Every room needs a focal point

There is one foolproof way to determine where the focal point of your room should be.  Just stand in the doorway or entrance to that room, or, if contemplating an open plan, look outwards from the point where you first see the room.  Where your gaze naturally falls - usually at the opposite wall - there will be your focal point.

In the living room, if you have been blessed with a fireplace, this will be your focal point.  It will probably be necessary to build this feature up, though, to increase its importance.  Hanging art above it will do this nicely.  Perhaps a small, simple vignette of objects will also

be needed to soften the starkness of your art.

But what if you don't have this wonderful natural focal point?  There are now many options available for installing one: ethanol, electric or natural gas.  Ethanol fireplaces are the cheapest to buy and are simply wall-mounted on a bracket.  Their depth can be as little as 6"- 10", and that makes them suitable for condos and other smaller spaces, even rentals.  Although modern in appearance, they now come in many finishes to blend in with any style of décor.

Electric fireplaces are the next step up in price, but they require installation by an electrician.  These can be inserts, and a surround (which will increase your fireplace's presence) may be created out of natural stone, glass tile or even an antique mantel.

Finally there is gas, which must vent to an outside wall. 

But be sure to remember: whatever fireplace you choose to install, place it on a wall where a wood-burning one would naturally be situated.  Otherwise, it will be sure to look somewhat odd!

Art is another choice for creating a focal point in a room.  It should be a large work, or, if not, a curated collection of smaller pieces, hung gallery-style.

In a bedroom, the bed is always the focal point, whether the room is large or small.  Here is a close-up of the head of an antique wrought-iron bed, with striking white and patterned bedding which stands out against the dark green walls in the background.  It's always interesting, if you can, to provide some kind of vista.  This way, the eye is led intriguingly beyond what is first seen.  Here, through the curved, lacy bars of the headboard, can be seen two grouped needlepoint art-pieces, and a hand-painted clay pot.

In summary, every room must have a focal point, and it really isn't all that hard to create one.  Happy experimentation everyone!