Using Odd Numbers
Odd numbers of elements are visually more interesting, invoking a sense of harmony and movement.
The use of odd numbers in design is as old as the hills. (I'm not sure which hills. The really old ones, I guess.)
In graphic design and photography, the rule of thirds pertains to composition on a two dimensional level. ie. dividing the view into thirds and using the division as a focal point. However when I talk about odd numbers in terms of interior decoration, I'm referring to grouping objects such as vases, ornaments and framed photos in groups of three or five instead of pairs. Although even numbers and symmetry have their place, asymmetry is visually more appealing and creates a sense of harmony and balance. It also forces what designers call "movement" and what normal people call
"focusing on different things with your eyes".
Try it out at home - group together a few similar objects in different configurations and see what looks or feels more pleasing to the eye. Everyone has a designer inside of them!
The use of odd numbers in design is as old as the hills. (I'm not sure which hills. The really old ones, I guess.)
In graphic design and photography, the rule of thirds pertains to composition on a two dimensional level. ie. dividing the view into thirds and using the division as a focal point. However when I talk about odd numbers in terms of interior decoration, I'm referring to grouping objects such as vases, ornaments and framed photos in groups of three or five instead of pairs. Although even numbers and symmetry have their place, asymmetry is visually more appealing and creates a sense of harmony and balance. It also forces what designers call "movement" and what normal people call
"focusing on different things with your eyes".
Try it out at home - group together a few similar objects in different configurations and see what looks or feels more pleasing to the eye. Everyone has a designer inside of them!