Adding Balance Through Asymmetrical Design
Balance is an important aspect of a successful interior design scheme and there are many ways to go about achieving it. The two main types of balance are symmetrical and asymmetrical, the former using equal space and the latter using weighted space. The architecture, as well as natural focal points of a room such as windows, fireplace or TV, ultimately determines how a design scheme will achieve balance. If the focal point is centrally located, a symmetrical design makes sense. However, we often run across homes with off-center or multiple focal points where an asymmetrical design scheme is necessary. Visual balance can be achieved in this situation by adding in features that are either physically heavy like furniture or visually heavy like a large piece of artwork or a dark paint color.
In the recent Indianapolis modern condo remodel shown above, the addition of a new staircase required the fireplace be placed in an asymmetrical format. Our challenge was to add elements back into the space to achieve balance. While our clients’ existing sectional was large, its light color did not add the impact we needed. By adding a richly-colored chair and two ottomans, we were able to bring balance back into the space.
If you are facing the challenges that come with achieving balance with asymmetrical design, we’d be happy to help. Send us an email or give us a call at 317.253.8986.
Project Highlight: Indianapolis Modern Condo Remodel
Downtown Indianapolis is experiencing a rebirth, with people of all ages buying properties with the goal of creating a comfortable living space in an urban setting. Our clients are empty nesters who wanted to downsize into an Indianapolis condo. Once they found their home, they contracted with Steve Gray Renovations, who then introduced us to the couple. The goal was to remodel the traditional-styled space into a more modern condo that reflected our clients’ new lifestyle. The existing interior was gutted to the studs, allowing the homeowners to change the flow and functionality as needed. While our clients were very detail-oriented and clear about their style, they wanted our expertise in guiding them through the wide array of decisions to achieve their vision, as well as access to materials and pieces not directly available to the consumer.
Modern Design Scheme
Clean lines, a white-on-white color palette, lots of texture, modern styling and subtle personality underlie the design scheme for this modern condo remodel. Instead of using rich colors, all of the architectural detailing is over-scaled to add heft to the open concept floor plan. Furniture and accessories are also scaled to complement the chunky details. Since one can see much of the main level from each room, the design scheme flows throughout the space.
Great Room Design
Asymmetrical Fireplace Design:
The fireplace is the focal point of the main living space, so our design began here. The location of a new staircase meant furniture placement options were limited. We developed an asymmetrical design for the fireplace that would allow the furniture to wrap around the focal point. The balance of the shelving moved to the right and a thick stone mantle was continued as a countertop in the shelving area. The hefty nature of the mantle meant the rest of the shelving had to match that weight, as did the accessories. A linear fireplace design allowed us to hang the television at a comfortable viewing angle while also protecting the components from heat damage. A grey, stacked stone fireplace surround completed the modern look.
Design Details:
The thick architectural details are also seen in the ceiling beams, which were painted white to blend with the ceiling while adding interest. Our client’s existing sectional worked perfectly in the space, and was complemented with a new chair, coffee and side tables, and floor covering. White and soft-toned natural accessories complete the sleek look.
Modern White Kitchen Design
Kitchen Design Challenges:
We collaborated with Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery on the kitchen design. As experts in cabinetry and appliances, they were valuable partners in implementing the style of this project. The chunky architectural detailing from the great room needed to flow into the adjacent kitchen area. Designing a kitchen with a thick countertop adds a layer of complexity to the process. Special accommodations need to be made, particularly with cabinet design and appliance installation. Bringing in a knowledgeable partner ensured our clients would end up with the look and functionality they wanted.
Our client was set on a white-on-white kitchen, which can be tricky to implement due to the many variations of white. Many different materials need to complement each other without matching. The key to the success of this type of color scheme is evaluating the undertones of each material to ensure your choices coordinate with each other and the overall design.
Design Details:
We used quartzite for the countertop, a natural material that has the look of marble without the durability issues. Our client chose white, flat-panel cabinetry with a full overlay to support the clean lines of the design scheme. Oversized pulls on the drawers continue the thick scale of the home. Our clients shared our love of impactful lighting, so we sourced gorgeous imported pendants that project light patterns onto the ceiling—one of the highlights of the kitchen.
Dining Space Design
The design of the dining space adjacent to the kitchen was crafted around how our clients planned to live in their smaller home. They rarely sit at a dining table; however, they wanted the option for seating while entertaining guests. Multi-purpose furniture is useful in smaller spaces, where pieces can be moved around based on daily needs. We ended up designing a custom piece that would serve as a sofa table when closed down, and a flip-top dining table when they needed it for that purpose. We also had two light-weight ottomans customized to sit in front of the fireplace but could also become two additional seats for the dining area. Finally, we designed a built-in bench for the dining area that suited the table when it was there, and could be flanked by the small side tables that sat in the living room when it was not.
Modern Master Bedroom Design
Describing a design with words is difficult, so we love when our clients come to us with pictures of the look they are going for. Our client had found a concept photo for her master bedroom, which we emulated as much as possible. Soft off-white walls and white bedding support the modern styling and are complemented by warm colors to create a serene vibe without looking contrived. Custom nightstands were built to support the height, width and style our client desired. The hardwood flooring was covered with a wool carpet custom-cut and bound.
Modern Master Bathroom Design
Working with Marble:
A thick marble countertop continues the detailing from the main level into the master bathroom design. Marble was used throughout the space, and the installation process highlighted the need for a qualified installer. Natural products have their own characteristics, and attention must be paid to how each tile adds to the final design. There is an artistry that comes with this type of installation, and fortunately we worked with Tremain Tile, Marble & Granite, a local tile expert. From the bathroom and shower floor, to the details of the shower niche, they were able to place each piece of marble to create a cohesive and beautiful look.
Design Details:
Our client was quite involved in choosing lighting and fixtures. We landed on a polished nickel finish, which has a warmer cast than chrome.
Modern white-on-white design schemes do not have to be boring. Adding architectural elements, texture and soft analogous colors can offer quite a bit of personality and interest to a space. Our clients were clear they wanted a soft, downtown modern condo. By bringing in thick, textural elements and custom-design pieces, we were able to give them the look and functionality they wanted without compromising style.
Interior Design 101: “To Harmonize the Whole is the Task of Art”
This quote from renowned artist Wassily Kandinsky serves as the mantra for all of our work at Hoskins Interior Design. Harmony is the ultimate goal of every one of our projects. For us, it means everything in the space must contribute to a balanced and beautiful look, otherwise the room will irritate rather than welcome those who use it.
Unlike Kandinsky, interior designers are not original creators; rather they are people who artfully combine the creations of others. From natural elements like plants, flowers, stone and wood, to items made by artists and craftsmen like furniture, rugs and fabrics, interior designers gather these pieces and bring them together in an artful way. We mix elements such as color, texture, pattern, structure, light and sculpture, prioritizing and balancing what is important to the client with the characteristics of the space. It is here that our expertise truly shines, lending our knowledge of form and functionality to our clients to ensure they end up with a home they love.
If you are a regular reader of our blog, you have heard us say over and over, “everything cannot be the star”. This concept is rooted in the idea of creating harmony. We begin a design project with our clients’ priorities in mind. It could be an inherited piece of furniture is the most important element to them, or a collection of glass pieces or sculptures. In another space, the architectural details are what must shine. Regardless of the choice, that central element will serve as the basis for the rest of the design scheme. Every other material, accessory, piece of furniture, fabric, color, etc. may be chosen based on highlighting that one aspect. This purposeful approach ensures balance and harmony for the space, with each element supporting the other to create a cohesive look.
This concept can be difficult for some homeowners who value their belongings and do not want to ignore their importance. However, if we try to combine too many star elements in a space, they end up fighting each other for attention. This competition leads to a “cacophony of things” design scheme, making the space feel uncomfortable and unorganized. We help our clients prioritize their lovely pieces based on the goals for their space, and then advise them on how the other items can be used in different rooms in their homes. This way their prized possessions to do not get lost in the chaos.
Combining elements to achieve balance happens on a macro and micro level in an interior design scheme. Once the large items in a room are placed in relation to each other and the space, we begin filling in the smaller elements. A small grouping on a side tabletop is placed in relation to the seating vignette it is a part of. From there a piece of art is hung on the wall in relation to that seating vignette. Every element relates to all the other elements in a space, and combining all of them to create harmony is a challenging endeavor. Interior designers create the whole space through paying attention to all the layers of the design. Even negative space is important. Consider the arrangement of artwork on a wall. The balance of the piece is based on the image itself as it relates to the mat, as the mat relates to the frame as the frame relates to the other items on the wall. The negative space strongly affects the balance. It is also important to consider where the grouping is in relation to the furniture placement. All the elements of design come into play when creating balance and harmony in a space.
So, where does one begin when implementing a harmonious interior design scheme? Set your priorities, and then address the largest items first, such as architectural elements like fireplaces and windows. Then you can add rugs and large pieces of furniture. Consider scale, size, clearances between these foundation pieces, and the way they should function and relate to each other in the space. Remember you are working in the third dimension, so if you are working from a two-dimensional image of your perfect design, you will have to consider how each piece supports the other as you move around the space rather than just look at it from afar. For many homeowners, the most difficult part of designing a space is placing the finishing touches, like accessories and lighting. We suggest taking a step back and asking, “What does it need?” Add in an element, step back and determine what else is necessary, then add another piece. Make sure you are bringing in simple things that allow the items that are supposed to shine, shine! Think of those other elements as the supporting cast for the star(s) in the room. Always be looking at the whole and how every item relates to each other to create harmony in your space.
Creating a well-designed home that suits you in both style and functionality is not a straightforward process—that is why there are professional interior designers out there! The Hoskins Interior Design Team would be honored to help you design the space you are dreaming of. Send us an email or give us a call at 317-253-8986.
