Emphasis

Another Principle of Design is "Emphasis".  This goes along with my blog last week about including a special piece in your interiors that create "Contrast", i.e. you're creating "Emphasis".  Emphasis is something that the eye is first drawn to.  A simple example is a fireplace - this is structural emphasis.
Emphasis can also be achieved through color.  Similar to Contrast, too much Emphasis causes confusion and the lack of Emphasis causes boredom. 

Below are examples of spaces with and without any Emphasis.  It is obvious the space with the fireplace and bright colored and bold patterned rug is the better design.  The space where everything
is a neutral color lacks excitement.

Good Example of Emphasis

Poor Example of Emphasis

Choose your furnishings and accessories wisely, so what you have is exciting, combine things that normally would not be used together.  That's what makes good design!