The right balance can make a room pop

Have you ever walked into a room that just felt awkward? If so, you may have come upon a room that was suffering from the “bad-balance blues.”I recently encountered just such a space when working with my clients, Jesse and Anne. The moment I walked into their living room, I knew the room was unbalanced. Everything seemed to #8220;happen#8221; on one side of the room, making it feel heavy and off-kilter.The couple wanted the living room to be the social hub of the house, but didn't know how to make it happen. I knew that by employing the principle of balance, I could transform their uncomfortable room into a truly elegant space.When designing a room, two forms of balance are key: symmetrical balance and asymmetrical balance.Symmetrical balance is achieved when similar items are placed on opposite sides of an invisible line (such as putting matching side tables on either side of a sofa). Asymmetrical balance is created when different elements like colors, shapes and sizes are used to create equilibrium (for example, placing a side table on one side of a sofa and a floor lamp on the other). If you only employ symmetrical balance, a room will seem stiff and formal. By adding asymmetrical balance, you create more interest and energy.With these principles in mind, I kicked off my redesign.To help the room get its groove back, I got rid of all of the existing furnishings, painted the walls a light gray and started from scratch.One of the walls contained a century-old wood-and-stone fireplace. To update it, I removed the mantel and had it painted white, clad the front in a carrera marble hexagon tile and replaced the dated hearth tile with black slate porcelain tile. For above the fireplace, I chose a recessed, wood-framed mirror that houses a hidden television. Then, to create symmetrical balance, I flanked the fireplace with white cabinetry and black walnut shelves, and placed a beautiful ink-blue lounge chair in front of each shelving unit.Opposite the fireplace, I created an accent wall that kicks up the composition with color and shape. I painted the wall black to pick up on the color of the slate. I then positioned two gorgeous crystal sconces that flank an asymmetrical grouping of framed photos. In front of this wall I set an ash-colored sectional sofa and a little raw oak side table, finishing the ensemble with a lovely white lacquered coffee table.A large window made up most of the third wall of the room. Here, to offset the solid-colored fabric on the furnishings, I hung patterned drapes in a muted gold and brought in a large area rug that picks up on the colors of the drapes.Lastly, to help further balance the space, I created a small sitting area along the half-wall opposite the windows by using one of the lounge chairs, a little table and a beautiful little crystal chandelier hanging above it. Flanking the chandelier are two matching pieces of art, a diptych, that help create a lovely composition along the wall. This area now counterbalances the weight of the sectional in the opposite corner.This once-awkward room is now finally on the level. By employing the principle of design balance, I created a room that will be a social hub for Jesse and Anne while keeping them in happy symmetry for years to come.#376;Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV's #8220;Candice Tells All.#8221;