Chapter 8 Elements and Principles of Interior Design 241 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. In nature, the human body reflects symmetrical balance on the vertical axis. In a reflected mountain scene in a nearby lake, you can view symmetrical balance on a horizontal axis. In architecture, you can find it in stately historical buildings such as state capitol buildings. In interiors, more formal spaces such as living rooms, historic parlors, and places of worship utilize symmetri- cal balance, Figure 8-30 A. Symmetrical interiors are often exact mirror images that form when using identical elements on either side of the center point, or visual axis. Designers use symmetrical balance to emphasize a focal point such as a beautiful view outside a window. People perceive symmetrical interiors as predicable, stable, dignified, and calm. For that reason, commercial interiors such as courtrooms, museums, hotel lobbies, and such large residences as private palaces use symmetrical balance. You can also see symmetrical balance in many formal historic interiors. Symmetrical balance is the simplest to achieve and the most obvious type of balance in a room. You can achieve symmetrical balance in interiors by ■ aligning a formal dining table with the same number of matching chairs across the table ■ placing parallel matching loveseats in front of a hotel lobby fireplace ■ using identical side chairs on either side of a foyer table Asymmetrical Balance Asymmetrical balance occurs when objects on both sides of the central visual axis are dissimilar yet appear to have identical visual weight. In nature you see this type of balance walking in a forest, in a flower garden, or in large rock formations. In interiors, you see asymmet- rical balance in the majority of spaces, Figure 8-30 B. Asymmetrical interiors incorporate dissimilar furnish- ings and objects on either side of the center point that provide balance in visual weight. People perceive asymmetrical interiors as more infor- mal, flexible, creative, exciting, and vigorous. It is a subtle balance that requires more thought and imagina- tion than symmetrical balance, and is more interesting to view over a longer period of time. Use of asymmetrical balance in contemporary interiors provides a more spacious appearance. Interior furniture arrangements, the arrangement of wall art over a sofa, or the placement of objects on a fireplace mantel may use Interior Design: Senger Design Group/Architect: HB&A/Photographer: Paul Kohlman Photography Figure 8-30 A Symmetrical balance. What elements create the symmetrical balance in this Air Force Academy interior?