What is a ‘Focal Point’?

The focal point of any room is that spot where your eye wants to naturally rest and take it all in. It’s the center of attention. For example, in a great room, a fireplace would be considered an obvious focal point.

Finding the Focal Point in the Kitchen

How do you create a focal point in a kitchen design?  A focal point in the kitchen can be many things, sometimes something as simple as a beautiful view out a window or a stunning backsplash or a unique kitchen island to name a few. Here are a few of the most popular methods that kitchen designers use to add a focal point to a kitchen design.

This bold and beautiful kitchen island will captivate all who enter this modern farmhouse home with Dura Supreme Cabinetry.

Add a Dramatic Hood

Hoods are another obvious focal point, whether a metal finish hood, enhanced with cabinetry, or a beautiful wood hood.  Wood Hoods can be simplistic or ornate depending on the size and styling that is selected.  

The contrasting wood hood in this two-tone kitchen attracts the eye to the cook zone.

The contrasting wood hood in this two-tone kitchen attracts the eye to the cook zone.

Dura Supreme cabinetry design by Megan Dent of Studio M Kitchen & Bath, Plymouth, MN.

Dura Supreme cabinetry design by Megan Dent of Revival House, Plymouth, Minnesota. This wood hood sets the stage for this traditional kitchen design. Dura Supreme design by Alana A Busse of Westside Remodeling, Inc., California. Photography by Rebecca Chambers.

This wood hood steels sets the stage for this traditional kitchen design. Dura Supreme design by Alana A Busse of Westside Remodeling, Inc., California. Photography by Rebecca Chambers.

This wood hood steels sets the stage for this traditional kitchen design. Dura Supreme design by Alana A Busse of Westside Remodeling, Inc., California. Photography by Rebecca Chambers.

Use Two-Tone Cabinetry to Add Contrast

Mixing two cabinetry finishes is a brilliant way to add interest and create an eye-catching focal point.

This modern kitchen reno uses a beach-inspired color palette with warm sandy tan paints, beige colors, and sea green painted accent cabinets. Cabinetry by Dura Supreme Cabinetry.
A two-toned painted kitchen remodel with a combination of white and dark blue painted cabinets with a modern farmhouse vibe..

Accent Your Kitchen with Accent Cabinet Doors

An accent cabinet door is not usually used throughout an entire kitchen but is used as a decorative accent or a focal point.  Accent doors can include glass doors, mirror, mullion doors, leaded glass, louver doors, wire inserts, and aluminum frame doors.

Mirror cabinet doors reflect additonal light into the space and add beautiful feature. Dura Supreme Cabinetry design by Nanci Marsman of Standale Interiors, Michigan.

Mirror cabinet doors reflect additonal light into the space and add beautiful feature. Dura Supreme Cabinetry design by Nanci Marsman of Standale Interiors, Michigan.

An Eye-Catching Backsplash

Even a backsplash can be considered as a place that draws your eye into the room.

Dura Supreme Cabinetry shown in the Arcadia Inset door style with the

The mirror backsplash in this kitchen draws a lot of light and attention. Dura Supreme design by Stephanie Frees of Plain & Posh Distinctive Cabinet Designs, Illinois. Photography by Picture Perfect House.

This bold and beautiful backsplash is sure to grab your attention. Dura Supreme design by Jeff West. Interior design Benda Gold of Lu'um Mosaics, California.

This bold and beautiful backsplash is sure to grab your attention. Dura Supreme design by Jeff West. Interior design Benda Gold of Lu’um Mosaics, California.

Can there be more than one focal point?

In interior design, it is perfectly OK to have more than one focal point. If you’d like to add emphasis to multiple areas, workstations, or elements multiple focus points can help balance the design and add interest throughout the space. However, you don’t want to create a design that is flooded with focus points that will make your eyes bounce around wildly. This is where having a professional designer to help balance the design can be very helpful. Your designer will help guide you toward a design that is balanced and not overwhelming or overpowered by too many eye-catching elements.

This interior design below is an example of less is more! You don’t want to overdo it.

When creating a focal point in your interior design, remember less is more! (Photo courtesy of tackorama.tumblr.com)

When creating a focal point in your interior design, remember less is more! (Photo courtesy of tacko

This kitchen design is a fantastic example of using multiple focal points. The stained shiplap wood hood, shiplap kitchen island, and contrasting wet bar areas in this kitchen all coordinate beautifully yet standout. Each space is highlighted beautifully and your eye flows comfortably throughout the room while also being drawn to these three key workspaces.

Dark gray and rich stained wood kitchen with modern farmhouse style, shiplap wood hood, shiplap kitchen island end cap and brassy hardware and fixtures. Features floor to ceiling dark gray painted cabinets. Cabinetry from Dura Supreme.
Dark gray-green and rich stained wood kitchen with modern farmhouse style, shiplap wood hood, shiplap kitchen island end cap, and brassy hardware and fixtures. Features floor-to-ceiling dark gray painted cabinets.
The stunning backsplash behind the floating shelves in this wet bar area adds more emphasis to this beautiful work zone.

The stunning backsplash behind the floating shelves in this wet bar area adds more emphasis to this beautiful work zone.

Whatever the focal point, it should be dramatic and eye-catching, making a statement in your kitchen design. Talk to your Dura Supreme designer to learn how to create a gorgeous focal point in your kitchen.

Mandi Juskiewicz the Senior Design & Marketing Specialist for Dura Supreme Cabinetry. A content developer and blog author for the company.

Mandi Juskiewicz is the Sr. Design & Marketing Specialist for Dura Supreme Cabinetry with 20 years of experience in graphic design, web design, multi-media communications, photography, and social media technology.  Her accolades include the distinction of being named “Kitchen Cabinetry Marketing Specialist of the Year 2019” in the 2019 Content Creator Awards held by CV Magazine and achiever of the Houzz Influencer Award.

Her role at Dura Supreme allows her to curate the “best of the best” designs, cutting edge products, and fabulously functional Dura Supreme kitchens across the country and feature them here for inspiration and design ideas!

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