When you enter a room what do you see first? If the room’s designer has done their job right, your eye will be drawn directly to a dominant room element known as the focal point. Without this element, the room would be monotonous, chaotic or bland depending upon its décor.

While focal points are meant to draw the eye into the depth of the room, they are also used to bring a space together. There are many ways to create  ”focal points with meaning” through the use of  interior design ideas such as contrast in color, shape, size or emphasis created by positioned items. One or all of these elements can be applied to create a high impact focal point with meaning.

Image via Elle Decor

Focal Point: Fine Art
Elements: Color, Size, Shape and Texture
It isn’t difficult to see who takes center stage in this room. The oversized wall art dominates the room in a beautiful way through: the bright red in contrast to the rooms black and white furnishings; the feeling of texture used in contrast to the smooth white wall behind it; and the use of circles in contrast to the square furniture, the square window panes and the striped chair.

Image via House Beautiful

Focal Point: Owl Sculpture
Elements: Size and Value
A surprising way to create a focal point through use of size—undersized. The small white owl sculpture in this room is placed strategically in the center of the rooms facing wall in front of a dark mirror which frames it and makes it appear to glow. Our eye is drawn to the size of the piece in contrast to the big furnishings, massive window in the background and the large table lamps on either side.

Image via Elle Decor

Focal Point: Painting
Elements: Size and Color
The enormous painting isn’t hard to miss, with its action-packed war scene and vivid colors contrasted against the white walls, sofa, furnishings and accessories. The size of this piece could have been over-dominant to the room, but the designer flanked the focal point with wall sconces on either side to add balance.

Image via Eva Designs

Focal Point: Staircase
Elements: Shape and Size
This intricately designed staircase is definitely the leading element in this grand foyer. The curving shape of the staircase, the shape of the ornate metal scroll work on railing and its magnificent size really set it off and make it appear to welcome you.