Decorating: 10 Ways to Create a Focal Point Without a Fireplace
If there’s no obvious feature to draw the eye, it can be difficult to know how to create one. Check out these ideas to inspire you
Michele Longoni
10 November 2015
Interior designer and founder of Michele Longoni Interiors, a young, London based creative studio focused on residential interiors. We offer clients a creative and practical but ultimately very personal, design service.
Interior designer and founder of Michele Longoni Interiors, a young, London based... More
When considering the layout of a room, flow is key and a striking feature is the natural starting point from which to plan your design, as it will help to balance a scheme and make it feel more inviting.
But choosing a focal point can be a little daunting, particularly if you don’t have any obvious architectural features, such as a fireplace, to work with. So where do you start? These clever ideas can point you in the right direction and help you bring a space to life.
But choosing a focal point can be a little daunting, particularly if you don’t have any obvious architectural features, such as a fireplace, to work with. So where do you start? These clever ideas can point you in the right direction and help you bring a space to life.
Bring the outside in
Sometimes, the best feature of a room is the view through the window, so organise your furniture in a way that makes the most of it. This might mean reworking your seating arrangement or, in the case of a kitchen, as seen here, the unit containing the sink. If you’re planning a renovation any time soon, be sure to factor your windows in to the design.
Sometimes, the best feature of a room is the view through the window, so organise your furniture in a way that makes the most of it. This might mean reworking your seating arrangement or, in the case of a kitchen, as seen here, the unit containing the sink. If you’re planning a renovation any time soon, be sure to factor your windows in to the design.
Embrace technology
Rather than just hanging your TV from the wall in the corner, or hiding it away in a cupboard, consider making the most of it by framing it with a bespoke cabinet or bookcase. In this example, sleek hi-tech design becomes an integral part of the scheme and is cleverly balanced with shelving and accessories.
Rather than just hanging your TV from the wall in the corner, or hiding it away in a cupboard, consider making the most of it by framing it with a bespoke cabinet or bookcase. In this example, sleek hi-tech design becomes an integral part of the scheme and is cleverly balanced with shelving and accessories.
Exhibit art
Sculpture and artwork can become the key look to a whole scheme when displayed with panache. In this room, a symmetrical arrangement of framed pictures leads the eye to the centre of the space, while the giraffe sculpture makes a striking and humorous statement in front of the window.
Browse the prints and posters for sale in the Houzz Shop
Sculpture and artwork can become the key look to a whole scheme when displayed with panache. In this room, a symmetrical arrangement of framed pictures leads the eye to the centre of the space, while the giraffe sculpture makes a striking and humorous statement in front of the window.
Browse the prints and posters for sale in the Houzz Shop
Position a large piece
Storage doesn’t have to be purely utilitarian and it can work hard as a focal point for your room, too. Go for something bigger than usual to make it stand out, like this large armoire, then frame it with artwork for perfect symmetry. Once the seating is arranged on either side, the room is instantly balanced.
Check out 14 ways to put vintage pieces to use
Storage doesn’t have to be purely utilitarian and it can work hard as a focal point for your room, too. Go for something bigger than usual to make it stand out, like this large armoire, then frame it with artwork for perfect symmetry. Once the seating is arranged on either side, the room is instantly balanced.
Check out 14 ways to put vintage pieces to use
Display a mural
Photography can be the perfect way to focus the eye and inject personality into a room, so create a feature wall with a single, oversized image. This is a simple yet highly effective design trick to add a little drama to a space. It can be really cost-effective, too.
Photography can be the perfect way to focus the eye and inject personality into a room, so create a feature wall with a single, oversized image. This is a simple yet highly effective design trick to add a little drama to a space. It can be really cost-effective, too.
Fake a fireplace
There are so many options for creating a fireside-like setting without the need for a chimney or mantelpiece. You could go for a bioethanol fire, which is flue-less and smoke free and runs on biofuel liquid (and won’t need a gas connection or power supply). Or, you could even source a faux fire for a similar effect. The one seen here isn’t actually a real fire, but a projected image of one.
See how to warm up your home with a contemporary fireplace
There are so many options for creating a fireside-like setting without the need for a chimney or mantelpiece. You could go for a bioethanol fire, which is flue-less and smoke free and runs on biofuel liquid (and won’t need a gas connection or power supply). Or, you could even source a faux fire for a similar effect. The one seen here isn’t actually a real fire, but a projected image of one.
See how to warm up your home with a contemporary fireplace
Look up
While placing the focal point on the ceiling might not be the first thing that springs to mind, don’t rule it out. Check out how well it works in this kitchen, where a bold, geometric motif creates an interesting contrast to the dark cabinetry and pale flooring.
Discover 10 kitchens that break the mould
While placing the focal point on the ceiling might not be the first thing that springs to mind, don’t rule it out. Check out how well it works in this kitchen, where a bold, geometric motif creates an interesting contrast to the dark cabinetry and pale flooring.
Discover 10 kitchens that break the mould
Mirror it
You can create a wow-factor focal point using a statement piece positioned centrally on a wall, and a mirror is just the ticket. Choose the colour and style to suit your scheme or to add a dash of contrast. This decorative sunburst mirror grabs your attention immediately.
You can create a wow-factor focal point using a statement piece positioned centrally on a wall, and a mirror is just the ticket. Choose the colour and style to suit your scheme or to add a dash of contrast. This decorative sunburst mirror grabs your attention immediately.
Work with a staircase
Whether renovating or planning a new build, consider the design impact of all the various architectural elements. In this home, the staircase takes centre stage and becomes key to the overall look of the space. The minimalist approach transforms a functional element into a sculptural object.
Find out how a staircase and balustrade professional can help you.
Whether renovating or planning a new build, consider the design impact of all the various architectural elements. In this home, the staircase takes centre stage and becomes key to the overall look of the space. The minimalist approach transforms a functional element into a sculptural object.
Find out how a staircase and balustrade professional can help you.
Turn to texture
Materials that have a naturally tactile quality are great for drawing the eye. Bricks, wood panelling and other highly textural materials can be put to good use to create the perfect focal point. If you don’t have any exposed brick walls, why not try adding some to an existing wall to build in interest and character?
TELL US…
How have you created focal points in your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Materials that have a naturally tactile quality are great for drawing the eye. Bricks, wood panelling and other highly textural materials can be put to good use to create the perfect focal point. If you don’t have any exposed brick walls, why not try adding some to an existing wall to build in interest and character?
TELL US…
How have you created focal points in your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Related Stories
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Dining Rooms on Houzz Right Now
By Kate Burt
Vintage furniture, great lighting and top tables – feast your eyes on dining room ideas collated from your own clicks
Full Story
Colour
8 Clever Ways to Use Strategic Colour Blocking in Your Home
By Kate Burt
Paint can do so much more than refresh your walls. Explore ways to highlight features, zone areas and trick the eye
Full Story
Utility Rooms
15 Richly Coloured Utility Rooms
The trend for strong, earthy tones has reached the utility room, with hues from plum to ochre to deep green adding depth
Full Story
Kitchens
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Colour
8 Ways to Work a Rust Red and Blue Palette in the Bedroom
By Kate Burt
We’re seeing variations of this combination all over Houzz right now. Check out these tips for trying it yourself
Full Story
Colour
Creative Ways to Make a Feature of Structural Beams
Turn your RSJ into something more than just functional with these clever ideas from our Houzz Tours
Full Story
Gardens
9 Ways to Enjoy Colour in Your Garden All Year Round
By Kate Burt
However your garden grows, you can add colour with hardscaping, furniture and accessories
Full Story
Gardens
What Will We Want in Our Gardens in 2024?
Discover the gardening trends homeowners will be bringing into their outdoor spaces this spring and summer
Full Story
Kitchens
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
Have never liked GREEN ...anything ( except in the garden) and have'nt a clue why. Don't have a single green item of clothing and am not drawn to green furnishngs or kitchenware...BUT...the picture above, "Mirror It" hit me with a whallop..not just the round sunburst mirror....but wonder what influence it contributed to the impact, I love mirrors. The green patterned mismatched upholstery..even the green lampstands...I'd usually say "YUK" to are suddenly very attractive and inspiring.
Looking inward for a reason for this sudden attraction to that green room...I find it simply lovely and its weird! The only 'green' object I ever had was a small, lmost useless, overstuffedd satin lime green cushion with a same fabric covered button pulling it in the middle. It belonged to my Grandmother, At the time my flatmate's terrier pup destroyed it and I've never forgiven her!!! Ouch! Moreso because she did not even offer to replace it and so went down in my estimation of 'friend'.
Anyway...that "Mirror It" room ppeals to me so much this morning.
Maybe I'm having a psychological conniption or a brain misfiring of some sort its so untipical of me...but its made my day!
Who knows where to from here. The worl's my oyester as far as choosing decorating colours...all my vintage hoop pine VJ walls and floorboards are....just wood-colour. Maybe its time to have a green winter. Perhaps its the rich cream and white-white backgrounds...and of course that "must have it" MIRROR..but am on the hunt for green patterned upholstery, curtains and...I'm replacing that little lime green satin cushion.(.and definitely not getting a Cairn terrier puppy)
!s there any Houzzer out there..decorator..colour psychologist or even somebody who understands Jeckle-Hyde 'flips' in arty people who can offer an explanation?
Maybe I need to eat more greens?!
Bit of fun for a Saturday mornng.
Bio fuel fireplaces are the best solution for the ultimate focal point.
ladyrob1- I imagine its because green is a developing trend and as an arty person you are likely to be an early adopter and this crept into your subconscious last year from various influences from fashion to interiors etc. Did you take the plunge and go green?