| Although you could throw random objects into a | | | | standout wallpaper can attract the attention that a |
| space and call it 'interior design,' you'll be much better | | | | focus point requires. |
| off creating a focal point in a room and then | | | | Do you have an interesting painting or two lying |
| decorating around it. Any room's focal point | | | | around? Artworks are also effective as focal points |
| immediately draws the eye of the viewer in, as well as | | | | because they're so different from the rest of the |
| a basis for all the other decor pieces to complement | | | | decor. In order to be successful, the art piece must be |
| or contrast. Focus points, contrary to popular belief, | | | | interesting and evocative so that visitors won't be able |
| don't have to be in the center, nor do they have to be | | | | to help stopping by it. Generally, more dramatic |
| large and ornate objects. Anything from a small figurine | | | | paintings work better than subtle little opuses when |
| to a big chair can become a focus point, no matter | | | | you're trying to establish a focal point in any room. |
| where in the room you place it. | | | | Give some attention to your floors by turning using a |
| Furniture pieces are most often used as the focal point | | | | rug as a piece that defines the focal point. Most plain |
| because they're large and command immediate | | | | rooms, for example, tend to have very bare floors. A |
| attention. Antique furniture and heirlooms are | | | | large, beautiful rug solves that situation by adding |
| particularly suitable as focal points because they're | | | | interesting new images to the floor, while at the same |
| often very tough yet ornate. At the same time, such | | | | time giving the viewer something interesting to look at |
| items usually have a lot of history and stories around | | | | down there. In rooms that are mostly colored in |
| them, making them great conversation pieces for | | | | neutrals, a bold or dark colored rug can work |
| public areas. Similarly, dramatic pieces like a glass-top | | | | particularly well. Getting a radically different texture and |
| dining table or a richly upholstered couch will work well | | | | then complementing the rug's color with pillows and |
| as the focus of a room. | | | | other accessories will only enhance the visual status of |
| If grandma didn't pass any of her old furniture down, | | | | the c. |
| you could also turn an architectural element of the | | | | No matter what item you end up choosing for your |
| room into a focal point. Fireplaces, for example, are | | | | focal point, what's important is that the item has |
| very obvious and very effective focal points due to | | | | character and personality. There's no point putting in, |
| their size. You can clue visitors in to the status of your | | | | say, a rug for a focal point if all you'll install is some |
| fireplace by, say, clumping some furniture directly in | | | | bland little rectangle of neutral fabric. It sounds a little |
| front of it. Decorating the mantel with bright colors and | | | | over the top, but decorating with a focal point is all |
| shiny items also achieve the same effect. Alternatively, | | | | about drama and visual impact at first glance. |
| an accent wall done in a bright shade of paint or a | | | | |