Principles of Interior Design: Emphasis and Focus

As we explore the principles of interior design, we learned about the importance of balance. Without balance, our homes can feel like a chaotic mess of elements meshed together. However, balance can be broken down to help create a dramatic effect, and this is not done on accident but deliberately to affect the room. 

Emphasis and focus fundamental principles to understand when it comes to interior design.   Not everything in your space deserves the same spotlight. Allowing architectural focal points to shine can really enhance the appeal of your room. Here is how you can incorporate these two elements:

Emphasis 

Many rooms will have an area of architectural interest. In living rooms, your emphasis may be a fireplace, whereas, in a foyer, it may be a chandelier. Perhaps your dining room has a large window that sees out into your backyard. For places that do not have these aspects, you can simply create one. Your furniture is usually revolving around this point to help emphasis it. You can create a directional flow in your room to help amplify these aspects, and your point of emphasis can be created through color, texture, or even lighting. 

Focus 

Another way to consider adding emphasis is by creating a focal point in your room. The key is to arrange your furniture to view the focal point. Consider adding a large painting or display shelving as a focal point, then the rest of your room should complement that point. 

Perhaps, you add a large painting in the room of a zebra. To help reflect this feature throughout the room, you may want to add more black and white patterns throughout your space. These accents do not take from the focal point but instead are intended to help enhance it.  

Remember your focal point helps develop the room, but your room will also help establish your focal point.  Every room should feel like it flows, and this can be evoked through a sense of rhythm. Rhythm is another critical principle every room should incorporate. Make sure to check out the rest of the series to help you add more rhythm to your space.