Now that you’re buying your own home, it’s important to know how to put your personal stamp on the décor. How do you start? Whether you’re decorating a living room, bedroom or bath, start with a focal point to enhance the room’s ambiance and underscore the room’s purpose.
Focal points can be created by highlighting a room’s unique architecture, such as a magnificent fireplace or a glittering bay window with a garden, mountain or water view. But what if some rooms don’t have an outstanding architectural feature to build upon? You may have to create one yourself. Here are some tricks of the trade you can use – size, color, light, and curiosity.
Size: Large items attract interest. Start by putting the largest piece of furniture against the largest wall to help traffic flow. Rugs also command attention and anchor the décor.
Color: Paint a contrasting wall color behind your sofa or bed. Pop the color on small items like pillows and placemats. Vivid color helps direct the eye to seating areas and pairs well with neutrals.
Light: Your eye travels to where it can see the best. Put directional light on a piece of fine art. Dim or brighten lighting when you want to change the room’s atmosphere.
Curiosity: A collection under glass, a great piece of art, or an unusual piece of furniture invite conversation and draw attention.
By establishing your focal point, you’ll have an easier time putting the rest of the room together.
