Let's not beat around the bush here, you've either got them or you haven't. Some of us have them in abundance and hardly know what to do with them all, while others of us simply despair. What we are of course talking about, is focal points – those stand out details in a house that manage to effortlessly add character.
Not all house styles come packed with obvious focal points. If you happen to live in a period home you may well be lucky enough to have a few already in place – exposed beams, fireplaces, architectural mouldings or beautiful original windows to name but a few. However, if you live in a newer property, or in even in an older one which has at some point been inexplicably stripped of its intrinsic character, you might find yourself staring at nothing but bare walls and wondering what can be done to inject a little personality.
The good news is that, with a little know how, it is possible to create a focal point in lots of different ways and in all kinds of properties – we explain the best ways of going about it.
Turn your walls into the talking point
Wall panelling is one of the hottest interior design trends around right now, be that period styles that add a sense of grandeur, or more rustic boards that lend a log cabin vibe – cladding a wall is a quick and easy way to form an instant point of focus.
Ian Tomlinson, MD at Chaunceys Timber Flooring, explains just why this is such a good way to create interest. "Timber cladding has seen a resurgence thanks to its ability to add warmth, texture and character to interiors. Whether it’s full-height panelling for a dramatic statement or half-height panelling for a more understated effect, it remains a timeless choice.
"We’re seeing a move toward more natural and textured finishes in wall panelling," adds Ian. "Rustic reclaimed timbers with pronounced knots and eye-catching grains are increasingly in demand, as they provide a more organic, tactile feel. Neutral and earthy tones are dominating, with lighter woods like oak or subtle stains offering a soft, contemporary look. There’s also growing interest in wider boards and vertical panelling, which create a sense of height and space in a room, making them perfect for both compact and open-plan layouts."
Not only will this wall panelling add instant character and a distinctly modern feel, but it also helps with soundproofing thanks to its clever 'echo elimination' design.
Chaunceys Timber Flooring is a family-run company based in Bristol with Ian becoming the Managing Director in 2012. They have been supplying sustainable, high-quality timber flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988.
Fire surrounds make the most perfect focal points
There are few better features in any space, be that a living room or a bedroom, than a fireplace when it comes to lending a warm and cosy glow. It doesn't even really matter too much whether there is a working fire in there – it is the fireplace ideas that you go with that make the most difference.
The good news here is that those without a chimney or a fire can quite easily fake the look. You might like to consider buying an off-the-shelf surround to fit to the wall, or you could even construct one yourself – once filled with a neat stack of logs, flowers, candles or other empty fireplace solutions, no-one will question it.
Alternatively, if you have an opening for a fire already, be sure to make the most it with a surround that suits the period of the house, or by renovating the existing structure.
Get creative with glazing to frame a view
Turning a knock-out view into a focal point is a brilliant way to overcome a lack of interesting architectural features. What better way to while away the hours than by gazing out over your outside spaces?
The good news here is that you actually don't have to have access to vast vistas for this to work either – cleverly using glazing to frame a view, be that over rolling hillsides or your own carefully curated patio, can often result in something akin to a piece of artwork.
Depending on the layout of your home and what you are looking out over, consider high-level glazing, such as clerestory windows, a wide expanse of slimline sliding doors, fixed picture windows or even a beautiful circular window.
Design your kitchen around a striking island
Kitchens have to be one of the hardest areas in which to create a new focal point – they are already busy spaces, with lots going on, so introducing a new element without proper planning can result in a sense of overwhelm.
This is where a kitchen island can be your best friend. This much-loved kitchen feature can not only be designed to provide additional work space, but can also add to your kitchen storage, become an appliance hub and, yes, a focal point in its own right.
If you really want your island to pack punch, Oli Webb, director at Cullifords, suggests leaning on the beauty of natural stone.
"Statement stone is an effective way to create a focal point in the kitchen, bringing natural texture, colour and character to the space. Used on an island, splashback or worktop, a distinctive stone can become a feature in its own right, with its veining and unique markings adding visual interest. Keeping the surrounding cabinetry more understated allows the stone to take centre stage," he suggests.
Oli Webb is a Director at Cullifords, a supplier of natural stones specialising in marble, granite, quartzites, travertines, onyx and slates. They also distribute man-made ceramic surfaces, which are specifically designed for the kitchen market.
Use wall and floor tiles to draw the eye
Tiles don't only have to be used as a simple background surface material – in some cases they can play a starring role in the design of a room, forming a striking feature around which everything else is anchored, becoming the perfect way to add character to a new home.
Richard Skeoch, company director at Hyperion Tiles , explains that tiles are no longer restricted to kitchens and bathrooms. "Tiles are increasingly being used throughout the home, with homeowners looking beyond traditional wet areas and considering how tiled surfaces can add character to other spaces.
"We are seeing tiles being used much more creatively throughout the home, from hallways and bedrooms to boot rooms, fireplaces and even living spaces. The question is becoming less about where you need a hard wearing surface and more about where a tiled surface could add something to the room.
"Using tiles in these less expected areas can be a great way to introduce colour, texture or pattern," he continues. "A tiled fireplace or feature wall, for example, can become a real design statement."
With more than three decades of experience in the tile and flooring industry, Richard has developed an expert eye for how tiles can transform a space. As Director, he personally curates distinctive brands and collections to bring to the company's portfolio. Richard is also on hand to offer his expertise to homeowners, interior designers and house builders, whether they need help selecting colour and pattern or guidance on material, scale and practical considerations.
Statement lighting works in any room
Your lighting design may well be a practical element within the home and a way of setting the mood but, with carefully chosen fittings, it can also become a focal point.
Oversized lighting, in particular, makes an instant statement in any room, drawing the eye to the exact point within the space you want, as well as giving you the opportunity to create some interesting interplays between light and dark.
Even those working with spaces with low ceilings can consider oversized or statement lighting – in fact, both can be the perfect way to distract from the vertical proportions of the room.
Shop statement lighting
Perfect for making a statement in a relaxed way, this woven pendant is perfect for hanging low over a dining table for an intimate mood, or for suspending to one side of a cosy sofa.
Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, this modern pendant light has a ribboned design which creates some really interesting light effects that can also become a feature.
Sure to draw all eyes upwards, this light fitting features 10 opal swirl effect glass globes, is dimmable and can be hung at whatever height suits your particular space.
A stylish home bar is the perfect way to glam up a bland dining space
If it's a kitchen or dining space you are working with, do take time to consider some home bar ideas. While it might not be an essential, this is a feature you can have a little fun with and it can become the perfect talking point for guests.
Sam Harris, senior design consultant at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors, explains how to approach the design of a home bar. "A home bar can create a natural focal point within a kitchen or dining room, adding both character and a sense of occasion to the space. Whether it’s a dedicated drinks cabinet, a statement open shelf or a built-in bar area, it can be designed to complement the wider kitchen while giving the room its own distinctive feature.
"Displaying glassware, bottles and carefully chosen accessories can also turn the bar into an attractive design element when it’s not in use," adds Sam.
Sam is passionate about designing dream kitchens, bedrooms, and home living spaces that reflect each client’s unique lifestyle. His creativity and meticulous attention to detail ensure every design is both beautiful and practical – a space clients will love living in for years to come.
Don't underestimate the power of colour in creating interest
Using paint to create a focal point on walls or ceilings is such a quick and easy solution, yet all too often it gets overlooked in favour of more expensive or complicated methods.
Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn , explains some of the best ways to use paint effects in order to create a point of interest in an otherwise bland space. "Paint is a simple yet effective way to create a focal point, whether through a bold colour, contrasting shades or playful patterns such as stripes.
"Used to highlight a particular area or architectural feature, paint can draw the eye and add personality, while giving you the freedom to experiment with colour and pattern."
For ideas regarding using paint to create focal points, I recommend you consider using the peek-a-boo paint trend.
Cathryn Sanders is Head of Creative at Earthborn and has worked for the brand for over a decade, meaning she has a wealth of knowledge on paints, trends and the interiors industry as a whole. Working on several colour launches, she is well-versed in trend forecasting, particularly with regard to colour, and subsequently gets the final say on all of Earthborn’s new colours and colour names.
The benefits of a cosy reading nook are twofold
It is so important when designing your interiors that you incorporate a few areas that are intended for nothing more than cosying up and relaxing – all too often we focus so much on practical features that we overlook the importance of sheer comfort.
A reading nook not only gives you a quiet, cosy spot to retreat to when needed but, with the right design approach, can also become the focal point within a space.
Use colour, texture and even wall panelling to set it apart from the rest of the space – this is an idea that works anywhere in the home, from landings to living rooms and even in kitchens.
Shop reading nook essentials
The soft fabric finish of this side lamp will not only add a lovely cosy feel to your reading nook, but it also means the light emitted is beautifully diffused.
Ideal for sliding into even very small or awkward spaces, this dainty little side table, with its soft curves, will hold all your reading nook essentials, plus the calming blue shade lends a relaxing feel.
Snuggle up on a chilly evening with this gorgeously soft throw which is available in an impressively wide range of colours and sizes to suit all kinds of cosy reading nooks.
Don't forget the impact your ceiling can have
The ceiling so often gets overlooked, yet the effect it can have on the look and feel of a space can be enormous. With the right treatment, your ceiling ideas can become the main character.
"Paul Moody, global marketing and insights director at Havwoods , reveals his favourite way to turn the ceiling into a focal point. "The ceiling provides an opportunity to significantly impact the aesthetic of a space. By directing attention upwards, a focal point is created which will set the tone for the entire room and naturally draw the eye up, helping to make a space feel taller.
"Timber cladding instantly adds character, warmth and texture to a room for a more natural feeling," adds Paul.
Paul Moody is the Global Marketing & Insights Director at Havwoods, where he leads global marketing strategy, customer insights, digital growth and brand development for one of the world’s leading wood flooring brands. Alongside his role at Havwoods, Paul has also served as a judge for the British Institute of Interior Design Awards for the past three years, supporting and celebrating excellence across the interior design industry.
A log burning stove is a great alternative to an open fire
Even with no fireplace (or even a chimney), it is still possible to install a log burning stove and, in doing so, you get an instant focal point.
Jon Butterworth, MD at Arada, puts forward the case for taking this route. "A stove can naturally become the focal point of a room, creating a sense of warmth and drawing the eye towards the heart of the space. Whether positioned within a traditional fireplace or set against a more contemporary backdrop, its shape, finish and glowing fire can add character and atmosphere.
"Styling the surrounding area with carefully chosen furniture, artwork, plants or decorative pieces can further enhance the stove and help it feel like an integral part of the room."
Jon Butterworth is Managing Director of Arada Stoves, one of the UK's leading suppliers of log-burning stoves and has a wealth of experience in supplying and installing them.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to create a focal point in a bathroom?
Bathrooms can be particularly tricky when it comes to focal points – you need to strike a balance between this being a practical space as well as finding ways to make modern bathrooms feel cosy.
While a freestanding stone statement bath might be your dream focal point, if you are after something a little more affordable and quick to install, Jeevan Seth, CEO, JTP, has another suggestion. "A statement mirror can instantly elevate a bathroom, creating a strong focal point while adding depth and character to the space. A contemporary design can bring sculptural interest above a vanity or basin, turning a practical feature into a striking design element."
You might also like to consider a designer towel rail or even an oversized showerhead as a point of interest.
Jeevan Seth is the CEO of JTP, a well established bathroom hardware brand. He is an experienced sales director and is heavily involved with the product development side of the business so that the company can continue to design innovative new ranges for customers.
One of the quickest, cheapest and easiest ways to create a focal point is by painting a wall a bold shade or by being clever with pattern – often this will only take a day or two but will have a huge impact.
