Natural Focal Points

Many focal points occur naturally in home architecture. Common ones include fireplaces, bookshelves, built-in cabinetry and picture windows—especially if they showcase a gorgeous view. These features draw the eye to them, giving a feeling of structure and balance to a room.

Consider yourself fortunate if you have even one of these architectural focal points. These naturally interesting features make interior design tasks—such as furniture placement and art positioning—much easier, for the point of focus has already been established for you.

		Fireplaces are excellent focal points. As well as being a source of warmth and comfort, they're visually captivating and appealing. (If you don't have a fireplace, you may be able to add an attractive wood-burning stove without too much trouble, for a similar effect.) Tip: Make your fireplace area the "star" of your room by dressing up the mantle, hanging artwork or an interesting mirror above it, adding decorative tiling and fireplace accessories, or simply painting the area with a bold splash of color.
		Moldings can do a lot to bring attention to a focal area by helping to create a look that's complete and well defined. Tip: Use decorative moldings to dress up a picture window or to encase a set of built-in bookshelves. Finish the project with a coat of semi-gloss paint to add a subtle, elegant sheen
		Fabrics that are colorful, or have interesting patterns or textures, are a great way to create visual interest. Tip: Add drama to a picture window by framing it with draperies made from vibrant, luxurious fabrics. Keep in mind that the bolder the color or pattern of the fabric, the more attention it will attract.

If there are too many areas competing for focus, a room can appear disjointed and feel somewhat off-balance. If there's more than one focal point in a room, the eye needs to be directed where to look first.

For example, with two or more objects of interest in a room, give priority to only one of them, and let the others play a supporting role. Also, don't highlight secondary features with colors or patterns that are more vibrant or interesting than those used on the primary focal point.

If you are lucky enough to have more than one interesting feature—for instance, a gorgeous fireplace and a spectacular view—the view should most definitely take precedence.