SYMMETRY VS. ASYMMETRY IN DESIGN: WHICH ROOM DO YOU PREFER?

Room 1 - very symmetrical beach house living room. (above)

I couldn't stop staring at this first beach house living room photo above...trying to figure out what I liked about this space. Is it the furniture, the coastal cottage design aesthetic, the color? Then I realized it was simple...the room was so symmetrical that it was easy on the eye. Two facing sofas, two matching arm chairs, two matching lamps on either side of the fireplace, the exact same throw pillows on each sofas...each side of this room is the exact mirror of the other.

Got me to thinking...would this room look better if something was taken away from one side...or is the charm that it is preppy, clean cut, sharp and balanced? Huh...I wonder...

Then I found this second photo below (same color palette/different style)...another beach town living room with the balance shifted here and there...not at all symmetrical...looks like an L shaped sofa, an interesting wood and leather strapped bench, a large over sized square wood coffee table and a floor lamp that is all about asymmetry...I

So my question to you today is...do you prefer clear symmetry in decor or for things to be just a bit off?

Room 2 - a Venice Beach living room where asymmetry works. (above)

Which of these two living rooms do you prefer? Which space plan works for you? I'm leaning towards the 2nd room but not sure...there is something I like about total order too.  Can't wait to hear what you think!

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Victoria Hagan; Katie Leede

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Write by: AN - Friday, May 27, 2011