Working with Focal Points (Wednesday Link Roundup)

The whole point of focal points is to put something really important, a piece that seeks one’s attention without even begging, and place it in a space that makes sense the most. There have been various ways that focal points have been defined in the past. Painters and photographers know their value because they literally turn the eye or the lens of the camera in capturing a well-focused image.

When it comes to interior design, a focal point is defined in a similar sense. This is usually an area that you turn your head to the moment you enter into a room. This is the more dramatic zone because it holds one bold piece of art, furniture, or vibrant color.

Whatever the designated focal point is, and whatever reasons you may have for using it, this is the one strong point that you must never go wrong with.

Not Always on a Wall

Remember that a focal point does not always have to be a part of a wall. You can have bold lighting fixtures, floor color, carpets, or furniture style. These are the strongest visual features that often capture the attention of every person.

Take this beautiful dining room, for instance. The carpet beautifully framed the lovely dining furniture set. It anchors the beautiful elements, always strongly reminding the beholder that there is much to enjoy, you don’t even have to stare too hard.

Various Options

Yet this same carpeting can also be the focal point in this dining room. If you would take a good look at the setup, you will notice that your eyes tend to travel to the dining room furniture and then the carpet, and, at times, even to the floral arrangement which was used as a centerpiece.

If you want to learn to identify the focal point in a room, know that it isn’t always the fireplace or that grand chandelier. A room can have a single focal point as was discussed above but it can also be a complex fusion of many beautiful, complementary elements.

Keep in mind also that every room in your home is multifaceted, it has many architectural features and it must house some of your favorite furniture pieces and accessories. There are also multiple functions to every room so it makes sense that, at times, there is more than one focal point.

Knowing how to work the different focal points matters so that you can use them effectively in a room. Bigger rooms are a lot more challenging since they are the ones that often have multiple functions. A luxurious bedroom, for instance, can have a bed, a fireplace, and even a headboard as the focal point.

Using the Rule of Three

If interior design is to be pared down to the basics, there are really no rules that are set in stone. Maximalism used to be non-existent but it is now an acceptable interior design. So if you don’t feel too confident donning a designer’s robe, then just use the three focal points as your maximum number. If, however, you want to break the rules a bit and express yourself in the process, then you can always go beyond three.

Find a Dominant Piece

When you are working with more than one focal point, always consider making one of these the dominant piece. This will make the room more visually structured.

The eye must have a strong spot to start looking at and it must always go back to that one piece once it is done wandering around the room. So think now of one interior design element that will stand out as the rest supports it visually.