The Secret To Creating Rooms You Love
Have you ever felt like a room was just off? Something didn’t feel right? I like to set a room up and walk by it as we are living life. If it stills feels off after a week or so, then I start thinking about what I can do to improve it. I usually find that the room needs a focal point to help anchor the room. What do I mean by this? Something that draws the eye to the focal point and says, “Hello! I am here, and I am a glorious room!”. It’s the “oooh” and “aaaah” factor. The one that makes people stop in their tracks and compliment your home in the best way! The most helpful way to get started with focal points is not to write about it, but to look at some pictures with focal points. I have uploaded pictures from our home to help you. And is this a different house? Why, yes, it is! I am so excited to have another house to work on because it truly is a labor of love. Many of you have asked if we have moved, and I am sorry I have been so tight-lipped about it. We moved back to Birmingham from Atlanta this summer, and there were so many factors we considered. Both of our families are here, our parents need us as they age, and our boys missed their friends tremendously. It was the right choice for our family to move back. Also, my husband and I are venturing out on new-ish territory as far as careers go, however I will do another post about that later. I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Anyway, without further ado, let’s get to the point of focal points!
What is the focal point of this room? You probably guessed the rug and ottoman, and you are correct! Although this room is not finished, it still feels like it has an anchor to it. The ottoman and rug are holding the fort down for us.
I put the dog in here as the focal point-JUST KIDDING! This room is my office, and the credenza is definitely the focal point. I didn't want the desk to be the focal point/anchor because I really don’t love this desk, but it works for now. The attention is pulled from the desk to the credenza, art, and lamps-it’s a trick of the eye (and sorry for the menacing stare of Major)!
The focal point from this angle of the den is the rug. Notice that everything else tends to be a neutral color with minimal pattern (planning on changing this a bit), but for now the rug stands out because of the pattern and color. It anchors the room!
Even an empty hallway can have a focal point! This sofa table, art and vintage lamp catches the eye as our guests round the corner to take a restroom break.
Things to consider when creating a focal point:
Contrasting colors-is the room all white or neutral? Consider a darker colored credenza or accent chairs to anchor the room.
Patterns-patterns immediately draw the eye in. The trend right now is to go heavy on patterns, but keeping it to one or two patterns automatically creates a focal point (think my den rug).
Texture-anything with texture (boucle, leather, worn wood) draws the eye in, and helps to create a focal point.
Art-I know we love a good gallery wall, but nothing says focal point like a large piece of art. This is one of my favorite tricks of the trade to anchor a room.
Height-Hanging window treatments high draws the eye up, especially with a large or arched window, which will immediately create a focal point.
I hope these tips have helped you create the home you love! Now go create that focal point, and fix that room that has been bothering you.
You can always click here for the link to shop my home and more.
Love,
