The
second principle of design is emphasis, which is “the part of the design
that catches the viewer’s attention, usually denoted by one area standing out
by contrasting it with other areas. The
emphasized area will be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.” Good home design has emphasis on something in
each room or each area of a room that can be deemed important or special. Your emphasis is your pop, your focal
point. So what do you choose to focus
on?
Tables are easy, because your emphasis is
typically on what you put in the middle.
A floral arrangement on a foyer table draws the eye in and adds a splash
of color and life to your entryway. A
seasonal centerpiece shows emphasis through its size and height, and it usually
incorporates pops of color or decorative items that take center stage.
Wall art shows emphasis by either being a large,
singular focal point, such as a mirror or painting over a mantel. Or, it shows emphasis by being made up of a
collection of smaller pieces that come together to create a unified whole that
is the main focus of one wall or area of a room, like a collage of similarly
framed photos, decorative canvases, or framed art.
The emphasis of a solid couch can be the bold
fabric choice in the throw pillows at each end, just as the emphasis of an
inviting bed can be the arrangement of shams, sleeping pillows, and throw
pillows atop a billowy comforter. Your
focal point can also swing high and low by being a grand lighting fixture in an
entryway or in a bright printed runner out in front of a neutral washing
machine and dryer.
The phrase “a wondering eye” takes on a different
meaning when you plan out your visually appealing focal points of each
room. What do you want to garner
attention? Use color, different
dimensions, and a shift in size to catch some glances and compliments
alike. Look from surface to surface,
wall to wall, and decide what needs to be the main attraction, and then give it
the platform it deserves by letting it shine while its background becomes the
supporting cast. After all, when it
comes to what’s emphasized, the eyes
definitely have it.
This marks
DesignInMind’s 100th column!
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star April 29th.
