These Lessons in 'Emphasis' Might Be the Secret to Nailing a Statement Moment Without Throwing Off Your Whole Room

Living room with marble fireplace with artwork hung above, a stool and armchair, a banquette seat upholstered in green with a mirrored wall behind it, patterned curtains, timber floors, jute rug, and nesting coffee tables in front of banquette seat.

“In interior design, emphasis is all about creating a focal point,” explains designer Dan Lovatt. “It should be something that commands your attention for the right reason and draws the eye around the room.”

In essence, emphasis in interior design is a strategic way of ensuring viewers are focused on a specific feature or design component within a space. However, the trick is to do it in a way that feels subtle — to ensure the entire interior design scheme doesn’t feel overshadowed or dominated.