How To Identify The Perfect Focal Point In A Room
1. What a Focal Point is not?
• Before we talk about identifying the perfect focal point in a room, we must first establish what exactly is meant by focal point.
• A focal point is not necessarily the center point of a room. A center point is a place or point where things are equally distanced from any given a point.
2. Focal Point defined
• A focal point can be anywhere within an area and objects are not necessarily equal distance from another.
• A focal point is that which instantly attracts the eye, captivates, and holds your attention.
• Sometimes a focal point becomes memorable and quite often involves a matter of opinion and resonates with personal choice.
3. Focal Point – Fundamental to Interior Decorating and Property Styling
Real Estate Agents, Interior Decorators and Property Stylist will tell you the focal point is fundamental not only to establish a great first impression, but it is the emphasis point around which the rest of the room is styled.
4. Identify the perfect focal point in the room.
As strange as it may sound, by finding and emphasizing the perfect focal point in a room can at times be used to camouflage or distract from view a less than perfect area in the room.
Some rooms may have built-in focal points. Identify and utilise these in deciding how best to layout the room.
5. Built-In Focal Points – are architectural features –
- Windows
Windows are an easy choice for a focal point. Eyes naturally travel there, especially when they open onto outdoor views. Copiously harness and put to good use what they have to offer. Showcase them as much as possible and make them appear as large as possible.
- Fireplaces
Above the fireplace is a natural focal point for a room. It is the ideal place to hang artwork or a large mirror. If there is a shelf or fireplace mantel, exhibit two or three precious ornaments.
The fireplace itself can boast with custom made design or accent colour.
• Accent Walls
Accent walls are usually those walls furthest away from the entrance into the room. To accentuate the wall paint it a bold colour. Artwork and large mirrors can also be hung on the accent walls, keeping in mind the general guidelines as to how high to hang artwork.
• Ceilings
Draw the eye to higher heights – blessed with a home with high ceilings – emboss this focal point with timber, accent colour, floating or drywall ceiling and lighting.
6. Non-Architectural Focal Point Items
- Furniture can serve as strong visual features for a focal point. Accessorising with complementary decorative cushions, throws and rugs will help draw the eye to the area,
- Artwork and Mirrors
Artwork and mirrors can be the focal point in a room too. The reflective attribute of mirrors can make a room look larger and brighter.
- Lights/Lighting
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Lighting accentuates and orchestrates the ambience.
Use lights to accent the featured focal point. Lights can also be a focal point unto itself, for example, a chandelier.
6. Do you know?….
- What to do if there is more than one focal point? – Remember the focus point is the emphasis point around which the rest of the room is styled.
- It is, therefore, possible to have more than one focal area in a room. In this case, identify the main feature, then allow your eye to travel around the room to the other features or focal points ensuring that all create an even flow.
- A helpful hint – have no more than three focal points and align the largest focal areas along an imaginary centerline.
- What to do if the area is an open plan living area – give each area a focal point. If the area is somewhat small, identify one main feature. Define the living area with a rug, which could also be the focal point.
How many focal points do you see in this image?
Notice how the rug defines the living area in this open plan living space.
- What to do when the sun goes down and the sole focal point is the window? Improvise with one or two additional focal points will ensure your room stays interesting when the curtains are drawn.
- Focal points are also determined by a room’s function.
We at Let’s Revamp Property Styling and Decorating are passionate about styling and decorating and would love to help you create the most breathtaking focal point in your home. We can assist you virtually too and help you find items that would complete the desired look and ambience in your home.
