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Posted by: • April 8, 2009
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Become a fanKitchens – Countertops
“…Eliminates the final telltale sign of laminate – the brown line.” I am a big believer in the idea that the most significant design shifts tend to come from technological breakthroughs. The advance of laminate kitchen countertops — replacing linoleum and wood in most kitchens in the 1950s — came as a result of the [...]
More today from the Wilsonart laminate history archives. In the 60s, laminate colors got, at one end of the spectrum richer and earthier – and at the other end, pop-art bold. Some of the defining trends from the period, this article says: Color TV was introduced in 1965, bringing us closer in touch with design [...]
I felt blog ego come upon me (horrors, ego!) when Ronn challenged my assessment that the countertop in this kitchen was original. Maybe yes, maybe no, but if his belief is that it’s 90s because of the integral backsplash and edge (rather than the pattern) – I did respond that I’ve spotted integral design for [...]
Following up on Monday’s exciting post about the Arpa USA palette of solid-color laminates, let’s take a look at how to use this material to recreate this 1959 Ma Bell kitchen. It would be oh-so-easy! Elements include: Laminate cabinetry using Arpa’s “Jardin” colorway. Cabinet pulls: Rejuvenation’s new midcentury “sharp arch”, in satin chrome Countertops are [...]
Okay, this is the last day of my little fixation with retro laminates. (For now.) As you know, I am a devotee of the Sherwin Williams Suburban Modern palette, both interior and exterior. So, I have gone through Arpa’s line of solid-colored laminates and for the most part, been able to line up 10 colors [...]
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I need speed and up-time — so I use WP Engine
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!)
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.
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.
I think humans are naturally inclined toward symmetry. It helps us do everything from picking our mates to ordering our world.
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.
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.
Symmetry
It keeps me from falling down. or up.
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.
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?)
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!
I thought of Tattoos in this instance. I like matching sets, even if they are not the same exact thing. I’ve got work on both my arms. My fiance has book matched Stars on her back. She wants her calves done, BOTH of them. Split me down the middle and I want it to look the same. The same approach goes with decorating.
I picked asymmetry, because I think of myself as a bit off center. Great blog.
I like the way things “line up” but my imagination wants to see what the light would expose if it were to shine beyond the paramaters of the laptop…say for instance, the deco of the room she is in, or the kitscy things that might also be on the desk…
I second Elvis’ comment!
Neatness and balance and all equal? I don’t know, it’s my gut that wants it.
Asymmetry always for me. Balanced but not the same. Maybe it comes from my landscaping background.
I like asymmetrical massing, but made up of symmetrically composed pieces.
When I think of mid century modern, asymmetry comes to mind.
Being a book designer (as part of my editorial job), I have to pick asymmetry. Nothing I hate worse than centered type on a page! (Well, I guess there ARE things I hate worse than that…sorry for the hyperbole.)
I also think of mid-century modern design as asymmetric—and my house is decorated with angles and off-centered objects. None of my sofas sit straight against a wall!
I chose asymmetry–I’m always drawn to it and it has helped to discover diagonal placement of bigger pieces to “expand” the space of a small living room in our mini-ranch! As Femme1 says, no sofa straight against a wall. Ours is diagonal from the back left angled toward the right front. Along the back are the three massive front and windows and then on the right, the wraparound side porch window. We can easily look outside and into our inside simultaneously.
Symmetry is an illusion. Balanced asymmetry makes for good design, good living spaces (architecture and gardens), relaxation and tranquility.I think more people need to learn about Wabi Sabi.
Symmetry for me
Asymmetry for me also. Give me good angles and a bit of balanced “offness” and I’m good to go. Nothing lined up or all one shape.