The Power of Focal Points

Hello everyone! Today we are going to talk about focal points. Let’s start with a definition: A focal point is the first thing you notice when you walk into a room. Our eyes and brains naturally take it in first as we make sense of a space. It’s simply the way we’re wired. If I show you a piece of paper, no matter the size, with one square on it, that’s where you’ll look. The same paper with a lot of squares, you’ll notice the biggest. Mix in color and you’ll focus on the brightest. Plain squares? You’ll notice the fancy one (Ooh! A fancy square!) The same principles apply to your home, and you can use this knowledge to your advantage to make a lasting first impression.

Examples of architectural focal points:

·         Fireplace

·         Floor to ceiling windows

·         Built-in shelves or cabinetry

·         Large lighting fixtures

·         Vaulted ceilings

·         Exposed beams

If your home isn’t blessed with a natural focus point like those above, don’t worry. Make your own. It’s not quite as simple as drawing a fancy square but focus on your creativity and you’ll be fine.

Examples of focal points you can create:

·         A painting or sculpture

·         An oversize mirror

·         A unique piece of furniture

·         A gorgeous area rug

·         Dramatic lighting

Once you determine a focal point, whether architectural or created, embrace it. Instead of attempting to find a second, equally interesting focal point, avoid that temptation and use the remainder of the space to highlight and support that single point. If your room has two architectural focal points, then your goal is to tie them together in a pleasing manner. For example, if you have a wall with large feature windows and another wall with a fireplace, you might connect them through color. Your window treatments could get support from the items on display on the fireplace mantel. That harmonious look will create a sense of calm and flow.

Another option, especially in a large room, is to treat the two focal points as different areas within the room. Using the example above, if your fireplace is at one end of the room and your windows are at the other, you might set up two different seating areas that each support their focus point. Around the fireplace imagine a couple of club chairs and a table in between with an ottoman—a lovely spot to put your feet up and read a good book. At the window end of the room, you place a table and chairs to create a lovely work area with a view. This creates a unique identity for each focal point. In today’s homes with big, open concept living spaces, it’s common to have more than one focal point per room to address.

To decorate a space to emphasize a focal point, you have many options. You can space plan so your furniture supports the focal point, drawing your eyes in. If your focal point is an area rug for example, you can pull colors from that and repeat them throughout your space. Just remember that the trick is to support and not block or compete with your focal point.

It’s always a good idea to learn from others. So, as you walk into different places, homes or businesses, note what your eyes are drawn to, then evaluate how that focal point was addressed. How did it make you feel? Content or anxious? Did the space feel finished with good flow or did you struggle to make sense of it? Take what you learn and apply it to your own home.  A little focus while you’re out and about will help you learn how to make the most of your space.

Now, what will you do next to love where you live?

Please feel free to reach out to us at The Redesign Habit and ask questions or simply share a project that you are working on or have completed.

For more great stories and ideas please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.