#5 MAY: REPEAT AFTER ME
This pair of chairs I sourced for Linda Boronkay Studio sit happily in symmetry, flanked by a repeated pair of marble tables at the award winning boutique hotel Osborne House in New South Wales.
While I love to rip up the rule book when designing a space, I totally believe in the power of repetition and symmetry to create a beautiful visual rhythm. Just like a chorus, melody or beat that’s repeated in your favourite track, this rhythm of repeat makes a room and your experience of it harmonious and memorable.
‘The Rule of Three’ makes three the magic number when it comes to repeating colours, shapes, textures and objects in a space to make it visually appealing to us. Our brains like odd numbers. They force our eyes to look around more, which makes for a visually satisfying experience. In Feng Shui, odd numbers create more energy than even numbers. And three is the smallest odd number with which we can create an exciting composition - a pattern, a collection. You can also style groupings of 5, 7 and 9 for more dramatic effect.
Give it a go. Experiment with threes and odd numbers in your home. Choose three paint colours or style three patterns together - stripes, florals and dots, for example. Compose a vignette of three vases, candlesticks or books laid horizontally on a shelf, side table or mantlepiece. And vary the heights and sizes of these objects for maximum effect. Position a set of three bar stools on a kitchen island or three pendant lights hanging above. Hang three pictures, plates or baskets in a row.
It also pays to even it out with another powerful grouping - the pair. For me, the pair exerts the truest sense of symmetry and order.
Think a pair of elegant bedside lamps on a pair of bedside tables giving balance to your bedroom. Position a pair of lounge chairs with a sofa. A pair of mirrors above a pair of bathroom sinks. Two vintage Staffordshire dogs on either side of your mantelpiece or sideboard. Use a scallop shaped edge on both your curtain trim and lampshades. Repeat two colours in different sized stripes across your scheme. Playing with this power couple is a win win.
Whether odd or even, have fun with it, on repeat!
The tunes I’ve selected in this month’s HOUSE MIX playlist are all about the beat of the repeat - listen here.
And the vintage drop features some brilliant pairs - zebra print pouffes, chunky ceramic bathroom mirrors, lucite side tables and lamps.
With love,
Kim
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