, I work with pairs on each side of the bed. I like the look of two matching bedside tables or at least similar sizes in height and width. I know, I know… it is supposed to be boring and traditional, but that is the look I find most people are pleased with- including me! Matching lamps come next and again, similar can work but I would fight for matching pairs in lamps. See how in the picture below everything is a mirror image on each side of the bed.
HGTV
And look how beautifully nature works with symmetry:
Beautiful and perfect.
flickr
Would you consider this room below symmetrical or asymmetrical (not symmetrical)?
I do not find this room balanced because of the artwork on the sides. The different size prints throw the balance off, plus the table and lamp. Asymmetrical for sure.
Do you think of using symmetry when you are designing a room? Do you think it is important for a room to have a cohesive look? Which look do you prefer? Symmetrical or asymmetrical? Other comments?
If you need help getting the look you want, contact me today for an in home or online consultation.
Other Topics You Might Enjoy:
More Questions to Ask Before Your Room Redesign
Priority! Questions To Ask Before You Begin Redesign
House Beautiful’s Color Bookazine
Share on Facebook
Kelly Bernier Designs
