pam kueber - April 8, 2009, Updated: July 20, 2010
Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
Voting buttons are right in the little graphic, above. DON’T THINK too hard: Answer from the gut – fast. Afterwards, think about ‘why’ and share your opinion and experience in a Comment, if you like!
I chose symmetry even though, of course I love to mix things up from time to time! I think symmetry is our natural human instinct because we have a deep desire for balance and order in chaos. That doesn’t mean that asymmetry doesn’t have it’s place – look at nature – there is symmetry and asymmetry living side by side and that’s what makes it beautiful and interesting!
Cindysays
My natural inclination is for symmetry – sometimes I will decide to step outside my comfort zone and mix it up a bit….. the times I’ve made a decision to be asymmetrical the results have been great. A mix of the two in the same space becomes interesting and unpredictable! (is there such a thing as controlled asymmetry?)
Elvis (aka) Janesays
Symmetry, because it’s balanced. Then after balance is achieved, add a touch of asymmetry as a counterpoint. Symmetry by itself becomes boring, but we crave the stability of it. Assymetry by itself is chaotic, but we crave its visual excitement. So use both.
scurlsays
Symmetry
It keeps me from falling down. or up.
Anitasays
I’m definately a symmetry girl. I like the balance and the predictability of it, though in other aspects of my life I like unpredictability. Symmetry is calming to me.
Milstersays
I chose asymmetry because I’ve always been a little bit of a “rebel” and like things in design and I guess in my life to be a little off balance. I am a little bit like Glamorlux Nancy too in that I like symmetry in my life; I, unfortunately always choose the “safe” route when it comes to my jobs and money; I never take risks as I always like to be able to have security. I shoot video for a living and do graphics and design for that and always defer to asymmetry when shooting and in editing.
But, overall, I definitely lean toward asymmetry when it comes to decorating my home and this leads to little battles with my hubby as he wants everything in pairs and straight lines and this is so not me.
Mechelesays
I think humans are naturally inclined toward symmetry. It helps us do everything from picking our mates to ordering our world.
St. Christophersays
I can’t NOT think about it! I have to stop myself from “lining up” things. Very very slight OCD. Symmetry or Asymmetry? Depends on the circumstances! Bedroom layout…Symmetry (relaxing). Body type…Symmetry (beautiful). Magazine layout…Asymmetry (exciting). Home exterior…Asymmetry (interesting).
So I choose….Both!
Chris.
Jeannesays
I’m a symmetry girl, as well. And like Glamorlux Nancy, probably because it is “safe.” I’ve always been into art/graphic arts and went to school for it. I’ve always liked patterns and balance, I don’t know why – maybe it’s because I grew up knowing how to sew (from my awesome mom) and was always surrounded by fabrics (which are repeat patterns). I’m getting ready to start on a landscape plan for the front of my house and since the front porch is closer to one side of the house, I’ll have to do an asymmetrical design. This is going to be tough. haha.
Glamorlux Nancysays
I picked symmetry, although I like asymmetry in design, I also like ‘logic’ and an understandable pattern in things… including my life. Asymmetry is daring (because there is a chance it might not work), symmetry is safe… I guess I like to ‘play it safe’! I like it when other people don’t, though! A lack of confidence on my part? (Wow, this is getting too physiological!)
Crystal says
I chose symmetry even though, of course I love to mix things up from time to time! I think symmetry is our natural human instinct because we have a deep desire for balance and order in chaos. That doesn’t mean that asymmetry doesn’t have it’s place – look at nature – there is symmetry and asymmetry living side by side and that’s what makes it beautiful and interesting!
Cindy says
My natural inclination is for symmetry – sometimes I will decide to step outside my comfort zone and mix it up a bit….. the times I’ve made a decision to be asymmetrical the results have been great. A mix of the two in the same space becomes interesting and unpredictable! (is there such a thing as controlled asymmetry?)
Elvis (aka) Jane says
Symmetry, because it’s balanced. Then after balance is achieved, add a touch of asymmetry as a counterpoint. Symmetry by itself becomes boring, but we crave the stability of it. Assymetry by itself is chaotic, but we crave its visual excitement. So use both.
scurl says
Symmetry
It keeps me from falling down. or up.
Anita says
I’m definately a symmetry girl. I like the balance and the predictability of it, though in other aspects of my life I like unpredictability. Symmetry is calming to me.
Milster says
I chose asymmetry because I’ve always been a little bit of a “rebel” and like things in design and I guess in my life to be a little off balance. I am a little bit like Glamorlux Nancy too in that I like symmetry in my life; I, unfortunately always choose the “safe” route when it comes to my jobs and money; I never take risks as I always like to be able to have security. I shoot video for a living and do graphics and design for that and always defer to asymmetry when shooting and in editing.
But, overall, I definitely lean toward asymmetry when it comes to decorating my home and this leads to little battles with my hubby as he wants everything in pairs and straight lines and this is so not me.
Mechele says
I think humans are naturally inclined toward symmetry. It helps us do everything from picking our mates to ordering our world.
St. Christopher says
I can’t NOT think about it! I have to stop myself from “lining up” things. Very very slight OCD. Symmetry or Asymmetry? Depends on the circumstances! Bedroom layout…Symmetry (relaxing). Body type…Symmetry (beautiful). Magazine layout…Asymmetry (exciting). Home exterior…Asymmetry (interesting).
So I choose….Both!
Chris.
Jeanne says
I’m a symmetry girl, as well. And like Glamorlux Nancy, probably because it is “safe.” I’ve always been into art/graphic arts and went to school for it. I’ve always liked patterns and balance, I don’t know why – maybe it’s because I grew up knowing how to sew (from my awesome mom) and was always surrounded by fabrics (which are repeat patterns). I’m getting ready to start on a landscape plan for the front of my house and since the front porch is closer to one side of the house, I’ll have to do an asymmetrical design. This is going to be tough. haha.
Glamorlux Nancy says
I picked symmetry, although I like asymmetry in design, I also like ‘logic’ and an understandable pattern in things… including my life. Asymmetry is daring (because there is a chance it might not work), symmetry is safe… I guess I like to ‘play it safe’! I like it when other people don’t, though! A lack of confidence on my part? (Wow, this is getting too physiological!)