Centre of interest
Giving a room focus or emphasis can bring vitality to the space and create a centre of interest that attracts the eye and holds its attention. The emphasis might be on a single focal point - an architectural feature such as a fireplace or a bay window, or a prominent object such as a grand piano. Sometimes the centre of interest can be dominant groupings of furniture or a captivating collection of artwork.
Emphasizing some aspects of a room to create a single point of interest usually calls for de-emphasizing others according to their relative importance. A fireplace mantel that is intended as a focal point should be emphasized almost as much as the fireplace itself. Nearby seating can enhance the area around the point of interest by acting as a secondary emphasis that contributes to the focus of the room without competing with it.
De-emphasizing can be almost as valuable a tool in designing a space as establishing a focus. It can provide a non-competitive background for the areas of emphasis and can also keep the eye from noticing an architectural flaw or a part of the room that does not warrant attention.
Occasionally, a room may have two or three focal points that all merit emphasis - a handsome fireplace, a stunning view, perhaps a wall with a beautiful wall unit. Giving them equal weight may take careful planning. It may be easier to give each a place of prominence in the room by emphasizing one somewhat more than another.