Many homes have natural focal points like large picture windows or fireplaces, while others may need a bit of design help to create one. The key is to always start with the focal point first when designing a room.
Focal points are what draw your attention and make you notice a space. They can be a painting, a piece of furniture, or even a unique architectural feature like vaulted ceilings.
1. Paint or Artwork
Artwork can make a great focal point when arranged in the right way. For example, a bold painting or framed photography can draw the eye in while also adding color to a space. In addition to oversized art pieces, canvas wall art and gallery picture walls can all create focal points.
Vaulted ceilings are another easy focal point because eyes naturally travel upward. Adding bold paint or contrasting wallpaper to the ceiling can really stand out and be a focal point in itself.
Sometimes a room will already have a natural focal point, like a fireplace or large window. But if there isn’t one, it is easy to create a designed focal point using paint, wall decor or even a sizable potted plant. Just remember to keep the rest of the space simple to avoid creating competing focal points.
2. Lighting
Choosing the right lighting to highlight your focal point is another key aspect of design. Whether it’s picture lights over artwork, track lighting to highlight other house features, or a chandelier to draw the eye up and make your room feel more inviting, the right light fixture can really set it apart from the rest of the decor in the space.
Sometimes a room has natural focal points built-in, like a fireplace or an oversized window. Other times it takes a bit of design help to create a new focal point that makes sense for the space. Using paint to create an accent wall, adding a bold piece of furniture, or simply rearranging the layout can all serve as great ways to draw the eye and make a room feel more inviting.
3. Furniture
Some rooms have natural focal points like large windows and views of the outdoors or a fireplace. These make for easy built-in focal points since they draw the eye with little effort.
If your room doesn’t have a natural focal point, you can create a new one with simple furniture and design choices. For example, a sofa can become the focal point in a living room if it is long and elegant with a large mirror or framed artwork above it.
Another way to create a focal point is by painting or wallpapering an accent wall. It can be a different color than the rest of the walls, or you can use a unique pattern or texture to make it stand out. You could also add wood, stone or a faux finish to an existing wall for added interest.
4. Accessories
Even small rooms can have a focal point with a bit of effort. In an entry, a table with a beautiful vignette of pictures, plants and baskets can draw the eye to create an inviting feel.
Accent walls are another easy way to create a focal point. Paint the wall a bold color or use a wallpaper with a unique pattern to make it stand out against the rest of the room. You can also add wood, stone or a faux finish to a wall to create a dramatic look.
Kitchens can have focal points with stunning backsplashes, beautiful faucet fixtures or a large wraparound farmer’s sink. Dining tables can become focal points with beautiful dinnerware and a gorgeous centerpiece. Indoor plants like New Zealand laurels, fishtail palms and olive trees can be focal points when placed in the right spot.
5. Floors
Sometimes a room has no built-in focal point and you have to create one on your own. A simple accent wall painted in a bold color, a large piece of furniture with framed art hanging above it, or even a vignette with indoor plants can be a great way to draw attention to the space.
Focal points are a must in any home and are easy to create. Stand in the main entrance of each room and note what captures your attention. Whether it be a window, large piece of furniture or the fireplace, try to minimize the number of features in a room as too many can compete with each other. A bold floor or carpet and a few strategically placed pieces of framed artwork can also be a great way to draw the eye and add interest to your space.
