Do design dilemmas bring about debate in your house? Here at Casa Giese, I am not the only person who cares about the likes of furniture, fabric and form. In truth, I rely a great deal on Ben's eye. His approach is more methodical than mine, and he often sees the possibilities of a room through a different, more pragmatic prism. It all works as a good counterpoint to my delusions of design grandeur!
Oftentimes at night, when I'm sitting with my laptop putting together a post, Ben will be doing his best to keep up with world affairs - you know, oh, like the U.S.' collapsing economy. That's when I'll hit him up with, "Hey, look at this room. Isn't that
I've been tossing around an idea for a post contrasting Symmetrical versus Asymmetrical room arrangements. I believe this is one of those hot or cold concepts - If you like rooms that are very orderly and symmetrical, it is likely irritating to your senses to live in rooms that are not arranged that way. I am drawn to rooms with lots of symmetry - pairs of chairs, tables, and lamps are very soothing to me. And yes, I understand this is likely a reflection of my OCD tendencies!
Ben on the other hand tolerates asymmetry very well. He looks for points of interest in a room, and has the ability to disregard if items are mismatched - so long as the overall appeal is balanced.
I was going through the images of my Symmetry/Asymmetry post, and asked Ben if he'd contribute...Here's our little design version of He Said, She Said...
Oftentimes at night, when I'm sitting with my laptop putting together a post, Ben will be doing his best to keep up with world affairs - you know, oh, like the U.S.' collapsing economy. That's when I'll hit him up with, "Hey, look at this room. Isn't that
I've been tossing around an idea for a post contrasting Symmetrical versus Asymmetrical room arrangements. I believe this is one of those hot or cold concepts - If you like rooms that are very orderly and symmetrical, it is likely irritating to your senses to live in rooms that are not arranged that way. I am drawn to rooms with lots of symmetry - pairs of chairs, tables, and lamps are very soothing to me. And yes, I understand this is likely a reflection of my OCD tendencies!
Ben on the other hand tolerates asymmetry very well. He looks for points of interest in a room, and has the ability to disregard if items are mismatched - so long as the overall appeal is balanced.
I was going through the images of my Symmetry/Asymmetry post, and asked Ben if he'd contribute...Here's our little design version of He Said, She Said...
Ben: I like the style of the room, but honestly, there's no point of reference - it's literally a mirror image of itself.Me: I love this room - love the semi-rustic style of it. And there IS a point of reference - the books are "off" - that's how you know what side of the room you're on! Really, though - those iron chairs, that limestone fireplace. I could handle it.
Me: This room is by Phoebe Howard. Do you know her story?Ben: No.
Me: She's a wildy-successful designer NOT formally trained, and her style is impeccable - if a little formal. I want you to get transferred to Jacksonville so I can stalk her, and become her design assistant. OK, the room..
Ben: Not bad. I like the colors. There's alot of furniture packed in there. I'd probably do less of the "two of this, two of that."
Me: But, that's the whole idea - perfect symmetry.
Ben: Well, they don't have to overkill it on that.
Me: Love this room! This is what I'd do if I were going all-out with the trad-mod look. Ben: Yeah, looks great. Is anyone REALLY going to sit on those stools, though? And, I don't know about the fake animal pattern. I have a polyester tiger-print blanket that looks a lot like that.
Me: Mmm...sure the designer would beg to differ. Interesing mix of colors, too.
Ben: I like it. I think the perfect symmetry is nicely broken up by the mantel arrangement.Me: It's OK. To me, it feels like they went to The RoomStore, and bought everything at one time. I do like the furniture arrangement, though. And I really like the palm in the corner.
Me: Love it!Ben: Ugh! Hate that!
Me: Why?
Ben: It's too small. What's the point of having two sinks in such a small space? And I hate that wallpaper.
Me: Mmm...I like the wallpaper...
Me: I LOVE this room. The herringbone seagrass, the pair of X-leg stools and gourd lamps, the oversized art. LOVE IT!Ben: Yeah, they did a good job, except for the tree stump growing out of the rug.
Me: It's just a side table - designer trying to "add interest" or texture.
Ben: Well, it's just bizarre. Otherwise, I think the room works.
Ben: Nope. No purple.Me: I think it's purple done elegant. I think the symmetry balances the unusual color.
Ben: I just don't like purple.
Ben: It's nice, for a Country Club sitting area. Me: Yes, very traditional. What do you think about the furniture arrangement?
Ben: Kinda weird. The armchair on the right looks like it's directed to the left lamp. I like asymmetrical, but this is just odd...
Ben: OK, I like this.Me: Why? What about it do you like?
Ben: I like the yellow chairs, and I like that you're not looking at a mirror image - keeps your brain more occupied.
Me: I love the yellow chairs...There's not perfect symmetry here, but it's very balanced. I dig it.
Ben: I hate this room.Me: Me too. Why do you hate it?
Ben: It's too dark. It looks like my grandmother's house.
Me: But you loved your grandmother's house.
Ben: Well, this is what her house would've looked like if she'd had bad taste. I can't stand the rug.
Me: Nothing appeals to me in this room, either. I'm especially annoyed with the little black chair that floats in the room. Bad. Just bad.
Ben: I like it. The art arrangement is such that the grouping becomes one. I think you might hit your head on the light, though.Me: I like it, too. It's clean and modern, but warm with the persian rug. Asymmetry works so long as it doesn't cross the line into clutter.
Ben: I like the art, it's very Brazilian, but I don't like the chairs.Me: Yeah, kind of voyeuristic, isn't it? Like two people watching the bed. Weird. Otherwise, dig the art.
So, what do you prefer? Symmetry or Asymmetry? Do you and your "sig-other" differ? Was this the lamest idea for a blog post? Aww...come on! ;)
Images: Apartment Therapy ,Phoebe Howard ,(help??) ,HGTV ,nskwood ,Todd Romano ,Design Hole ,Decorati ,Elle Decor ,House Beautiful,Ooh Food,BelleMaison
