The wonderful effects of Focal Points

In any interior space, the composition of the design elements is vital. Composition is the way in which different design elements in a room are strategically organised. How you arrange these objects speaks volumes and will either contribute to enhancing a room, or making it dull and uninspiring. What is a Focal Point? The focal point is the most important feature in a room’s composition. It is the heart of your composition and should be the main focus in order for the overall design to be successful. Other items and colours in a room should be incorporated to enhance the mood and create unity, rather than compete with the focal point. So how does one identify a room’s focal point? As you enter an interior space for the first time, the section where your eyes naturally gravitate towards is the focal point. If the main focus of the room is towards the focal point, it will feel more welcoming and comfortable, ideal for rest or entertaining guests. Sometimes a focal point is an architectural feature, i.e. a fire place, or a large window. Alternatively, if your room has no distinguishing architectural features, you can always create a focal point. In fact, this will provide you with a great opportunity to be inventive and have fun while you’re at it! Read on to discover different ways of creating a focal point. Creating a Focal Point Focal Points vary and depending on your personality and taste, they can either be dramatic or simple. They should be stimulating to look at; something colourful, textural or visually alluring will be ideal. In addition to this a focal point should be the first thing you see as you enter a room. For example a good painting hanging on the centre of the wall opposite the main entrance can make a great Focal point that will attract the eyes upon entry. Using furniture can be a simple way of creating a focal point. In a large room with no distinguishing architectural features, consider the largest piece of furniture, for example a bed, a sofa, or a dining table, and make it into your focal point. Develop it by accessorizing it or around it. Another effective way to draw attention to a focal point is through the use of lights. Walls can also be used to create an attractive point for the eyes by painting one wall a different colour from the others and accessorizing it with, artworks, or shelves which display a unique array of artifacts. If painting an entire wall is too daring for you, limit yourself to painting a central portion or using unique wall paper. This is an effective way to create an instant focal point in a room which lacks an attractive main feature. If you chose not to paint a wall a different colour, this is fine. However, if you make an item of furnishing for example a bed the focal point, the wall directly behind it should be accessorized to draw more emphasis to the bed. Therefore, a work of art, or a large mirror with a uniquely carved wooden frame can do the job by enhancing the bed well. Large windows or doors that lead your eye to a stunning outdoor view can make a good focal point. Therefore organize the furniture in a way which allows you to take full advantage of the scenery. Treating the TV set as a focal point is tempting however don’t be deceived, a TV is not a desirable focal point and should not be treated as one! If this is the case for you, re-arrange the furniture by directing it towards another, more elevated and appealing Focal Point. Alternatively you can integrate the TV set into a focal point, however be careful that it does not become the main focus but rather an addition. Resist the temptation to go overboard, too much of a good thing can go against the look you are trying to achieve. The last thing you want to do is to create a cluttered look for the onlooker with too many details fighting for attention against each other. Creating a focal point in a room can be simple and less tedious than you may think. It is important to keep in mind that there should be only one main focal point in a room, however don’t hesitate to incorporate other, less dominant things to focus on such as a vase of flowers on a centre table. ms.efuahagan@gmail.com The author specializes in interiors and fashion