A focal point is one of the most fundamental elements in interior design. It’s the first place your eyes go to when you enter a room and what you base the rest of your décor around. Finding the right focal point can be challenging for a few reasons, but it doesn’t have to be! Discover how to choose the perfect focal point for your home’s design.
Highlight the best feature in a room. Sometimes, a focal point is already built into a room. All you have to do is highlight that piece of interest. Some of the most common built-in focal points include:
- Picturesque Windows. The view from your windows – especially eye-catching ones – are a simple yet effective focal point. In particular, bay windows make for a stunning focal point in living spaces and dining rooms. If your windows capture a stunning natural setting, capitalize on that by encasing the window with neutral window treatments. If the view outdoors isn’t all that scenic, dress your windows up with more elaborate curtains or a decorative upholstered cushion.
- Fireplaces. Commonly found in living rooms or dens, fireplaces help ground a space. If your home features a fireplace, make it a focal point by arranging seating around the hearth. Hang your favorite piece of art above the mantle or arrange family photos on top of it to further define your focal point.
- Vaulted Ceilings. Vaulted ceilings give a room an open-air feel and help distract the eye by creating the impression that the room is larger than it actually is. In addition, vaulted ceilings create visual interest in a space and add a certain elegance to bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and kitchens. To make them a focal point in your home, accent your vaulted ceilings with a color or decorative light fixture.
Create your own focal point. If the room your designing is virtually a blank canvas, create a focal point of your own. Your options are essentially limitless, whether you’re working in the confines of a kitchen or a master bedroom. These are some of the most common DIY focal points:
- Accent Walls. Adding a pop of color in the form of an accent wall is an easy way to create a focal point in any room in your home. Whether it’s a bold color choice that pairs with the neutral colors in the space or a patterned wallpaper that pulls together the color scheme of a room, there are a variety of ways you can incorporate an accent wall.
- Patterned Furnishings. Playing with patterns can seem daunting, but patterned pieces are another easy way to create a focal point in any room in your home. Large statement pieces, like oversized arm chairs or bulky wood armoires, can also serve as focal points.
- Backsplashes. Due to the lack of space in most kitchens and bathrooms, it can be difficult to define a focal point. Instead of adding another piece of furniture to the area, dress the walls up with a decorative backsplash. They serve the same purpose as an accent wall but provide you with an easy-to-clean, moisture-resistant solution.
To ensure proper use of focal points, remember to avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t have more than one focal point. In rooms that connect, like a kitchen and dining room, it can be tempting to add a focal point in each room. This can get confusing and distracting. Instead, incorporate a focal point that serves a purpose in the room, like an island in the kitchen or a stunning dining table set.
- Don’t forget to frame the area. Incorporate small details into the space to draw the eyes towards the focal point.
- Don’t ignore lighting. Focal points deserve their own spotlight! Help draw attention to the focal points in your home with lighting designated to that particular part of the room.
