The Aesthete Issue 6, By Home Designing: Beauty In Symmetry
Unconventional seating, mediterranean landscapes and more...
In this week's giggle-packed edition of The Aesthete, we're tiptoeing through the perfectly aligned world of symmetry in interior spaces—because who doesn't love a bit of order with their chaos? We've also snagged a sneak peek at a dining chair so unconventional it might just start its own rebellion at the dinner table, plus kitchen stools that are so quirky, your morning coffee might just spit itself out in surprise. And, hold onto your tablecloths, because we're unveiling a coaster set that's doing its best crab impression—perfect for those who like their furniture with a side of sea-cret identity. Dive in with us for these treats and more!
The use of symmetry in interior design plays a pivotal role in crafting spaces that exude balance, harmony, and a sense of well-being. Symmetrical arrangements, where elements on one side of a room mirror those on the other, create an immediate sense of order and calmness, appealing to our innate desire for balance. This design principle is not just limited to the placement of furniture; it extends to the layout of windows, doors, and decorative pieces, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment.
To sprinkle some symmetrical magic into your abode, start by playing matchmaker with your furniture: think identical nightstands flanking your bed, or twin armchairs bookending a coffee table. This creates a visually calming oasis that's as comforting as finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. Dive into the world of mirrors, not just for last-minute lipstick checks but to double the beauty of a room, reflecting light and lovely views to make spaces feel larger and more luminous. And don't forget the power of a well-placed rug—it's like a hug for your room, bringing all your carefully chosen elements together in a cozy embrace. Symmetry isn't just about doubling up, though; it's the art of balance. So, if you've got a hefty sofa on one side, balance it out with a similar weight visually on the other, perhaps with a bookcase or an art cluster that whispers, "I'm just as captivating." Embrace symmetry with a wink and a nudge, and watch your space transform into a beautiful ballet of balance and beauty. Here are some spaces that use symmetry to great effect.
Spatially Pleasing
This space looks as if the ocean decided to throw a housewarming party and the view was the guest of honor. With windows so large they make you wonder where the outdoors begin and indoors end, the room serves up a slice of the sea on a panoramic platter. And that pool, with its tranquil water, is just a "dive in, the water's fine" away from perfection. It's the kind of setup where you can float on your back, play spot-the-cloud, and still keep an envious seagull's eye on that breathtaking view.
Ah, behold the "S Chair" by Tom Dixon, swaggering into this dining scene with curves that could rival any Italian sports car. It's the James Bond of chairs—sophisticated, dashing, and with a license to thrill. Anchoring this bastion of chic, the wooden table stands as the grounding yin to the S Chair's yang, offering a stage where the drama of dinner parties unfolds nightly. The pendant lamps, with their undulating silhouettes, appear to be floating like whimsical sea creatures summoned from the deep for an aerial ballet. Light sifts through the sheers, casting a glow that's the visual equivalent of a warm hug, while the foliage reaches for the sky, aspiring to be as lofty as the room's design ambitions.
Step into the lair of the modern-day Medici, where business meets Botticelli. This isn't just an office; it's a Renaissance revival in workspace form. The mosaic mural gazes down like it's pondering the quarterly report, and the golden blooms overhead are so opulent, they'd have Midas doing a double-take. With chairs so plush, they could double as thrones, and a desk that's more a statement piece than a mere surface for laptops and lattes.
Welcome to the kitchen where even the furniture gives you a helping hand—literally. This culinary haven is where chic meets quirk, with stools that look like they’ve walked straight out of a fairy tale. One can't help but give a round of applause to those hand-shaped seats, offering a standing ovation to anyone who whips up a meal. The marble backsplash whispers elegance, and the woven light fixtures add a touch of rustic charm, like picnic baskets turned into lamps. The plants are lined up in perfect herbaceous harmony, making it a spice rack that doubles as a green thumb's chorus line.
Step into this slumber chamber where the elephants roam free – on the wall art, that is. It's as if someone whispered, "Safari chic," and the room heard "make it majestic." The mural, a grayscale homage to the gentle giants of the wild, brings a touch of the Serengeti to this sanctuary of sleep.
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Landscape Love
Ah, the scene is straight out of "Gardens of the Rich and Famous," where the topiaries are as manicured as a celebrity's nails. The gravel driveway? A catwalk for classic cars, and this one's striking a pose, no paparazzi needed. The garden is a masterclass in green thumb elegance, each shrub primped and preened to within an inch of its life. Cypress soldiers stand at attention, flanking the path to a villa that's surely seen its share of A-list soirées. Hydrangeas huddle like gossiping aristocrats, while the sunlight plays peek-a-boo through the foliage, casting a golden hour glow that even Instagram filters envy.
Objects Of Desire
Frame by Brilliant Labs revolutionizes eyewear, blending cutting-edge technology with style. Available in Smokey Black, Cool Gray, and H20, these glasses are not just fashionable but also pack advanced AI capabilities. Designed for everyday wear and tech enthusiasts, Frame features a microOLED display for a ~20-degree immersive view, comfortable for various inter-pupillary distances and lightweight at under 40g. With all-day battery life and fast-charging via Mister Power, it suits any adventure. Plus, its open-source nature encourages customization and innovation. Discover the future of eyewear with Frame, where technology and fashion converge.
Behold the Reminder (001) Lamp, Enkei's lovechild of style and eco-consciousness. It's the Swiss Army knife of lighting: a chameleon in the day, a beacon by night. Made from the fashion world's leftovers and pipes with past lives, it's a runway model of recycling. Not just a lamp, but a statement piece that whispers, "I'm saving the world, one chic beam at a time."
Introducing the Crab Coaster Set: the crustacean sensation that's preventing splashes on coffee tables everywhere! Don't be fooled by their charming exterior—these little guardians are on a mission to banish water rings with the fierce determination of a hermit crab finding a new home. Perfect for sea-lovers, beachcombers, and those who enjoy a bit of whimsy with their sip. Get ready to shell-ebrate your drink in style, because with these coasters, it's always a beach party. 🦀
Art Radar
One For The Classics
On Our Coffee Table
Pacific Natural at Home by Jenni Kayne, with a foreword by Vincent Van Duysen, is a captivating exploration of effortless, nature-inspired living. This beautifully illustrated book offers readers a glimpse into serene interiors and timeless design principles that embody the essence of the West Coast lifestyle. Through stunning photography and insightful commentary, Kayne shares tips for creating spaces that are both luxurious and laid-back, emphasizing natural materials, simplicity, and comfort. Perfect for anyone looking to infuse their home with a sense of calm and elegance, this book is a testament to the beauty of living in harmony with nature.
Wallpaper Drop
Palette Power
This color palette is like a brunch where pumpkin pie, fresh cream, and matcha latte decided to throw a party. The vibrant pumpkin on the left is that friend who arrives with a boombox, ready to dance. The creamy middle? That’s the friend who brings a homemade quiche, so unassumingly chic. And the sage green, oh, that’s definitely the one who brings the detox juice, reminding you of life's greener pastures. Together, they're not just a color scheme; they're a mood, a lifestyle, a reason to rethink your living room. Or at least, to buy a new throw pillow.
Wordly Pleasures
Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me unstoppable — Cristiano Ronaldo