HOW TO CREATE A FOCAL POINT

What makes a room interior well-designed? It’s not an appealing style as much as it is the overall feeling you get. Rather than randomly traveling around the space, flitting from element to element, your eye is drawn to something that’s particularly interesting and pleasing. That ‘thing’ is a focal point, and it’s common to all fine interiors.

The first thing your eye rests upon when you enter a room, a focal point can be a view, architectural feature, texture, or color to name a few. A key to designing an agreeable focal point is ensuring that it doesn’t overwhelm or compete with other elements in the space. The eye finds it first, comes to rest on it briefly, and then continues to smoothly scan the rest of the room. 

View: If you’re fortunate enough to have a sensational view, make certain there’s a clear line of sight from the room’s entrance. If window treatments are desired, frame the view like you would a beautiful piece of art - simply and elegantly. Flank the window with panels in a beautiful yet subtle fabric. 

Architectural Feature: A central element like a fireplace with furniture placed around it adds a sense of inviting comfort. Make certain the fireplace is in the proper scale to your furnishings so that the entire design scheme of the room is balanced.

Vignette: An inviting setting within a room creates a 

visually interesting and pleasing

space. The corner of a sofa, cozy reading corner, chair, or chaise that incorporates seating, lighting, and interesting objects set on a table is wonderfully engaging.

Wall Art: A beautiful painting hung above a sideboard, between two windows, or in a foyer sets the tone and mood for a space. It’s also a great way to establish the color scheme for a room. Properly illuminate the art with either a ceiling spot or attached art light.

Pattern And Texture: The pattern of stone or tile provides texture to create a focal point. A stone wall in a living room, floor to ceiling tiling in a kitchen or bath, or architectural paneling adds character and depth.

Color: Painting a single wall in a room creates a focal point. It can be a contrasting hue or a deeper shade than the remaining walls. Select a wall that’s adjacent to the entry wall. Painting the opposite wall a strong color can make the room look smaller. Arrange furnishings so they’re centered on the featured wall.

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