As a young home owner eager to decorate, I was always on the hunt for things to add to the house. I’d pick up knick-knacks and things I liked because they were cute, colorful, or caught my eye. Then I would get home and realize that it looked odd – even tho I liked the item. It took me a long time but I finally realized I had been shopping wrong. Did you know that our brains are hardwired to find symmetrical things more beautiful? Scientists have actually found that there is a reoccurring ratio (called The Golden Mean/Ratio) throughout different parts of nature (human bodies follow it as well). We so often see symmetry without realizing it, that when we create it in our homes it feels natural and creates a sense of balance. So how can we achieve balance in our homes? The solution is easy: start buying in pairs.
Once I realized the problem with all my knick knacks, I began purging so many of the ‘old maids’ I had bought over the years. Now when I’m out and about I look for pairs and sets of things. This is hard if you love to shop at antique and thrift stores like I do, but it makes the thrill of the hunt that much more exciting when you find them!
Anytime I find a pair of something I try and think of where I can use it. (A minimalist I am not.) If I can’t think of a place in my own home I start texting it to people I know who are currently decorating too. Ha! Once you begin to have pairs of items you will find that the job of decorating becomes SO much easier!
But wait, I like asymmetrical designs!
Yea – me too! I’ve even created some in my own home over the years. Of course you need accent pieces in decor. It’s not bad to have a single pillow, lamp, or chair (I certainly do!). However. unless you have a base of items to work off of (base = pairs) or you are an experienced designer, decorating will be much harder if all you have to work with are singles. And don’t be surprised if your entire house is going to feel like one big mis-matched accent.
I don’t have any pairs. What do I do?
If you don’t own any sets of things start with what you have. If you have 10 pillows pull them all together and group them by color. Use all of the like color pillows together. The next time you shop for pillows buy a set of solid pillows in a coordinating color. I often see sets of 2 solid pillows at TJ Maxx, Home Goods or Burlington for $25 or less. Ikea is also a great source for inexpensive pillow covers.
I have a set of chairs that aren’t exactly the same but that I group together to make a set because they have a similar feel. Look around and see if you have similar furniture pieces that can be grouped together. The next time you are looking for chairs buy a set. Sets of chairs aren’t something you’ll come across everyday at a thrift or antique store but they also aren’t impossible to find either. The white chairs in my living room came from the Brass Armadillo (at a steal too – $119 for the 2 chairs and ottoman!).
Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase from the link I may receive a small commission. I only recommend products that I absolutely love and stand behind.
Here are a couple of pillow and lamp round ups to help you get started:
Last February I ran across a pair of green wing back chairs with an equestrian print. 2 chairs in a unique print – I had to have them! (Especially since I had just painted our room emerald green.) My husband loves me so well he lovingly bought and carried them home for me. The kicker? They were less than $50 for the set! The lesson there is if you see a set of something take a minute and process if it works in your home. If you can make it work and it’s on your ‘list’ of things to add then snatch it up!
Who here is with me when it comes to shopping for pairs?
Don’t forget to pin!
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