Friday, April 30, 2010

Random...who me???

You know in all those personality tests that you take, where they put you in groups with funny names or colors to cateogize how you think? 

I'm always in the random group.  I'm not a straight-line thinker.  Some people are more kind and say I'm "global-thinking".  I think that's a nice way of saying I'm all over the place! 

I think it just means I like things to be more asymmetrical than symmetrical. 

Asymmetrical arrrangements are so much more interesting, don't you think? 


We all know the odd number rule in grouping objects...3...5...7  etc....It's anything goes for the most part.  Things in an asymmetrical arrangement don't have to line up or match or hang straight. 


Asymmetry is full of angles and geometry (Not my favorite subject, BTW)

But when I see pairs of things....

....I feel like I need to stand up straighter, check my manicure and wear pantyhose.  Symmetry is just so much more formal!

Debra Geller, Interior Designer
This is a beautiful room, great design, contemporary colors and a little stiff for me.  I'm having a hard time seeing myself hanging out on these chaises. 
Me in one.....Big Henry in the other?



I don't think so.


Eventhough the materials in this foyer, like the distressed wood, worn basket and the painted finishes, are more casual, it still presents with that more refined feel. 


I surprise myself at times by loving matching pairs.  Two beautiful antique settees....sigh....aren't they wonderful?   How many other pairs do you see here?   (It's like playing "Where's Waldo")

This really is a mirror image!  With the exception of the accessories on the nightstand, symmetry is EVERYWHERE !  and how pretty it is.
But don't you  just want to mess up the bed a bit?

Single objects and a few accessories break up the symmetry a little bit, making this great room feel a little more friendly and casual.


I just love these turned wood lamps....I'll take two!

Two, Two, Two of most everything, and then throw in all the squares and it's a symmetrical wonderland.  Are you seeing double yet?
I love the color palatte of green and lavender.


I know everyone in blogland has presented this photo, but it's just a perfect example of a balanced arrangement.  This REALLY is a mirror image....down to the small florals on the nightstands.  Thank goodness for the hat!

So, random or linear....where do you fit in.
You artsy types, don't lie!

8 comments:

  1. okay okay, I confess. I like symmetry! For some reason, it is comforting to me. But as in the last photo, I like a symmetrical backdrop paired with a few layers of un-symmetrical things to make it feel comfortably "off". (like that hat in the last photo). Great post as usual Sally. Have a lovely weekend!

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  2. Sally I am more random, (of course I am an artist), however a Refined random, with a tad of symetry!

    Following you so I don't miss out on your great style.

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  3. Sally you already know I love symetry but I know in design asymetry is best in some cases. I do tend to like the uniformity of design in symetry in my stripes in my checks. I think this is one thing you and I differ on but we are like minded in the core of most things, hehe. You are a red head and I am a blonde so we are allowed our little differences. Hugs Kathysue

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  4. Sally-
    I am complex and at times complicated- I like both!! And the kitchen with the twin benches that you like, I love the tile floor. I am thinking of penny tile for my kitchen. And, I now have blogfrog, thanks to you! Thank you.

    Kim Barth
    thelivingdetails.com

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  5. From your post, I see I like a bit of balance offset with a smidgen of asymmetry. Too much symmetry can be boring, but the assorted pictures in piggily-wiggily randomness also drives me crazy. So, maybe I am somewhere in-between. But balance has to be there or I am tipsy! :)
    By the way, thanks for being a regular reader of my post (graciousinteriors.blogspot.com)! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  6. Random. Just like my thoughts~! x

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  7. I love the sense of order symmetry brings to a space, but you are right on the mark in my book, love the addition of an element to throw it off at bit to make it interesting!
    Janell

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  8. I am a symetry kind of girl. I was a fanatic about that with my kitchen, my poor cabinet guy almost lost his mind working with me. I love a good pair rather than a lonely single:)

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