In the design world we so frequently talk about Focal Points.  What is a Focal Point?  It can be many things but in my opinion it should be a stopping point.  A place to pause, to say to yourself what is this all about. If you’re lucky it’s a bank of windows with a beautiful lake or ocean view, a majestic view of the mountains, or wandering view of the garden.  But what if you live in a more humble home like the majority of us?

For most of us it’s all about the fireplace and the mantle, the thing we all seem to want most when we purchase a home.  (Well that comes after the fabulous kitchen and wonderful en suite).  The place we decorate seasonally that ebbs and flows throughout our lives.  A place to rest your grandmothers candlesticks and the photos of your family.  The place where you put everything from pumpkins to Easter eggs.  The fireplace is the thing that marks the moments of your life.  A place of comfort and delight.  The place where fond memories are made.  Ahh, if fireplaces could talk!

But, what if you don’t have a fireplace or mantle?  How do create a focal point when you only have rooms with walls and windows?  I live in a home without a fireplace or a majestic view.  I have had to build in my architecture as best I can.  That’s not to say all my focal points are built in,  they aren’t.  

When we first moved into this builder special we were only going to be here 5 years.  We’ve been here 40!  I quickly realized I was going to have to create my own focal points.  In my small living room I have a Welsh Cupboard my dad made for me many years ago inspired by a 17th Century cupboard they had in their collection.  It has become my “fireplace”.  I remember my dad thinking I was a bit crazy because it had to go on the only wall in the entire room but, a lot of furniture has come and gone from that room and it is the one constant.  I decorate it every Christmas and I’ve even hung stockings from the drawers.

This is from a few Christmas’ ago.  It hasn’t made the Christmas cut yet this year.  

Shelley