ARTICLES
Creating interest or a focal point in a room
"Create a talking point - it's an easy way to start a conversation."
Focal points in a room give the eye somewhere to rest. It also gives a room interest and can act as a conversation starter. And after all, if the eye is drawn to your display, it won’t see the mess and detritus of every day life!
1. Create a talking point:
Is there a piece of unusual art you’re fond of? Have you picked up a holiday souvenir and don’t know what to do with it? Display it in a way that means visitors ask about it. It’s an easy way to start a conversation.
2. Use symmetry:
The human eye is drawn to pleasing shapes and regular patterns. We’re taught at school to find a theme in something that appears to be random.
(Don’t tell me you haven’t spotted repeated shapes in a frosted window, or wallpaper!) It’s therefore restful and pleasing to the eye when it spots symmetry.
3. Create a collection:
If you have a collection of photographs, pictures, teapots, boxes, or nicknacks that mean something to you, pull them together in an interesting display. Design should include personality.
A space in your home primary has a function. It’s where you cook, where you relax, where you sleep, or it’s simply where you hang your coat. It has a purpose.
The practical nature of the room doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Here are three ways to add interest.
1. Do the unexpected:
Have some fun and do something quirky. It will raise a smile and give a happy, warm feeling to a room.
2. Go wild:
Use nature as your inspiration. Collect fir cones, feathers, pieces of driftwood or simply take a collection of flower photographs.
3. Mix it up:
Try putting together an eclectic display of contrasting things, perhaps old and new furniture, flowery and striped fabrics, or shelving of different shapes and colours.
Interior design first steps package, from £249
Whether you're buying a new home and don't know where to start, or new to the design process and need a bit of support, this package has been created to do just that. From exploring preferences, colours and styles, to getting ideas of new layouts and opportunities, our aim to make the process as exciting as possible. The service includes:
• A friendly face-to-face discussion about your needs;
• An assessment of space, light, storage, etc;
• A report with recommendations easy steps you can take, with big picture suggestion for the entire house or more detailed information on design elements such as paint, wallpaper, fabrics, lighting and furniture;
• A plan of how the space could look;
• Online and telephone support.
• Optional extras: 2D elevations and 3D sketches of how the space could look, shopping support, project management to turn the plans into reality.
