How to Create a Focal Point

Choosing of focal Color :

• The easiest way of creating a focal point is by using one bold color within an otherwise fairly neutral room, then by adding small details, such as accessories - cushions, vases, throws - around the room to pull the scheme together. Start off with a paint color chart and/or fabric or wallpaper swatches to work out what you like, what suits the light in your room and what accessories are available within your budget (or already within your home) in toning shades.

Reposition your furniture :

• It might be that everything you have at home is enough to create a focal point. You might not even need to redecorate. Instead, it may be that you just need to rearrange your furniture. Start by deciding what the natural focal point in the room is - a great window, a chimney breast or a view, then move your furniture so that all lines point towards it. Here, the effect has been heightened by placing a bright rug between the two sofas, while the coffee table between helps draw the eye to the fireplace, too. Ash Gotland, Country wood flooring

Use Contrast :

• Were this room to be painted white, the fireplace - a fabulous feature - would be easy to overlook. However, painting it in a shade that contrasts with the colors in the rest of the room can't help but draw your eye to it. Try this trick with color in any room to direct attention towards the best feature. 

Be bold with the window designs :

• This bay window is a thing of beauty, so it's a wise move to make it the focal point of the room. How to do this? Sit the most handsome sofa you've got in front of it then dress it to kill in an eye-catching color. Good quality window dressings are a must and Roman blinds are a practical choice if you have a large piece of furniture in front of a window that will stop you pulling curtains back and forth easily.

Use Statement Lightning :

• A huge arching floor lamp is always going to dominate a room and if you've got the space, the bigger the better. You needn't spend a fortune - DIY stores sell their own versions, as do high street stores. Place the lamp so that it hangs over the area you want to draw attention to - a great chair, a sofa, even a dining table.

Create interest with the feature wall :

• In a boxy room or one with no discernible interest, it's up to you to create some. The cheapest way to do this is with paint. Here, this dining area has been given pride of place with the back door

Be bold with the patterns:

• Pattern is always going to make a featureless room more interesting, whether it's great curtains, a fabulous sofa or a wallpaper. Even in a small space, don't be afraid to choose a large scale wallpaper design - just ensure you keep the rest of the room plainly and fairly sparsely decorated. Again, knowing where to put it is all important, so experiment first to see where it works best. Wallpaper by Nono.
   

use calming colors :

• This bedroom is a really busy room. Like most, it has to squeeze in lots of storage, so there's little space to be decorative. If your bedroom has a similar feel, go for a light, neutral scheme and draw attention to the bed with a bright throw or bedlinen set in a calming shade - choose blues and greens for best results.