Defining a Focal Point : A Great Starting Point in Decorating a Space

There are many rules and steps of design that apply to decorating any space. When decorating a space, a great starting point is defining a focal point. It is essential to establish a focal point so you can coordinate furnishings and accessories around it, therefore enhancing your space. Keep in mind that a focal point can possibly be a conversational starter upon entering a room and should leave a lasting impression.

A focal point can be an architectural detail such as:
Fireplaces
Windows (with or without a great view)
Staircases
Accent Walls
Niches
Built-in Bookshelves

Focal points can also be defined through:
Large Pieces of Furniture (sofas, beds, or armoires)
Rugs
Flooring with Detail (tile or wood)
Collections
Artwork
Antique Pieces
Sculptures
Large Tubs

Identifying a focal point or where it should be is basically asking yourself one simple question. Ask yourself where the eye is drawn when entering the space? You are going to want to define your focal point by coordinating your furnishings around this area. By doing this, you are creating harmony and balance in your space. Accentuate by adding interesting pieces, lighting, or eye popping color to the area of focal interest.

If you happen to have more than one focal point, such as a view versus the fireplace, the view would be of more importance over the fireplace. This is simply because there is just so much going on with the view of nature, such as color, texture, and life, versus a fireplace with a print or an accent color. Windows without a view are going to have to be dressed to impress with some rich and interesting fabric, as well as a good window treatment design. A floor to ceiling window treatment is one way of enlarging the height of your space and making a window look grand. Fireplaces are easy because they usually dominate the room with their presence. Accentuate your fireplace with art, lighting, color, and the proper tools needed to make it functional. Windows and fireplaces are the most common focal points in a space. A staircase is usually grand and can be accentuated with an interesting light fixture above it and a furniture piece anchoring it such as a bench, furniture piece, or a sculpture. You can create a neat array of framed art or family photos and add an accent color on the back wall of a staircase. The stairs should have a nice look to them, whether it be carpet, a runner, or hardwood. A large mirror or piece of art at the top or bottom landing of a staircase can enhance the overall look.

If your focal point is not an architectural detail, define a large piece of furniture such as a sofa or bed, adding interesting fabric with color, texture, and pattern. You can add an accent color to the back wall of a sofa or bed, even hanging interesting artwork behind them, as well. Other large pieces of furniture, such as armoires or antique pieces, are going to have to be defined as the focal point by their positioning in the space, more than anything. Add some interest to these pieces such as eye catching accessories and lighting. You can choose to make a grand statement with your focal point or make it simple for a more modern approach. A simple print or lamp can be a focal point, but you want to establish and accentuate it's presence with lighting and positioning. If you choose to do a sculpture, spot light and raise it with a pedestal to create a dominating presence. A collection should be neatly organized and positioned well, preferably lit.

Remember, that defining a focal point is important in design and should be one of the first steps in decorating a space. Once it has been defined, it is the center of attention and helps to relax the eye because there isn't going to be wow factors all over the room. It is concentrated in one specific area and the other areas of the space should be less accentuated. Think like a designer and do whatever you can to make your focal point the dominating point of interest in the space, remembering that boredom is a designer's worst enemy.