As you walk in the front door of your home is there a subtle magnet that draws you or your guests into the environment? When friends or family come to your home for the first time do they naturally gravitate to the primary area of the living space, or do they seem confused about where to go and where to sit?
Ask yourself if, when you are thinking about each room in your home, you are consciously aware of the focal point in that room. If the answer is "no," then read on to learn more about this all-important design element.
So, what is a focal point? Let's look at some examples. The best known focal point in a living or family room is the fireplace, a major architectural element around which seating arrangements are generally created. Such arrangements of furniture, and a well "dressed" fireplace, will build a sense of warmth, more so from the intimate mood of the groupings than from the fire itself.
However, the same feelings of warmth, or other moods, can be created with wall art, such as a tapestry or painting, a unique piece of furniture (an armoire or an impressive chest can create wonderful focal points). Even a sofa, or some other upholstery can do the trick, if it is eye catching enough to command the best spot in the room. A bright area rug, or a large custom-made coffee table could also serve as focal points, as long as the rest of the room is "pulled together" and everything revolves harmoniously around the special spot.
Here are some other examples of actual or created focal points:
- A well dressed bed.
- A picture window, a bay window, a garden window.
- A wall treated with special memorabilia, such as photos, appealingly arranged books or collectibles in bookcases or cabinets.
- A magnificent window treatment, which can hide an ugly window or block a less than desirable view.
Look around your room and find the spot or the item which you wish to use as your focal point. Analyze it, visualize what it can do for the room and consider what it will do for you and your guests.
Season's Thoughts
Hawaiian Hideaway
by Scott Westmoreland
Hanging a framed poster, that complements the room's decor, over a fireplace is one of the fastest and most effective ways to add one of the finishing touches to this favorite focal point in a room. Use the search button below to find a poster of your favorite artist, and have it framed to suit your personal style.
An
area rug that is either colorful or has a special design can be used as
a focal point, allowing eyes to move from other parts of the room to rest
on its details.
And
remember the dining table as a focal point. Beautiful dinnerware, table
arrangements and the the overall display of special dishes will always
be the focal point whenever a meal is involved.
The bed! Very likely the focal point in the bedroom. It is your retreat, make sure it serves that purpose well, and remember, it also reflects your taste and personality. For great selections for the entire family,
There
are many options and prices to meet every budget for your window coverings.
Remember, windows can be great focal points, they can frame a nice view
or hide an unsightly one, and large windows are especially conducive to
be smartly dressed.
Feng
Shui, pronounced, "Phong Shway," means wind and water
and can be explained in a variety of ways. It derives from a Chinese
Taoist philosophy, developed as a system, over 5000 years ago, of how
one can live and excel in relationship with the environment, and do
so harmoniously. This philosphy offers guidelines for living, to improve
atmosphere or to solve specific problems in life. Its success is the
basis of its eternal endurance.
Feng Shui is a broad based body of doctrines, beliefs, symbolism, formulas and principles which offer solutions and techniques to create a space that tap into good directions and orientations, successfully and productively. The belief is that, while Feng Shui can be good, there is also bad Feng Shui that can occur in many different ways, but much can be corrected with the use of very simple designs and techniques. Our goal is to help you bring about favorable changes by guiding you in arranging, decorating and accessorizing your home to promote health, wealth, happiness, and yes, even romance.
The guidance we offer can be applied to any living or work space to bring about an environmental and spiritual balance.