by Brenda Nelson

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 24, 2009

In the garden a water feature, such as a fountain, becomes a focal point. The focal point is the feature that people are naturally going to be drawn too visually. Focal points add interest. Our interior spaces should also be given special focal points.

In a bed room the focal point is often the bed itself, but may be a romantic fireplace. In the kitchen the focal point may be the center piece on a kitchen table. In great rooms it may be the window or chandelier. Televisions are often a focal point. Sometimes there is no obvious focal point, or there may be too many focal points.

How to Create,or find a Focal Point

The best way to find a focal point in a room is to pick one element that you are especially proud of and make it prominent. Start by considering the typical focal points, plants, art, televisions, or fireplaces.

In a room with no obvious focal point, you need to create one. Large art work is often one of the best focal points, and can say something about you, and your personal style. Original art is far more meaningful and powerful as a focal point than a cheap generic print. Use a frame that compliments both the work of art and your decor. Select a work of art that means something to you, not just one that matches your sofa. Use that work of art as a theme for other pieces in the room, each should work in harmony with the main focal point.

If the television, or fire place, is the focal point of the room, remove clutter from the area around it. Make sure to draw the eye to the feature you want to show off most. It is fine to have a few objects on the mantel but do not let the knick knacks feel overwhelming.

Often times in family living spaces a grouping of family pictures on a wall will become the focal point. Use either similar frames, or pictures finished in a similar way, such as all black and white photos. This will create unity making several small features act as one focal point.

If a grand window is the focal point, show it off. Use sheer curtains so the eye is drawn to the window rather than to the curtains themselves. In homes with bay windows, or over-sized tall windows, the window is the focal point, and should not be blocked with furniture.

If a room has too many large features it becomes difficult to know which one is the focal point, you need to pick one feature and make it more prominent while decreasing the prominence of the others. What feature most adds to the room? Keep that element and remove the others or display

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