Focal point catches your eye when entering room

Dear Gail: I read a lot about focal points in rooms, but how do I know what they are in my home? — Kari

Dear Kari: Good question and one I’m asked many times. By definition in design terms, a focal point is a central point of interest or attention. So basically, it is the first thing that catches your eye when you walk into a room.

To help really direct you on a room’s focal point is to empty a room of everything, yes everything. But why? So that you can look at the room’s bones and best features.

You want to identify if there are any architectural features already built into the room, those things that are permanent. So if you’re starting with your family or living room, what you’re looking for is: a fireplace, a window with a pretty view or a built-in wall unit.

If you don’t have any of these elements, then you’ll need to create one with a piece of furniture or artwork. Some examples are a piano, TV entertainment unit or grandfather clock. The piece doesn’t have to be a statement piece, just something that will be attractive to look at.

You want to place this piece first in the room. Then you’ll place your largest piece of furniture addressing your focal point, which in a family or living room is normally your sofa. It doesn’t have to be directly across from it, but you must be able to see it without turning your head straight over either one of your shoulders. If you can easily see it when sitting, you’ve addressed the focal point.

Now let’s look at some of the other rooms in your home. In your master bedroom the bed is your main focal point. Why? It is the largest piece of furniture in the room and your eyes are drawn to it first with the bed dressed.

You may have a fireplace, a beautiful view or a large armoire, but the bed is still normally the first thing we see. If you have these other focal points, of course you’d want to just make sure that you can see them from your bed.

You probably wouldn’t think you have a focal point in your master bath but you do. Some would be a fabulous sunken or freestanding tub, beautiful tile work in your shower, a fireplace or a stunning countertop. All which reflect in your mirror, which then doubles the view.

If you don’t have these items, focus on placing something colorful on your counter. When doing models, I always place a large, colorful floral on the counter, again doubling the effect.

How about your kitchen? Do you have a large island, impressive range and hood or a great view to the outside? If it’s your island, then dress it up with a grouping of large accessories, of course, still giving you plenty of workspace room. Purchase nice bar stools and upholster in an attention-getting fabric.

If it is your range and hood, add to it with a great tile design over the range. For that view, bring more attention to it with a window treatment.

In your dining room, the table is your focal point. So dress it up and bring out that china. Why only enjoy it on special occasions.

Your entry, no matter how small, also has a focal point. Most likely you will be creating one unless you have niches, unique architectural features or the shape itself stands on its own.

You also want to take special notice of what you see first when standing in your entry; wherever your eye goes first, make into a focal point. Most times, unless you have something straight ahead, you will look to the opposite direction that your door opens. So if your door swings to the left, you’ll look to the right. If it opens to the right, you’ll look to the left.

If you’re still unsure about focal points, take notice where you look the next time you’re in someone’s home. It’s amazing what you’ll notice without realizing it.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by email to: GMJinteriors@gmail.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124-272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.