Finding Balance in Interior Design: The Rule of 2

There are no magic formulas for achieving balance in a layout. What does exist, however, and what the most skilled interior designers recommend, are rules. We can guide ourselves by them every time we reach a stylistic impasse, and with their help, we can achieve a decor that exudes good taste and elegance.

That's why we'll be talking to you today about the rule of 2, a design principle with multiple uses.

First of all, to apply this rule, divide each frame of the space you want to furnish or redecorate into two. For example, if you have to furnish a wall, divide it into quadrants that you will then think about in pairs. This trick allows you to focus on each area and control the furnishing process.

In the case of furnishing a living room, according to this rule we will choose 2 base shades, let's say one neutral (wood in any color variation) and a light gray tone. We will play with these in any binomial combinations, using the nuances derived from them, darker or lighter.

The rule of 2 also applies to a pair like a table and chair in the same design lines, as well as a pair of decorative cushions or works of art that integrate the concept of two or halves of a whole.

In a room where furniture pieces are disparate (not part of a set) and massive (covering enough space on their own), the rule of two can be applied when establishing the focal point. The fact that we have a furnishing with singular objects will be balanced by a focal point with two details.

Thus, it could be two chairs with distinctive shapes, two extremely colorful paintings, or any visually distinctive pair.

The human eye works through association, precisely to understand a new space more easily. To make it easier for it to adapt to any style of furnishing, it is good to offer landmarks. However, pay attention to an aspect related to the finesse of the decor - when we say 2, we do not implicitly mean symmetry. Two identical lighting fixtures can be at different heights, just as two decorative cushions can have other prints.

The important thing is that the details have, in pairs, a common denominator.

In establishing the furnishing theme, two central objects pointing to the same area will convey this to those who cross the threshold of the room. More precisely, two large decorative objects with tribal design will give the decor an exotic touch, two huge terracotta vases will tell a rustic story, just as 2 paintings inspired by flora or fauna will bring a touch of naturalism.