21 Jun Solving Interior Design Issues: Too Many Focal Points
Focal points help me as a designer to invent a flow within a space that draws attention and helps create a feeling or mood. My goal is to either identify an existing focal point or create one so that anyone entering that space sees it the way I envisioned it. This process provides purpose and structure, giving my clients a relaxing space that emphasizes what is important to them. I often encounter spaces with no focal points or too many, and both can be equally as distracting.
There are focal points that are naturally built into a space such as architectural features—a fireplace or large window for example. But I can also create focal points, using furniture or artwork placement to pull you into a space. The first step is always to figure out what I have to work with. What will be the primary focal point, and how can I use the rest of the space to support my vision? I work with my clients to choose one or two—any more than that and the space can feel disjointed.
With an existing space, I find that de-cluttering is a great way to start refocusing. It is tempting to fill free space with odds and ends, extra furniture and artwork—merely emptying corners and walls can quickly reduce peripheral baggage and open a room’s possibilities.
Once my clients and I have agreed on how we want the space to “read”, we decide how much work needs to be done to make the focal points highlight the design. Sometimes it’s a simple fix. I move on to find our secondary focal point and it comes together relatively effortlessly. Other times there is more tweaking and adjusting to get to where we want to be. Then there are times where I am creating something out of nothing—the empty canvas gets fleshed out.
I really like to stand at the entrance to a space and see what others might see as they enter, thinking how I can create something that draws you in without you even being aware of it.
Standing at the front door of this Indianapolis condo, the view from the large windows was the clear winner for the space’s focal point. In my initial conversations with my client we decided that he wanted a fireplace and built-in bookshelves. My job was to then design them in such a way that they held their own in the space but didn’t distract from the view. The island and dining table where the last items of visual importance. I created a design that followed that natural progression. I selected a neutral sofa fabric with a low profile so that it would not draw attention away from the windows and fireplace. I then chose details that would keep the eye moving once it took in the initial “wow” view. Those details included splashes of color in the bar stools, artwork, throw pillows and rug, as well as the herring bone design of the kitchen backsplash.
When I remodeled the home below, I knew the existing staircase would be an impressive focal point. I created a secondary point of interest to complete the space by adding a two-sided fireplace.
Once you are in the space you are naturally led to the amazing view out the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room. You are directed into and through the space by the thoughtful use of focal points.
When choosing focal points, remember the goal—our brains need visual cues to help direct us through a space. That is how you create interest and drama. When designing your home, look at each room with a critical eye, paying attention to the details as you work through what you would like the space to say about you and your family.
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