31 Emphasis

The center of interest or focal point of a composition.

When speaking, emphasizing something means calling attention to a particular word or phrase. Similarly, in interior design, emphasis is used to direct attention to a specific design element—a freestanding object, a wall element, or a lighting fixture—within a volume. Emphasis can be used to allow for visual pause, to direct an occupant through a sequence of spaces, or to reduce or punctuate the acoustics of a room sonically.

Emphasis is an important tactic in interior design. By highlighting the room’s focal point, the designer can direct the viewer’s attention to a specific location. A space without a focal point can come ...

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