FOCAL POINTS

Focal points can be developed in the following ways:

  • Developed on walls
  • Vertically on an open space
  • On the Floor
  • On the Ceiling
  • Within the middle of the room where furniture resides

The eye goes to the area where the most pattern or where the darkest or brightest area within the space resides.

Affecting one of the planes of a space can have a drastic and dramatic affect on the feel of a space. Some examples of this would be:

  • Using dark colour on the floor alone;
  • Using dark colour on the ceiling alone,
  • Using dark colour on both the floor and ceiling;
  • Using dark colour on all the walls;
  • Using dark colour midway up a wall;
  • Using dark colour on just the door;
  • Using dark colour on the door and wall on which the door resides;
  • Using no colour and only using white on all the planes.

Scale, depth and dimensions of a room can be affected through the use of a focal point.

SCHEMES

A range of well coordinated colour based on scientific balance is required. Furthermore, a combination of patterns, textures and surfaces that provide balance and interest should be utilized. Moreover, variety should be provided in surface and pattern.

60-30-10 Rule

One colour is dominant, make it subdued not the brightest. The next colour is brighter or richer but used only about half the amount of the first colour. The brightest or most dramatic colour is used in only a small amount.

Offer a variety of surfaces to give the eye a resting space. Variety can also be added through pattern, scale, construction, texture and surface.

Information courtesy of New York School of Interior Design