5 Ways to Create a Focal Point

A focal point plays a crucial role in interior design, capturing the attention of viewers as they enter a room. It may not necessarily be positioned at the centre, but its strategic placement and distinct features make it immediately noticeable within the space.

To emphasize a focal point in interior design, various design elements can be employed. This serves to amplify its presence, allowing it to command the space and create a cohesive design. The focal point should inherently draw the eye more than other areas of the room.

In almost any interior space, there exists a focal point, whether it's a natural gathering place or a deliberate design feature. In residential settings, focal points can be found in bay windows, kitchen islands, fireplaces, beds, and dining tables. In commercial interior design, focal points may include stages, conference tables, projector screens, or lobby seating.

The principle of emphasis is vital in highlighting and capturing attention toward a specific area of the room, establishing visual impact, and serving as a foundation for the overall design. There are countless ways to create emphasis, such as utilising colour, statement furniture, artwork, or architectural features.

In this guide by Minotti London, we delve deeper into the concept of focal points, exploring their significance, and uncovering how to fully utilize them to transform a space.

Here are five design elements that can be employed to emphasize a focal point in interior space:

Picture from: West of Main

1. Furniture:

• Statement furniture pieces such as sofas, beds, or dining tables can serve as standalone focal points.

• The placement of furniture also plays a significant role in influencing the focal point. For example, arranging sofas, chairs, and tables around a fireplace encourages people to gather in that area, drawing attention to it.

• Contrasting colours and textures in furniture can catch the viewer's eye, and distinct forms like highlighting a sculpture amidst clean lines can create emphasis.

2. Accents:

• Even when a focal point is already noticeable, accents can be used to enhance the visual appeal and elevate the overall ambience of the space.

• These accents can include window furnishings, moulding, artwork, or bookshelves. For instance, adding accents such as cushions and throws can further emphasise statement furniture.

• Certain features can serve as focal points themselves or work to highlight an existing one. For example, a work of art can serve as a focal point or be hung above a fireplace to enhance its prominence. Built-in shelving can frame a fireplace or accentuate a feature window, expanding the original point of focus.

3. Lighting:

• Strategically placed lighting is a subtle yet powerful way to create emphasis in interior design.

• Lighting fixtures can highlight areas of contrast, where light meets dark, and illuminate specific design features like alcoves or archways.

• If a piece of art is the focal point, picture lights, track lights, or wall fixtures can set it apart and draw attention to the artwork.

• Light fixtures themselves can also serve as focal points, such as chandeliers, or be part of a focal point, like pendant lights suspended over a dining table.

4. Colour:

• One of the simplest ways to emphasise a focal point is through the colour palette.

• Accent walls, which focus on a specific wall without completely transforming the entire space, are a popular method of creating emphasis through colour. I

• f there are no built-in features to work with, an accent wall on the furthest wall from the entry can become the focal point. Even with neutral shades, a point of contrast can be emphasised, such as using grey against warm white. Adding a splash of vibrant colour, whether on a wall, rug, or furniture piece, can create a playful effect, especially as part of a monochrome scheme.

• Colour accents can also be used to direct attention to an existing focal point, such as using curtains in a bright and inviting colour to frame a window with an impressive view.

• Conversely, using dark paint surrounding a fireplace can emphasise the contrast and create a more dramatic focal point.

5. Texture, Shape & Pattern:

• Incorporating different textures and patterns can enliven a space and contribute to emphasising a focal point.

• An exposed brick wall, vibrantly patterned wallpaper, or intricately carved furniture can anchor the eye and become a focal point.

• A heavily textured rug on a bare floor can stand out, and even interior plants like ferns can add texture.

• Shapes and patterns can introduce contrast that accentuates a focal point. For instance, placing a square table among circular stools or introducing irregular shapes amidst square tiles, cushions, and rugs can make the focal point more distinct.

• Lines can also be utilized to direct the flow of the space, and breaking that flow at a specific point can create a focal point. For example, using horizontal lines in the design and introducing vertical lines where attention is desired will make them stand out