You often hear designers talking about creating a focal point in a room in order bring a design together. While this sounds like an easy thing to do, sometimes it can be hard to know what to make a key focus in the room and how to do it. I have a couple of easy to follow tips on how to do this and which areas to concentrate on.

Choose a Focal Colour

This is a great place to start if you are looking to create a focal point for your room. The colour you choose should be a daring, vivid shade that will really stand out in your design. A great example of a colour to highlight is Teal, I wrote a blog on this colour a few weeks back so make sure to take a look at it for some inspiration. Other colours to consider include Purple Heart, Hot Sun and Smoulder.

Once you have decided on your focal colour, it will be up to you to use it creatively in the room. Try using the colour on a feature wall, or paint vertical stripes for an interesting alternative to colour blocking. Experiment with different paint finishes to see which one works best with your featured colour.

Use Contrast

Sometimes even the brightest of colours needs a little help to reach its potential. Highlighting contrasting tones of your focal colour can heighten the design features in the room. Use your Crown Colour card to easily select similar shades to sit in your room. For example, if you decide to go with Sea Spirit as your focal colour, Lupin, Platium and Moonlight Bay can all be used throughout the room to create this effect.

This theme can be carried through to accessories, look for graduated use of colour in rugs, throws or artwork to get the most from this approach.

Be Bold with Pattern

This is one of my favourite ways to create a focal point in a room. It is also an opportunity to express yourself by choosing a pattern that reflects your personality. Look to statement furniture pieces like armchairs, screens and side tables to incorporate your favourite pattern.

If you are looking to re-decorate on a budget, you can use accessories to go big with pattern. Curtains and cushions are the perfect way to bring a particular design into your room. To create a focal point, try to avoid using matching patterns throughout the room, instead use a variety from the same colour palette.

Use Statement Lighting

Lighting is always an important consideration in any room but it can also be used to transform the atmosphere in the space. You can source some great lighting options from department stores that won’t break the bank. Try Scandinavian style lights that arch over furniture or oversized lampshades that bring pattern and elegance to a room.

Vintage style shades or chandeliers can be a beautiful addition to any room. You can search out some brilliant bargains in your local car boot sales or antique store to bring a unique retro touch to your home.

Use Calming Colours in Chaotic Spaces

With a hectic family or work life it’s not surprising that many rooms in our home can look as busy as we feel. Focusing these rooms with one colour or feature can have a calming effect, something we can all appreciate.

With so much storage many people find that their bedroom is the most chaotic room in their home. You can create a soothing effect by using one of the well known calming colours, blue or green. Choose a darker shade of each of these as a feature, be it with paint or a bed linen to draw to eye to that area.

A word of caution, be careful to use just one or two of the tips mentioned above to ensure you achieve the desired look.

I hope this article helps you understand how professional designers think and what they mean when they refer to a focal point in their room design!

Happy decorating,

Neville

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