Highlighting Techniques to Achieve Impactful Declarations, Avoiding Disruption to Entire Spaces
In the world of interior design, Dan Lovatt, founder of Lovatt Studio based in North East, UK, believes that good design is all about creative solutions that help us live and feel better. One key strategy he employs is emphasis, which can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary.
To effectively use emphasis in interior design, Lovatt suggests establishing a strong focal point. This anchor draws the eye immediately and could be an oversized piece of art, a dramatic accent wall, or a bold furniture piece like a patterned sofa. By ensuring this element is substantial enough to provide a clear visual hierarchy, the rest of the design elements play supporting roles, preventing visual chaos and creating stability.
Another important strategy is creating visual rhythm and balance through repetition and continuity. This can be achieved by aligning furniture, using consistent materials, or repeating colours and shapes to guide the eye smoothly through the space, enhancing flow and cohesion.
Balancing bold and neutral elements is also crucial. Use bold colours or patterns for your focal point and balance with neutrals or simpler textures elsewhere to avoid overwhelming the space. For example, a bold accent wall contrasted with neutral furniture creates emphasis without clutter.
Texture and layering can deepen visual interest and dimension. Adding varied textures (e.g., rough vs. smooth, matte vs. glossy) around your focal point can create a sense of depth without detracting from the main emphasis.
Lighting plays a significant role in emphasising a focal point, adding drama and drawing attention exactly where it is needed. Layer lighting to highlight the focal point and create the desired ambience.
Scale and proportion are essential considerations. Choose a focal point sized appropriately for the room; oversized or too small elements can disrupt balance. The focal point should be commanding but harmonise with surrounding elements.
By combining a commanding focal point, visual rhythm, balanced contrast, thoughtful texture, and scaled lighting, you effectively emphasise within interior design to create spaces that feel both balanced and visually compelling.
Remember, balance in interior design comes from restraint, allowing space to breathe, using neutral elements that support the focal point, and ensuring the eye has moments of rest. If everything is competing for attention, nothing stands out, and it can feel cluttered and overwhelming.
When approaching a new project, carefully decide which features to celebrate and accentuate before adding colour, pattern, or texture. Sometimes, a simple placement of an artwork or wall light can create the positive space needed to guide the eyes in the right direction.
Dan Lovatt, a graduate with 1st class honours in Interior Design from Teesside University, has a keen eye for design and a passion for creating spaces that not only look great but also make people feel good. His work demonstrates that with careful planning and consideration, emphasis in interior design can transform a space into a truly remarkable environment.
- In the world of interior design, a focal point can be an oversized piece of art, a dramatic accent wall, or a bold furniture piece like a patterned sofa, serving as a captivating anchor that draws the eye immediately.
- By establishing a strong focal point and ensuring it is substantial enough to provide a clear visual hierarchy, the rest of the design elements play supporting roles, preventing visual chaos and creating stability.
- Repeating colors, shapes, and materials can create visual rhythm and balance, guiding the eye smoothly through the space, enhancing flow and cohesion.
- Balancing bold colors or patterns with neutrals or simpler textures ensures emphasis without overwhelming the space, providing a sense of harmony.
- Texture and layering can deepen visual interest and dimension, creating a sense of depth without detracting from the main emphasis, draw attention to the focal point while providing visual relief.
- Lighting plays a significant role in emphasizing a focal point, adding drama, and drawing attention exactly where it is needed, and layer lighting to highlight the focal point and create the desired ambience.
