Understanding the principle of emphasis
Have you ever been to a place that has many things of interest but you realise you couldn’t keep your eye on one particular item or part of the space? If yes, it is a normal thing.
Advertisement
The development of a focal point is a natural result of the way the human eye sees. Every picture we see usually has a point of emphasis, a focal point that naturally draws the eye.
When we are looking at a particular object, that object is said to be in sharp focus, implying that other areas and objects around that major object may appear a bit blurred or out of focus.
Try it out now! Look directly at an object about two meters or so away from you. Then, without moving your eyes from that object, you will notice that areas around that object need an extra effort to capture them.
The brain is so accustomed to this focus that a person is seldom consciously aware of it. But it is so deeply embedded in our awareness that we look for a focal point for the eye wherever we look.
If one is not provided, the eye will find its own or wander restlessly from place to place.
Creating a focal emphasis
In décor, by deliberately creating a focal point in a room, this natural desire for a focal point is satisfied. That focal point provides the needed emphasis that can hold a room together.
Sometimes a focal point might already be present in a room. It could be a niche in the wall or a stunning view from a picture window or a tall wall unit.
If needed, developing it further can strengthen such a natural focal point. For example an attractively framed painting can be hung in the niche. Or one of a pair of chairs and a pair of pictures can be placed on either side of the wall unit.
If there is no natural focal point in the room, you can create or develop one. Consider one wall with possibilities, such as the sofa wall. You can build interest around it.
A grouping of paintings, an interesting woven wall hanging or a bright print on a sofa will call attention to the focal point.
Things to note when creating a focal emphasis
• The focal point should be so important and strong that you will notice it upon entering the room.
• The focal point is the commanding note that holds the room together.
• It is usually better to have only one strong focal point in a room. But sometimes a second focal point just naturally emerges.
• When there are two focal points to deal with in a room, one focal point should be made the dominant one.
If the arrangements will permit use the focal point that is firstly noticed when entering.
• The naturally existing point of emphasis could be strengthened as the major focal point by adding a mirror or picture and a furniture grouping around the feature. Then the other wall of interest will then become the secondary focal point.
When there happens to be two focal points, they should be united in some manner, usually one element, for example colour, should be a uniting factor in both points.
Next week we will look at how to deliberately alter or strengthen a focal emphasis.
Stay blessed and enjoy your weekend.
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.integratedinteriorsgh.com
Blogging: raphaellangdon.blogspot.com