Do you ever walk into a room and wonder what's not working? The furniture may be lovely, the draperies stunning and the colours all flowing but something just doesn't seem right. It could be a lack of focus.
Every room needs a focal point, one area of interest that the eye is drawn to. The look of the room should evolve from this point, allowing the eye to look, with ease, from one thing to the next without feeling overwhelmed. Without focus a room will feel cluttered or worse, sterile!
Natural focal points include large windows and fireplaces. Often rooms will include both of these features so one must become the more dominant point of interest. A fireplace with a fabulous painting overtop immediately becomes the center of attention. If the room has an exquisite outlook from a window this should be the prevailing feature as the eye will naturally want to drink in the beauty that lies beyond.
When a room lacks intrigue on its own then the décor needs to incorporate this need. A substantial piece of furniture, a large mirror or eye-catching artwork are all great solutions in bringing focus to a room.
Place furniture to allow for easy conversation, placing seating areas across from one another, centered on the focal point. In a large space consider having two separate seating areas with two different focal points to bring warmth into an oversized room. When two seating areas are offered ensure that furniture is similar in size, pattern and texture, always remembering that this is still one room. A stunning coffee table may become the focal point for one grouping while artwork will be the focus of another. It is important that the two focal points work together and not fight for attention.
As always the general rule when decorating any room in your home is that it is pleasing to you and nothing will please you more than letting a prized possession stand up and be noticed, be creative when creating interest in your home and work from a treasured piece down.
Mary Taggart
For more useful tips, visit the news section of TheLindsays.ca. You can also write to me and share your ideas and suggestions about home renovation, decorating and more!
