Why Every Room Needs a Focal Point 

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Shalini Morris

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(and How to Create One Without Remodeling)

Pop quiz:

Would you rather live in:

  1. a cohesive room with a focal point, or
  2. a scattered, “storage closet” type space?

If you answered A, read on!  A focal point, or standout feature, defines a room’s functionality via a decorative feature.

Here are a few affordable tips for creating focal points:

  • Paint and/or wallpaper. I recently added an accent wall with dramatic wallpaper behind cherry bookshelves in a client’s library (see image), which anchors the room. A geometric pattern on a kitchen back wall looks modern and inviting, while a saturated paint color in a foyer creates a warm, welcoming accent wall.
  • Mirrors command attention, and offer fantastic versatility to transform your space into a gilded salon, a country getaway, or a classy guest bathroom. 
  • Plants and décor. Who doesn’t love a big friendly indoor palm? Add a pouf for a noncompeting complement – one of my favorite pairings, pouf and palm, can’t go wrong! Decorate with lights when the holidays roll around for good cheer.

Common mistakes to avoid:  Competing focal points. If your TV is by your fireplace, downplay the TV and decorate the mantle so the eye knows where to land. Oversized décor can make a room look wonky, or unbalanced. Just because it’s huge doesn’t mean it’s right. That giant orange vase might look better outside.

Need help with an unfinished room? If you’re wondering “what would the focal point be here?” ping me at info@liladustdesign.com. Chatting is free! 

Need color advice? I’m a certified decorator, Color Consultant, and an ASID Affiliate (American Society of Interior Decorators).  

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