Creating a space with elegant interior design that delights and impresses requires thoughtful placement of eye-catching details. Implementing strong focal points and strategic pops of contrast are two key concepts that take room décor to the next level.
And centring furnishings and architectural elements around a striking standout piece makes that balance. In fact, using contrasting textures, colours and lighting in harmony spotlights the focal point further. This draws the eye exactly where you want it to capture attention.
You can curate interiors with a captivating style by learning focal points and contrast basics. So, let’s explore it more!
What is the Focal Point of a Room?
The focal point refers to the starring element that first grabs attention upon entering a space. This acts as an anchor for the rest of the décor by providing visual weight and pulling the gaze.
Strategic focal points give structure and balance to the room’s interior design and convey a clear design intention that prevents chaos.
Many designers select a striking focal point early and then build the remainder of the room around it.
For example, placing a commanding floor lamp in the corner facing the sitting area provides an obvious visual destination. Arrange seating and accent décor to point admiring gazes its way– this orientation gives the room symmetry and purpose.
How to Choose a Focal Point for Your Room?
There are endless eye-catching possibilities that serve well as focal points:
Furniture: An expansive bookcase, canopy or luxe plush headboard bed, extravagant chandelier, or lushly upholstered chaise naturally stands out. But make sure there’s ample breathing room around furniture focal points.
Artwork: Light up vibrant oil paintings, modern photography prints or textured mixed media works.
Architectural Details: Spotlight arched windows, exposed brick walls, carved fireplace mantels or high coffered ceilings.
Lighting Elements: Suspend glitzy pendant lights lowering from above or install recessed lighting to illuminate niche spaces.
Accent Walls: Implement moody dark matte paint colours, reflective metallic finishes or brightly coloured murals.
Things to remember:
1. Room Size & Purpose: Consider the room's size, layout, intended purpose, and personal preferences when selecting a focal point. Grand spaces suit bolder statements, while tight quarters demand precise scaling.
2. Focal Points for Form & Function: Formal dining rooms cater to gleaming chandeliers, while living rooms invite textured sectionals or overstuffed armchairs. Match your focal point to both functional needs and decorating vision.
What is Contrast?
Contrast refers to combining strikingly different colours, textures, shapes, sizes and orientations in close proximity. The contrast shows variation and adds an exciting dimension when done thoughtfully.
Placing a round mirror atop an edged wood credenza or laying plush shaggy rugs on smooth concrete floors creates evident contrast. Differing elements positioned intentionally together add appealing visual tension.
How to Use Contrast to Emphasise Your Focal Point?
Implementing artful contrast throughout a well-designed interior design draws attention to the starring focal point. Contrast spotlights, frames and elevates focal elements on display. Strategically arranging contrasting finishes, fabrics, silhouettes and details around the focal feature emphasises its prominence.
Some examples of using effective contrast include:
Upholstering focal point seating in nubby linen and surrounding chairs in smooth velvet
Painting other walls soft hues to make the charcoal accent wall more dramatic
Suspending a gleaming orb chandelier overhead to distinguish an organic edge dining table
Layering a hefty jute area rug underneath a sleek metal coffee table
Flanking a brick fireplace with narrow sconces to spotlight its stacked ledge
Avoid bombarding small spaces with too many contrasting elements. This overstimulates the eye and makes rooms feel discordant. Carefully build cohesion by repeating some softer decor touches to balance bold focal contrasts.
How to Balance Your Focal Point with Other Elements?
The ideal backdrop for a striking focal point is often understated to avoid visual clutter. Use muted tones and simple lines for remaining furniture, lighting and architectural details. Too many loud accents undermine an excellent focal point instead of working harmoniously.
Some ideas to spotlight your focal point in your room’s interior design include:
Painting walls in lighter neutral shades like greige or ivory
Choosing streamlined furnishings with curved edges to contrast focal point straight lines
Using recessed ceiling lights or modern track fixtures to illuminate without stealing attention
Anchoring a bench underneath large statement artwork for grounded symmetry
Repeating focal point colours minimally in pillows and accent decor for cohesion
Thoughtfully layering and scaling supplementary décor allows the star of the room to shine. This helps establish an appealing layout full of dimension and interest that is certain to impress.
It’s Time to Bring It All Together!
Implementing a bold focal point alongside strategic pops of contrast creates instantly captivating interior designs. When planning room décor, first pick a show-stopping element like a commanding credenza or colourful tiled fireplace to the spotlight.
Supplement this stellar centrepiece by weaving contrasting textures, shapes and finishes throughout the remainder of the space. If you do this effectively, these two design concepts will work in beautiful harmony, leading to rooms with impressive style, polish, and purpose.
Ready to elevate your interiors?
Contact us at Hipcouch to get started with the refreshing design process today.
Book a consultation now!