3 must-read tricks to create a 'hero' focal point in any room that interiors' expert Hans Lorei says will 'make people stop in their tracks' – it's so easy to implement them, too

Interior designer Hans Lorei – known for his viral, easy-to-follow tips and design advice videos on social media – has just cut through one of the simplest, yet most-overlooked, and impactful ways to make a room feel cohesively designed.

His latest video focuses on the theory that successful interior design needs emphasis, namely one clear focal point in a room – no matter your interior design style.

Hans' advice (see the TikTok below) is simple: pick a focal point in your room and highlight it. 'Do you want to know the secret to a room that stops people in their tracks? Every space needs a focal point, think of it like the star of your photo.' If only it were that simple. Here, I break it down, with three easy techniques.

@hansloreidesign

♬ original sound - Hans Lorei Design

1. Highlight an architectural feature

Hans begins his advice: 'When you walk in, what is the main thing? A fireplace, a killer window? That's your hero, now frame it like a pro. Flank that fireplace with some art on the wall or sconces,' he advises. 'Frame that window with some nice tall curtains.'

Other clever ideas we champion as an interiors team at Homes & Gardens? Giving window frames a contrasting lick of paint in a bold color, and hanging hero artwork over a fireplace.

If you don't have an impressive fireplace, arched doorway, or tall window, you can add architectural charm to a room and create those focal points with elements such as feature walls, window treatments or, perhaps the most obvious solution, decorating with artwork that makes a statement.

2. Frame furniture with symmetry

Perhaps you want to make a large piece of furniture, as Hans suggests, a cozy bed, your focal point? Or your couch? This is where balance and symmetry in interior design work to your advantage, creating a scheme that is visually calming, allowing your focal point to take the spotlight.

'Bring some symmetry to your bed with lamps on each side,' he advises. 'Think like a photographer, every room is your shot, pick your focus and then style around it.'

This technique needn't be limited to just large pieces of furniture; it's all about scale in interior design. For example, a featureless entryway can be made interesting with a statement mirror, styled with a console beneath it and lamps at either end. This simple, symmetrical arrangement that works both horizontally and vertically will draw the eye and create impact as soon as you walk in the door.

3. Ground a scheme with an area rug

Perhaps Hans' simplest trick is to 'angle your sofa with a rug that frames and contrasts'.

Doing so, whether with a couch in a living room or a bed in a bedroom, creates a clearly dominant area (as long as you choose the right rug size for your space and get your rug's placement right; get either of these wrong and the whole room will look off-balance and unfocussed, the opposite of what you are trying to achieve).

This will elevate your overall design, add dimension, and give the eye a point of interest to feast on. More to the point, it will bring cohesion to a grouping of furniture, making a room feel cozier, effortlessly.

Hans has proven that, whenever you're in doubt, seek out your 'money shot' as this will create drama and encourage the eyes to gaze at the focal point.

If Hans' advice has resonated with you, we have plenty more interior design advice, covering everything from mastering negative space in interior design through to the 60-30-10 rule to balance color scheming in any room.