Introduction
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It’s where families gather to cook, eat, and spend quality time together. Having a well-designed kitchen with a strong focal point can make the space feel more welcoming and give it a sense of style.
A focal point draws the eye to a specific area and helps anchor the design of a room. The kitchen focal point usually highlights an architectural feature, a piece of furniture, or a decorative element that defines the overall look of the space. When well executed, it creates visual interest and brings harmony to the kitchen aesthetic.
Establishing a clear focal point requires creativity and strategic planning. It entails making intentional design choices that direct attention and reinforce the kitchen’s overall style. This article explores 10 creative ways to establish a successful and striking kitchen focal point.
1. Showcase a Range Hood
An ornate or unusual range hood instantly commands attention. Choosing one with distinctive materials, colors, or shapes transforms this functional element into a sculptural focal point. Opt for materials like aged brass or nickel, hand-painted tiles, or even unexpected shapes to create visual drama above the stove.
Drawing the eye upwards also makes the kitchen feel airier and more expansive. flank the range hood with elegant sconces or pendant lights to illuminate and accentuate it even further. The range hood establishes itself as a clear artistic anchor for the cooking area.
2. Install a Statement Backsplash
The backsplash provides the perfect canvas for introducing color, texture, and pattern in the kitchen. Consider using an artsy tile design, natural stone, or bold color-blocking to transform the backsplash into a dynamic focal point.
Get creative with interesting materials like dichroic glass tiles, handmade ceramics, or Moroccan-inspired mosaics. Use the backsplash to establish a palette that informs the rest of the kitchen design. Its visual impact focuses attention on the cooking and prep area behind the kitchen sink.
3. Suspend a Large Pendant Light
Draw the eye upward by hanging a substantial lighting fixture over the kitchen sink, island, or dining area. Choose a sizable pendant light that aligns with the kitchen’s style, whether it’s mid-century modern, industrial, rustic, or minimalist.
Opt for a sculptural pendant to establish a striking focal point. Consider clustering three dramatic pendant lights together over a central island to make a bold stylistic statement. Position them at varying heights for visual interest. The pendants cast beautiful light patterns and create an illustrious focal point in the kitchen.
4. Install Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving
Maximize vertical storage space and create a focal point by installing floor-to-ceiling shelving on one wall of the kitchen. Choose a shelving material like wood, glass, or metal that complements the existing cabinetry. Organize servingware, cookbooks, or decorative objects on the shelves while maintaining some open space.
The height draws the eye upwards and creates a sense of drama in the kitchen. For extra visual interest, incorporate lighting in the shelves to illuminate displayed objects. Floor-to-ceiling shelving also adds needed storage while anchoring the design aesthetic.
5. Choose a Striking Primary Sink
Rather than blending in, let your kitchen sink take center stage. Select a substantial farmhouse, hammered copper, sculptural stone, or vintage-style sink to showcase as the focal point. This eye-catching sink immediately identifies itself as a standout.
Drawing attention to the sink area highlights the functionality of the kitchen. Place beautiful faucets, soap dispensers, and accessories around the sink to enhance its visual appeal. Use surrounding counterspace to display cherished serveware, plants, or art. The primary sink becomes a functional and decorative anchor.
6. Incorporate a Statement Hood
Transform a kitchen island or peninsula into a focal point by incorporating a substantial hood. While often decorative rather than functional, a statement hood provides impact and visual weight. Opt for a contrasting material or finish to distinguish the hood from the surrounding cabinetry.
Consider topping the island with luxurious materials like marble or quartzite underneath the hood for an upscale look. Use decorative corbels, trimwork, or posts around the hood to enhance its presence. The island hood immediately draws focus, lending character to the kitchen.
7. Display Collections Creatively
Turn a favorite collection into a compelling grouped display for tons of character. Curate an artful vignette of cherished vintage cookware on open shelves. Or neatly exhibit a collection of colorful serving bowls on a wall-mounted rack.
The grouped items, whether cookbooks, teapots, or culinary antiques, form their own unique installation. Repeat colors from the collection throughout the kitchen to tie the space together. Let your passions shine through creatively arranged displays for standout focal points.
8. Add Architectural Columns
Strategically placed columns, especially at the termination points of cabinets and countertops, add elegance and impact. The vertical columns draw the eye upwards, leading the space visually. Select columns with richly veined stone, stately wood, or sleek metal finishes that feel cohesive.
Incorporate subtle design details like fluted edges or capital tops for added interest. Flank the range hood, refrigerator, or primary sink with columns to underscore these focal points. Columns lend a sense of grandeur and visual distinction.
9. Install a Statement Tile Floor
Make a dramatic statement underfoot by installing an artistic tile floor. Choose a mosaic, Moroccan zellige, or encaustic tile design in bold colors or patterns. The tile floor instantly becomes a major focal point, so select a layout that complements the room layout.
Pair the floor with kitchen cabinetry and furnishings in harmonious hues and materials. Add area rugs to define separate functional zones. Vivid tile floors energize kitchens with their eye-catching colors, shapes, and textures as a focal point.
10. Float Display Shelving
Direct attention to a collection of your finest serveware or favorite cookbooks by incorporating floating shelves. Install eye-catching floating shelves in an asymmetrical arrangement at varying heights. Style them with gorgeous tableware, potted succulents, or cherished kitchen tools.
Focus on creating captivating vignettes of objects and decor. The eclectic mix draws interest and adds a layer of artistic personality as a focal point. Consider shelving materials like antiqued mirror or perforated metal for added flair.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kitchen Focal Points
What is the most popular kitchen focal point?
The most popular kitchen focal points tend to be statement range hoods, eye-catching backsplashes, and substantial kitchen islands. These prominent architectural and design elements naturally draw the eye.
How do you choose a focal point?
Consider the existing architecture, lighting, layout, and style of the kitchen. Identify underutilized areas or blank surfaces that could house a focal point. Determine whether you want the focal point to be functional, decorative, or both.
What makes a good kitchen focal point?
A good kitchen focal point has visual weight, contrasts with its surroundings, aligns with the kitchen’s style, directs attention, and balances the overall space. It should feel intentional.
Should a kitchen focal point be functional?
It can be! Focal points like range hoods, sinks, and islands serve critical functions. But decorative focal points like tile backsplashes, shelving displays, and pendant lights add striking style. Often, the best focal points blend form and function.
What focal point draws the eye up?
Vertical focal points effectively draw the eye upwards, making kitchens feel more expansive and airy. Pendant lights, tall shelving, floor-to-ceiling tile, columns, and high range hoods lengthen kitchens visually.
How do you accentuate a kitchen focal point?
Use strategic lighting like recessed lighting or spotlights to accentuate the focal point. Incorporate the same finish or color tones nearby to tie it together. Add stylish accessories, art, or collections nearby to enhance its appeal.
Should all design elements relate to the kitchen focal point?
The most cohesive kitchen designs relate to the focal point through color palettes, materials, shapes, or styles. But creativity and variety are encouraged to add character! The focal point provides a touchpoint for the overall aesthetic.
What are some budget-friendly kitchen focal points?
Creative focal points like an accent tile backsplash, statement sink, or pendant lighting don’t have to break the bank. Collections, floating shelves, and two-tone cabinetry also pack visual punch at a lower price point.
How can you update an existing kitchen’s focal point?
Some easy upgrades include installing new statement lighting, refreshing backsplashes, adding floating shelves or columns, and incorporating visually appealing hoods or range ventilation. Even new hardware and accessories make a difference.
Conclusion
Establishing a standout focal point requires assessing your kitchen’s existing features and determining the look you want to achieve. From backsplashes and range hoods to collections displays and shelving, a thoughtfully chosen focal point draws the eye while harmonizing with the overall aesthetic.
Incorporating your style preferences, treasured objects, and a dash of creativity results in a focal point that truly reflects your personality. Whether you want to highlight a cooking zone, build visual drama, or accentuate a collection, a compelling focal point elevates a kitchen’s design to the next level.
