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Creating a Focal Point

Architectural interest in a home is a lot like good bone structure; if you aren’t born with it, you enhance what you have either with makeup or plastic surgery.  The same is true when designing rooms.  If you don’t have an architectural focal point, you create one.

The layout and size of the room, the height of the ceiling and the window size and shape, will determine the best solution for a rather boring interior.  For example high ceilings allow you to do some textural treatments that bring the ceiling height down and give it some architectural interest at the same time.  On the other hand, if you have a mid-century home and the ceilings are low, elongating the walls may be the direction you want to go. 

Regardless of the specifics of your room, here are some tips that will work anywhere, anytime.

1. Color--Great for creating a focal point on one wall by making it stand out.  You can also create the opposite effect; if you have low ceilings; paint the walls and the ceiling the same color and then use furniture or accents for your focal point.  The back wall of niches or bookcases can also be painted contrasting colors to draw your eye in and create a focal point.

2. Molding—Trim pieces that are painted in a contrasting color can add zip to a boring windowless long wall or walls.  Depending on the height of the walls, a combination of chair railing and repeating hexagon panels can be created with just a few pieces of wood.   If your ceilings are low, painting the trim the same as the wall color can still add visual interest without the contrast and “busyness.”

3. Fireplace—If you’ve longed for a fireplace and don’t have one, buy a portable model or create the illusion. Fireplaces can be wonderful focal points.   Portable fireplaces come in all shapes, sizes and styles and they are fully contained and ready to plug in.  Alternatively, you can search out the antique stores for an old mantel or if that’s not your style, a trip to the local home improvement store has lots of solutions for faux fireplaces.

4. Furniture—A large interesting piece of furniture can become a focal point; as long as you keep it in proportion to the overall room.  By playing off the texture, features or color, this piece can set the tone for the entire area.  Large bookcases, armoires, shelving units, etc., can be used for this purpose.  Just make sure the piece has something that warrants a place of honor in your interior.

5. Window Treatments—If your windows are too small or awkwardly positioned, creating window treatments to camouflage their size can sometimes help and soften the room at the same time.  The layout and size of the room will determine if you want to fade the window dressing into the background or allow it to become a focal point.  Building or buying shoji screens for example, can create a focal point as well as hide a small window or bad view.

6. Accessories—Large sculpture pieces, artwork, wall hangings, folding screens, plants, area rugs, etc., can also be focal points.  When using any decorative accents, the trick is to let them have “breathing room.”  Don’t display a fabulous piece of art and then place furniture or other items in front of it; you’ll create a cluttered look instead of a focal point.  Always remember the “less is more” rule of thumb when working with decorative accessories.

Following these guidelines will help you create a room you and your family and friends will enjoy for years to come.  In fact, you’ll probably be so pleased with yourself you’ll be creating focal points all over the house!