Dabbieri Blog

The Power of Asymmetry in Home Design

There are three types of balance that can be incorporated in home design; symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. Symmetrical balance focuses on the mirroring of objects, such as a coffee table in between two identical love seats. Radial balance focuses on like objects placed around a center piece, such as identical chairs surrounding a dining table. Asymmetrical or informal balance uses similar colors, forms, and lines to achieve balance and does not have mirroring qualities.

While there’s nothing wrong with symmetrical design, asymmetry can add visual interest to a space that just cannot be created with symmetry. Asymmetrical design is unpredictable and more interesting, as it forces you to scan the room in its entirety to pick up on the different patterns and furniture used.

Asymmetry is ideal for the rooms in your home that you want to evoke a casual and personal feeling, instead of formal. This works great in living rooms, where you’re more likely to have mismatched furniture and textiles. In the room below, you’ll notice that the couch does not have two end tables, but instead, one end table and a lamp to give it the asymmetrical look. It also lacks a second mirroring accent chair to place an emphasis on the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony.

This look can be big or small in effect. It’s great for when you want to create a statement around a piece of furniture or a fireplace, and it can be small, such as the size of picture frames or where furniture is placed. In this coastal living room, you’ll notice the placements of furniture, notably the TV stand, and that there is zero symmetry in its design.

One thing to note with this type of balance is that you should try to make sure that you’re repeating colors, lines, and shapes to keep a cohesive look and feel. And while asymmetry focuses on informal balance, you do need to have a visual balance in your design, which can be achieved by using a central focal point to anchor your room.

How do you include asymmetry in your home’s décor?

Summer Trends for 2019

This year, interior design has a prominent focus on sustainability and natural materials, so it’s no surprise that our favorite summer trends are inspired by long-lasting designs. When we say natural materials, we mean both product and décor wise.

Bright Colors

This summer you can expect to see a lot of bright colors in home décor, such as pink, yellow, orange, and red. It’s all about being bold and cheerful with your décor and textiles.

Nature-Inspired

Décor inspired by nature, especially the beach, will be prevalent. Think a jute rug paired with light blue, green, and cream, for a cozy coastal look.

Florals

Florals, florals, florals. Whether on your pillows, furniture, or simply in a vase, floral elements are a look that we’ll see sticking around for a while.

Sustainable Products

To keep with sustainability, there will be a resurgence of recycled and reclaimed materials being incorporated in the home, especially with furniture and architectural details.

Layered Textures & Mixed Patterns

And our favorite trends; layering of textures and the mixing of patterns, especially when combined together, as they can make the room feel cozy and personal. We love an eclectic yet put together room that truly shows who the owner is.

What trend are you most excited to incorporate into your home?

Get the Mid-Century Modern Design Look

Mid-Century Modern is a design style that began in the mid-20^th century as both the economy and the population increased in productivity and in numbers. As new homes were being built, homeowners wanted to incorporate a new design style to separate their homes from all others, thus, Mid-Century Modern was born.

Mid-Century Modern design is very iconic, especially in terms of furniture and color. Furniture typically has tapered peg legs, while popular color palettes include orange and brown, chartreuse and grey, pink and brown, and teal, brown and white.

This style is most known for their armchairs, tables, and clean sleek lines. Geometrics play a key role in this style and you’ll notice this in armchairs, couches, tables, and lighting, all of which most likely have a curve to it. Its look emphasizes functionality, giving each piece of furniture a purpose. You’ll see multifunctional pieces and items stacked in order to preserve space.

Plastic, metal, glass, vinyl, and warm-toned wood are all common materials used for furniture, with wood being a prominent material in this design aesthetic, along with an abundance of windows.

If you want to incorporate this trend into your home but don’t know where to begin, start by adding one piece at a time to your space. In your living room add one or two curved accent chairs that have peg legs, or update your room’s colors with one of the style-specific color palettes.

Are you a fan of Mid-Century Modern design?

Adding Bright Colors Into Your Design

While there is nothing better than a crisp, clean room brightened by white and cream neutrals, there’s just something to be said about a room that’s bursting with color. A space that energizes you the moment you walk in and can instantly evoke a sense of happiness.

Vibrant colors are a great addition for the spring and summer, and can easily be brought in through your accent pieces. Seasonal colors are perfect when used on textiles that can be switched during the fall, winter, and summer months to fit with the mood, especially bedding and blankets.

If your room is centered on neutrals, add bright hues to your pillows. Red, pink, yellow, and orange will be hot this season.

Looking to liven up your walls or floors? Choose a piece of art that will brighten your mood all year long or opt for an area rug with a handful of vibrant colors. This helps anchor seasonally bright accent pieces into the room’s overall design.

And for those who like to go big, choosing a decorative table or couch in a bright color will take your room to an entirely new level.

Do you plan on bringing bright colors into your décor this season?

Memphis Design is Making a Comeback

Memphis Design started in the early 80s in opposition to the status quo, which when it came to interior design, was Mid-century Modern and Minimalism. Memphis Design was instead inspired by Art Deco, Pop Art, and 1950s Kitsch. And now, since all trends make a comeback at some point in time, Memphis Design is back and more fun than ever.

Memphis Design is typically comprised of laminate, Terrazzo, squiggles, and brightly colored objects that are oddly shaped. This style is characterized more by multi-colored geometric shapes and less by art. It’s not a style for those looking for a calm and neutral space, but for those feeling a bit rebellious and free-spirited.

What we love about Memphis Design is that it allows you to think outside of the box and really have fun with the colors, décor, and furniture that you incorporate. Make this style your own and let your creative inner child out to play. Design doesn’t always have to be serious.

To incorporate a luxurious spin on this trend, opt for metals and marble instead of laminate. And if you don’t want bright colors, opt instead for pastels or muted shades, but still keep with the oddly shaped geometric furniture. For instance, the legs of your chairs might be round instead of rectangular, and your bookshelves might be built out of triangles instead of your usual rectangular shape.

In the room below, you’ll notice that the accent wall is bursting with a variety of colors in a fun triangular pattern, while the aqua blue chair takes on a shape of its own.

Would you incorporate this bold design trend into your home?