242 Interiors Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. asymmetrical balance. To achieve asymmetrical balance, you can ■ use small areas of vibrant color (red) to balance larger areas of neutral (tan or gray) or cool colors (blue or green) ■ use a larger area of gray to balance a smaller area of black ■ balance flat, even surface textures with smaller areas of interesting textures ■ balance a grouping of smaller objects with a large object Radial Balance Radial balance occurs when all elements radiate out from one center point in a circular fashion similar to spokes on a wheel. The petals of a daisy or the ripples that appear after throwing a rock into water are exam- ples from nature. In interiors, radial balance is visible in a ceiling detail, in chairs circling a round table, and in curved stairwells. In commercial interiors, radial balance often appears in hotel or office lobbies, rosette windows in places of worship, and central areas of shopping malls around a water fountain, Figure 8-30 C. Rhythm The first thing that likely comes to mind when you hear the word rhythm is the beat of your favorite music. Music may be soothing, dramatic, or heart-thumping! Similarly, the principle of rhythm is a creative, repetitive blend of movement and visual form in a conscious, regular arrange- ment. It often attracts attention and always develops visual unity that enhances beauty within a space. In nature, you can hear rhythm in the blowing wind, lapping of ocean waves, and the human heartbeat. In dance, you may see it as a sequence of repeated steps. Rhythmic design communicates with the brain. Once the brain recognizes a pattern or understandable rhythm in design, it relaxes as it then appreciates the final design. Hence, rhythm is important for human comfort in a space. In interiors, achievement of rhythm often occurs by using repetitive elements of design, such as color, light, shape, and line, or structural forms such as exposed ceiling beams, columns, or windows. You can easily attain rhythm as color trails through adjoining spaces, in repeated shapes of furniture, or forms repetitively used in accessories. Warren Diggles Photography/Jon Rentfrow, Rentfrow Design, LLC Figure 8-30 B Asymmetrical balance. How does the interior designer use asymmetrical balance in this space?