Decor With Patterns Part 2: creating a focal point

In a previous blog post, Decor With Patterns: easy tips" (click here to visit), I discussed easy ways different patterns can be combined in a space, but what about using patterns to create focal points?

I believe that designing an interior space with patterns is similar to making a painting. Often paintings have a focal point or something that initially catches your eye, followed by small details throughout the canvas. Here are a few examples:

Howardena Pindell. Autobiography: Water/Ancestors/Middle Passage/Family Ghosts, 1988

(The focal point of this painting is a bright face in the center, followed by the body, white space, and surrounding photos or colors.)

Andy Warhol. John Lennon, 1985

(A bright central face is the focal point of this painting as well. In this case, it's John Lennon. Notice how his face slowly appears from the blue background, followed by his hair and right shoulder.)

Vincent Van Go. Cafe Terrace at Night, 1888

(Focal points are not always in the center of a painting. They could be placed on the side like bright cafe shown above. Later your eye is drawn to the starlit sky, windows, and the people walking along the rugged road.)

Chakaia Booker. The Fatality of Hope, 2007

(This is not a painting, but it is a great example of a focal point. Chakaia Booker stands by her sculpture made of old car tires. Her signature bright red fabric stands out from the neutral colored background, making "her" the focal point of the photograph.)

The focal points of these works of art all have one thing in common, contrast. In each piece, there is one element that visually stands out from others. If you have one thing in a space that you would like to be the center of attention then creating contrast is key.

Since patterns draw a lot of attention and are often the first things noticed in a room, they are great tools to use for creating focal points. Here are 3 ways: contrasting color, shape, or by using both. Here are a few examples.

1.

Contrasting Color

Photo courtesy of Elle DECOR
(Large patterns with contrasting colors, such as black and white, always draw a lot of attention and are great for focal points.)


2.
Contrasting Shape Photo courtesy of Karin Blake
(There are a lot of linear forms in this kitchen such as the counter, cabinets, and central island. However the pendent lighting above the island have a circular pattern that create a focal point. These lights help lead you to the kitchen island. Possibly making you excited to prepare a meal.)



Photo courtesy of Interior Design Magazine


Photo courtesy of Robert Rufino
(Diagonal patterns always draw a lot of attention as well. Especially if they are surrounded by striped patterns. In the living area above, the wall painting is the focal point of the space followed by diamond patterned wallpaper to help it stand out even more.)

3.

Contrasting Color & Shape(the most common)

Photo courtesy of CountryLiving.com

(The contrasting pattern of the ottoman above has color and diagonal shapes against a neutral space, making the bed stand out even more.)

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Photo courtesy of Karin Blake

Photo courtesy of InteriorDesignReference.com

(You could also only have a pattern for one thing in a space such as seating and leave the remainder of the room with a blank palette.)

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

(....or you could use patterned flooring and seating, while leaving the walls white....)

Photo courtesy of Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors


End Note: I hope that this post helped you to get a better understanding of how to use patterns. Try some of these ideas at home. If you would like to share a space that you've designed with tips from Design Garage feel free send a picture of the room by email a to cocreateinteriors@gmail.com!

Related Post:
"Decor With Patterns: easy tips"
(click here to visit)