1. Embrace The Rules Of Symmetry
'Balance in an interior is important as it creates the basic flow of the room and a feeling of stability and harmony. Balance can easily be achieved by ensuring symmetry within the interior and mirroring finishes,' says Bethany Prince, associate interior designer at London-based interior design practice, SHH.
2. Do Not Be Afraid To Create Contrast
However, a symmetrical space is not for everyone, so you'll be glad to know that balance can also be created through an asymmetrical design and using elements of contrast – ideal if your style is more relaxed and eclectic.
San Franciso-based interior designer, Leah Harmatz of Field Theory Design says, 'for me, finding balance in space is all about exploring the juxtapositions in design; whether it's materials, shapes, or eras. A room feels balanced when there is just the right mix of vintage and modern, dark and light, linear and curved, hard and soft - the contrasts are limitless.
3. Or, Turn To Radial Symmetry
Radial symmetry in interior design focuses on starting a design in the center of the room and working outwards into the space by using circular forms. This achieves a sense of balance and provides a central focal point in which we are drawn when we step foot into the space.
4. Use The 60-30-10 Rule To Balance Color
'The 60-30-10 rule is a great guide to ensure balance. Think about using the main color (60% of the space) on the walls or large furniture. 30% will be your accent features such as rugs, bedding, chairs, and curtains, and 10% is the art, accessories and cushions you display,' says Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of YesColours.
5. Create Different Levels
Using furniture, lighting and accessories in all different kinds of shapes, sizes and heights will create a space with multiple levels, helping to evenly distribute visual weight around the room, and therefore, creating balance. From styling a shelf with objects in different sizes to placing a tall floor lamp beside a sofa or armchair, decorating a space with objects in various heights will visually elevate a room, transforming it from flat to full of balanced visual interest.
6. Avoid Creating 'Dead Spaces'
'Balance is achieved through scale, symmetry and both the proportion of the pieces in a room and the room itself,' explains Atlanta-based interior designer, Bradley Odom.
7. Pause And Take A Step Back
'Personally, creating balance in interior design is about following my gut, trial and error, and being patient to see how a room settles into itself over time.
Seeing a space at different times of the day and even seasonally, has a huge impact on me seeing its balance,' says Louise Roe, founder of Sharland England. Creating balance isn't something that necessarily can happen instantly – especially if you have just moved somewhere new. It can take time to work out what a room needs in order for it to feel more harmonious – as after all, we all have different homes and styles, and balance can be just as much a feeling as it is a look. From choosing the right lighting to picking the perfect color palette and room layout, sometimes gradual changes over time can create the best, balanced results.