Why Don’t You…?
Posted by Erin | Filed under Design Tips, Inspiration, Musings
… live in symmetry?
I’m always drawn to spaces that are perfectly symmetrical – from the furnishings to the art, and everything between. Wonderfully balanced and surprisingly serene, a symmetrical space feels like a subconscious scrubbing of the mind: clean, fresh and orderly.
So what keeps the look from feeling too stuffy? By mixing a variety of textures, scales, shapes and patterns, symmetry can stand alone as the commonality of the room, letting it take center stage in both theme and aesthetic. As is the case with the Ty Larkins design above, a bold piece of art is grounded with a mix of geometric shapes in classic finishes – the perfect blend for balance and symmetry.
What do you think? Too neat or orderly for your taste? Or does symmetry provide you with just the right amount of organization? Spill it in the comments below!
Image via Ty Larkins
Tags: entryway, minimalism, symmetry
A Fresh Start
Posted by Erin | Filed under Design Tips, Inspiration, Musings
With the new year rolling around any second now, I've been thinking about changes I'd love to make in my decor. And although it sounds perfectly normal to crave a new throw pillow this January, I'm going for something a bit more extreme:
I want to change my decor habits. Forget changing out a decorating scheme each season — I need to simplify. If my home is to be an oasis, why am I filling it with so much… stuff?
This year, I vow to simplify. To buy thoughtfully, thrift practically and decorate accordingly. I vow to live by the old adage "a place for everything and everything in its place." Sure, it's fine to spoil yourself now and then, but I'd much rather save for an investment sofa than drop $20 every time I see a cute tea towel staring at me from my favorite storefront.
Anyone with me? Do I smell a challenge? Let's make 2011 the year we live simply and gloriously, free from the chains of clutter and unabashedly fabulous.
Deal? Deal.
Image Credits: Lonny Mag
Tags: decor, minimalism, simple, simplicity
John Pawson
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Inspiration, Musings
"The father of modern architectural minimalism." The New York Times
John Pawson is one of my favorite designers. There is such clarity in the simplicity of his work. It is a study in light, proportion, view and material. Every architectural moment is considered, and the experience offered deliberate. I find his residential projects to be some of the most compelling. It is these spaces which are often the most difficult to keep without clutter and visual distraction.
John Pawson's work creates tranquility through absence. That is not to say spaces are without function. Everything necessary has a space. Everything else, has no place. Mr. Pawson designs spaces, buildings and objects with the same application of process, defined by their function. There is keen attention to the details of everyday life and human experience.
To explore the work of John Pawson, visit his website http://www.johnpawson.com.
All images courtesy of www.johnpawson.com and www.designmuseum.org
Tags: architecture, design, John Pawson, minimalism, Modern Design, Museum of Design London, voluntary simplicity
