How to create interest or a focal point in a room
Making a room interesting means choosing where to look
Focal points in a room give the eye somewhere to rest. It also gives a room interest and can act as a conversation starter. And after all, if the eye is drawn to your display, it won’t see the mess and detritus of every day life!
1. Create a talking point:
Is there a piece of unusual art you’re fond of? Have you picked up a holiday souvenir and don’t know what to do with it? Display it in a way that means visitors ask about it. It’s an easy way to start a conversation.
2. Use symmetry:
The human eye is drawn to pleasing shapes and regular patterns. We’re taught at school to find a theme in something that appears to be random.
(Don’t tell me you haven’t spotted repeated shapes in a frosted window, or wallpaper!) It’s therefore restful and pleasing to the eye when it spots symmetry.
3. Create a collection:
If you have a collection of photographs, pictures, teapots, boxes, or nicknacks that mean something to you, pull them together in an interesting display. Design should include personality.
A space in your home primary has a function. It’s where you cook, where you relax, where you sleep, or it’s simply where you hang your coat. It has a purpose.
The practical nature of the room doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Here are three ways to add interest.
1. Do the unexpected:
Have some fun and do something quirky. It will raise a smile and give a happy, warm feeling to a room.
2. Go wild:
Use nature as your inspiration. Collect fir cones, feathers, pieces of driftwood or simply take a collection of flower photographs.
3. Mix it up:
Try putting together an eclectic display of contrasting things, perhaps old and new furniture, flowery and striped fabrics, or shelving of different shapes and colours.
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