We Show you How Easy it is to Create a Focal Point
As an important element in interior design, every room needs a focal point that catches the eye as soon as you enter a room.
04/01/2022
When entering any room, the eye immediately wanders around looking for something that catches your attention. It is a feature that immediately grabs your attention and brings interest and life into the room. Unfortunately, modern houses, particularly townhouses or apartments, are designed to be quick and easy to build and usually lack any form of interesting feature. This article focuses on rooms that have zero personality and need a jolt - or focal point - to add interest.
Every room needs a focal point - a place that catches the eye and brings interest to a plain room that lacks any form of detail.
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Even an open staircase needs to grab attention, especially if it is the first thing you see when entering the house.
1. Feature Wall
The most used method for creating a focal point, particularly in a room that lacks any form of detail, is a feature wall. This is a wall in the room that is decorated either with wallpaper, paint, wall mural or stencil design and that immediately grabs attention as you enter the room. Probably one of the easiest methods of creating a focal point, you can select whatever method you can afford to bring attention to a room with paint or stencilling being the most affordable.
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Most dining rooms are basic at best and are generally rooms lacking in detail. While a dining suite is the main feature in a dining room if it is surrounded by blank walls the room is still lacking in interest. Painting a single wall in a standout colour immediately adds interest and gives the dining room personality.
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Above and below are two different methods for creating a focal point in a large open plan living space. The top image shows how a gallery of large black and white photos create the focal point while the painted wall below is most definitely an attention-grabbing feature.
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2. Gallery Wall
Another fun and practical way to add a focal point to a boring room is to set up a gallery wall. This doesn't have to be family photos and can be anything from your favourite works of art, images of your travels, posters, or prints. The idea is to arrange the wall to be as interesting as possible so that it is the first thing that catches the eye when walking into the room.
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For a focal point in any room, a gallery wall brings personality and interest to a room. Using black and white prints on a white background provides a subtle focal point.
Black framed prints not only catch your attention, but also provide more of a visual impact.
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For drama and impact, nothing grabs attention more than an eye-catching mural, a beautifully stencilled wall or a decadent wallpaper design.
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3. Mural, Stencilled Wall or Wallpaper
Bare walls and minimum detailing make for a boring room. Using mural, stencilling techniques or wallpaper might be more expensive than just painting the wall, but it does give any room a focal point. Added to that, you can select a design that complements the style of the house and the colours that harmonize with the room decor. It's also an easy way to introduce an accent colour.
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A fitting design for this formal dining room, the wallpaper on one wall draws attention and adds elegance and pattern to the room.
And don't forget about the bathroom - guest or master - they need a focal point just as much as any other room. In a bland bathroom, a wall of design changes the look and mood of the room.
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If you see yourself as a wannabe artist, why not try your hand at a masterpiece that can be painted directly onto a blank wall and framed.
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4. Large Scale Artwork or Tapestry
These days, you don't have to fork out a fortune to have artwork on the walls. It might not be an original piece of art, but mounted prints and canvas photo art look just as great when mounted onto a wall as a focal point. There are plenty of digital printers that now offer large scale and full-wall prints that can be framed and hung on walls.
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Always keep in mind that the intention behind a focal point is to create interest or make a statement. It is all about highlighting a feature, item or piece of furniture that captures your attention. Consider the colours, textural interest and contrast when viewed against other items in a room. The focal point should pop and be interesting to be a success.
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