Design is more than making things look nice, choosing the right colors, picking materials, finishes and objects that go together. Guiding how people experience your spaces is what makes the design come to life. Organization and hierarchy are key. If you can design with a level of intricacy and sophistication that moves people into the space, and shows them what you want them to see, you can design spaces that feel good to be in.
One of the organization tools we use as designers is the use of emphasis.
Whether it’s in interior design, architecture, art, or graphic design, emphasis is used to establish a focal point to guide your first impression into a space. The idea is that when you can anchor a space by guiding the view towards a key element, everything around it can be designed with subsequent layers of hierarchy. Everything in there makes sense. You can then appreciate the room and it’s objects without feeling overwhelmed.
A room with many things in it will feel cluttered if there is no hierarchy. A room full of nice objects and artwork can feel calm, peaceful, elegant and cozy when set up properly. Choosing a point of emphasis and designing around it is a great way to start.
Defining Emphasis in Interior Design
Emphasis in interior design is the strategic use of design elements to create a focal point within a space. It involves using contrast, color, texture, scale, and placement to highlight a particular area or object, making it the center of attention. It draws you in and centers you.
In architecture a front facade will often emphasize the front door. It can be larger or more detailed than other elements on the elevation. It can be framed with symmetrical light fixtures or plants, or covered with a canopy element, or set off with columns. This focal point helps the building relate to the people walking by.
In interior design, the same principle can apply. A piece of art, a fireplace, an important object, a bright colored wall, a large framed opening, a window with a view, and so on, can communicate the purpose of the room, and guide you into it.
Key Elements to Create Emphasis
Elements and strategies used to create emphasis can include any combination of scale, symmetry, color, texture, contrast, patterns, lighting, furniture, and architectural features. Your architect and your designer will be playing with these as they dream up your spaces; how they want them to feel and relate to you and your guests.
Scale
If it’s big, it’s going to get noticed, more than likely. The S,M, L, XL strategy works in all forms of composition, including interior design. The main emphasis is on the single, large object, with smaller details surrounding it to add depth and substance.
This can be a huge artwork, a heavy fireplace, a centerpiece on a table, a giant light fixture. Whatever it is, the scale of it alone can make it a point of emphasis.
Symmetry and Balance
As we mentioned earlier, a symmetrically framed entryway automatically becomes a point of emphasis in an architectural facade. (Make it big and it becomes even more so—see Scale. Make it bright red and it becomes even more so—see Color)
This works just as well in interior design. Centering a painting over a fireplace will draw the eye. Adding a candlestick on either side of it on the mantel will frame it to create an even more dramatic emphasis. You get the idea.
Color, Texture and Patterns
Color, texture, and patterns are fundamental tools in creating emphasis within a space. Bold, contrasting colors can instantly draw the eye to a specific area, such as an accent wall or a standout piece of furniture. In contrast, the use of rich textures can add depth and intrigue, making an element feel more tactile and significant. Bold or loud patterns, whether on wallpaper, rugs, or textiles, can also be used for emphasis. The interplay of color, texture, and patterns is can be used either to bring them emphasis on itself, if bright, bold or graphic. On the flip side, subtle textures and patterns in muted colors can set the stage for the feature element, allowing it to contrast and move to the foreground.
Lighting
The spotlight shines on the lead singer in the band. In interiors, lighting plays a pivotal role in establishing emphasis. It has the power to highlight specific areas or objects, creating a visual hierarchy within a room. Through the use of spotlights, uplights, or accent lighting, designers can draw attention to architectural features, artwork, or focal points, giving them prominence.
The direction, intensity, and color of lighting all contribute to how emphasis is perceived, making it an essential tool for creating mood and directing focus. For instance, a light that washes down a textured wall can bring out the intricacies of the surface, while ambient lighting can subtly enhance the overall atmosphere.
Not only does using lighting to highlight elements in the space work to create emphasis, it also will often result in a better overall lighting concept. Intentionally spotlighting artwork, objects, fireplaces, tabletops, and so on, will create ambiance that feels better than generically lighting up the space.
Furniture and Accessories
The selection and arrangement of furniture, and the surrounding accessories, can significantly influence the focus and hierarchy within a space. A statement piece of furniture, such as a unique sofa or an intricately designed table, can serve as the primary emphasis, drawing the eye immediately upon entering the room. This can be accentuated by the placement of decorative objects on or around it.
Architectural Elements
Architectural elements are among the most powerful tools for creating emphasis in interior design. Features such as columns, beams, arches, or fireplaces naturally draw attention and can serve as focal points within a room. These elements often define the character of a space, and their prominence can be enhanced through careful design choices. For example, a grand fireplace might be accentuated with a contrasting wall color or highlighted by strategic lighting. Similarly, exposed beams or intricate moldings can be emphasized by their texture and placement within the overall layout.
Your interior designer and your architect can work together to create these moments. These often necessary things in your home, functionally or structurally, are fundamental in creating the narrative.
Examples of Emphasis in Interior Design
One common example is the use of an accent wall. By painting one wall in a bold color or covering it with textured wallpaper, the wall immediately becomes the room’s focal point, drawing attention and adding depth to the space. This isn’t something you want to overdo. If done wrong it can look gimmicky, or like you weren’t ready to commit to making a bold statement throughout the room. But sometimes it’s a great way to add some fun.
Another example can be seen in the strategic placement of a large piece of artwork above a mantel or sofa. The artwork not only serves as a visual anchor but also guides the viewer’s eye across the room. If you have a piece of art you love, show it off!
In dining rooms, emphasis can be achieved through a striking chandelier that hangs directly above the table. The lighting fixture becomes the central feature, creating a sense of drama and elegance. Or it can light a centerpiece or the food presentation, making it the focal point. Similarly, in a bedroom, a statement headboard or bed frame can serve as the focal point, with complementary bedding and lighting further enhancing its prominence.
Architectural features also provide opportunities for emphasis, such as a grand staircase in an entryway or a beautifully crafted fireplace in a family room. These elements are often highlighted by design choices that make them stand out, such as contrasting colors, textures, or lighting.
Different Types of Emphasis in Interior Design
We’ve discussed how elements and objects can create emphasis, but there are many other techniques that can be used to create focus and hierarchy, and guide a person’s attention.These methods include emphasis by contrast, emphasis by isolation, and emphasis by placement. Each technique serves a distinct purpose.
Emphasis By Contrast
Contrast is a powerful technique in interior design. It involves creating a focal point by an element that is distinctly different from its surroundings. Sure, you generally want things to match, but if everything is the same it can get a bit drab. The use of color, texture, or form can all be used for contrast.
For instance, placing a brightly colored piece of furniture in a room with neutral tones immediately draws attention to that piece. Similarly, using a different texture, such as a plush rug on a sleek, hard floor, can create contrast that emphasizes the rug, and subsequently, the table and everything sitting on the rug.
Emphasis By Isolation
Emphasis by isolation is a technique where a particular element is set apart from other objects within a space, creating a focal point through its solitude. This method is effective when there is a need to highlight a single item, such as a piece of art, a sculpture, or even a view out a window. By placing this item away from clusters of other objects, the eye is immediately drawn to it. For example, a lone armchair positioned in a reading nook, away from other furniture, becomes the center of attention. It sets a scene.
The isolation of the item from the rest of the space eliminates competition for attention, making it the clear focal point. This works great in boutique retail, and the principle applies just as well when designing your home.
Emphasis By Placement
The placement of an item can naturally draw attention to it, particularly when it occupies a central or prominent location. When you are designing a floor plan, look for opportunities to align the placement of objects with the termination of views. What is at the end of a hallway, or centered on the view through a door? Setting up furniture to look out over a view, at the fireplace or at the TV are all ways of placing people and prioritizing their experience.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When using emphasis as a technique in interior design, there are several common mistakes that can detract from the overall effectiveness of your moves. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
- Overcrowding the Focal Point: One of the most frequent mistakes is overcrowding the area meant to be the focal point. Adding too many elements around the focal point can dilute its impact. Give things enough room to breathe.
- Ignoring Balance: While creating emphasis, it’s important not to overlook the balance of the room. Going all in to emphasize one thing might leave the rest of the space feeling sparse or unintentional. Keep an eye on the overall balance and feel of the room.
- Inconsistent Themes: Using a focal point that doesn’t align with the overall theme or style of the room can create a jarring effect. This can be fun once in a while, but doesn’t always work. Use sparingly.
- Misuse of Color and Contrast: Sometimes, the wrong use of color or contrast can overwhelm the space, making the emphasis feel forced or unnatural. Use nice colors, not necessarily boring, bland colors, and contrast them thoughtfully.
- Overemphasis: Placing too much emphasis on multiple elements can confuse the eye and dilute the intended focal point. Avoid overemphasis by selecting one primary focal point and supporting it with secondary elements that don’t compete for attention.
