Compass Greater NY, LLC
Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES, Compass Greater NY, LLCPhone: (917) 623-0624
Email: [email protected]

Interior design basics: Symmetrical & asymmetrical balance

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 10/23/2022

Symmetrical balance is a crucial part of interior design. The arrangement of furnishings and decorative pieces in a space can have a profound effect on the overall aesthetic, regardless of the style of the room. To help you achieve a symmetrical or asymmetrical balance in your home decorating, here is a simple guide to the basics:

Symmetrical balance tips

Symmetrical balance is simple to achieve by repeating elements on both sides of an “axis” or center line of your space. Some ways to make your design symmetrically balanced include:

  • Use pairs of furnishings like armchairs, love seats, cabinets, wall art, light fixtures or side tables.
  • Repeat colors in the decor on both sides of the room.
  • Use single objects to draw focus to the center of the room. Some good examples might be a large sofa, dining table or coffee table.
  • Arrange furniture to evenly surround an architectural focal point such as a window or fireplace.

Asymmetrical balance tips

Asymmetrical balance might seem difficult to create at first, but once you know the basics, you'll find it a natural and informal way to decorate your space. Some tips for asymmetrical balance include:

  • Avoid matching pairs of furnishings.
  • Try corner sectionals or curved sofas.
  • Place furnishings diagonally, either in corners or towards a focal point.
  • Play with high and low furnishings on opposite sides of the room. For instance, a tall cupboard opposite a low bench, or a tall floor lamp opposite a small table or wall fixture.
  • Tie back one side of your drapes and let the other hang straight down.

Each type of symmetrical balance plays an important part in every room's design. Depending on the size and shape of the space you're working with, one type of balance might be more effective than the other. While remembering these tips can help you plan your layouts, it ultimately comes down to your preference and what you feel works best with your personal design style.

About the Author
Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.