During the last two weeks we have seen inside the homes and gardens of the Royal Family, a
mixture of grand state apartments and private spaces.

Of course, none of us lives in a palace! All the same, we can take our cue from the design
approach employed by architects and designers across the ages: symmetry and balance. A
sense of balance and repetition is always pleasing, whether in grand public buildings or our own
homes.

Imagine a simple rectangular room, with a fireplace on one wall in a central position. It’s time to
start laying out the room with larger furniture pieces, taking into consideration the room’s
purpose and function and pathways through the space.

On both sides of the fireplace you may have space for a side table or there may be a window
with a ledge, perhaps there is a shelf over the fireplace. Use these three surfaces to arrange
visual stories or vignettes.

Using pairs of objects is one way to create a balanced grouping. If you have a pair of
candlesticks, place one at either end of the mantlepiece. Position a mirror or artwork on the
wall above, and arrange a few smaller objects along the front. You can arrange your display as
a symmetrical and perfectly balanced compositions of items.

Another approach is to move both candlesticks to one side, then place a vase of flowers or pot
plant at the other end of the mantelpiece, for balance. Keep your artwork or mirror in place,
then put a sculpture or clock in front. This can make your arrangement appear more interesting,
leaving the styling of your side tables or window ledges to create the sense of balance.

If space permits, hang over each side table a mirror or piece of artwork. If these pieces are not
identical, try to find something of similar size frame or image intensity: it’s about tricking the eye
into seeing and appreciating a sense of balance.

Depending on space limitations, add a lamp, perhaps a stack of books, possibly a candle,
ceramic or glass bowl or other small treasures. Framed photographs, a pot plant or other
interesting objects will put your story into the room.

The arrangements on the two side tables need not be identical, but do need to be balanced.
The lamps should be of similar size, but can have differing bases and shades. Your secondary
items may be different on each table, perhaps a bowl filled with fruit, while the other table holds
a display platter.

Every room and every surface benefit from the balance and harmony created with the illusion of
symmetry.

Published in the October 2022 Issue of The Trentham Trumpet