There are many elements to consider when decorating a room, such as focal points and accent pieces. Both are very important. They help to express your personality and tie different elements in a room together. Cross stitching can be used in both of these decorating elements.
Focal Points:
A focal point is an element in the room from which everything else revolves around, or in other words, is focused upon. In large rooms and in houses with open concept layouts, there can be more than one focal point. Focal points are often part of the architecture of the house, for example, a fireplace or a bay window. If no architectural focal point(s) exist, one can be created through the placement of an electric fireplace, a tv or a piece of artwork (including pieces that have been cross stitched). Once you have defined your focal point, place the furniture around it, to emphasize the focal point and to create a sense of unity in the room.
One way to create a focal point when using cross stitching, is to group similar pieces together. First, cross stitch and frame each design separately. Then, hang the finished pieces in a grouping. The groupings can have the individual pieces either spaced evenly from each other in a straight line (perfect for hallways or stair cases), in a shape (like a square or circle) or in a geometric pattern (which work best on a large empty wall). Remember, that to emphasize the cross stitching as the focal point, place the furniture around it. Pot lights can be used to illuminate the cross stitching and provide a cozy atmosphere to the room, while an area rug on the floor can help to tie the furniture, lighting and artwork together. Your focal point should inspire conversation, or at the very least, deep contemplation.
Accent Pieces:
The most important aspect of accent pieces is colour, which is used in several different ways. The accent piece can have multiple colours which will tie in the different colours in a room, for example, by using a picture as the accent piece. Accent pieces are also used to add contrast, through bright or dark colours. If the walls in a room are creamy beige, add contrast by having a small, dark brown coloured accent piece, such as a cushion on a chair.
Cross stitching can be used on accent pieces, such as pillow cushions. Pillow cushions can be placed anywhere – on a bed, a chair, couch or even on a bookcase. They can be any size, shape or colour, which makes it easy to accent your decor and the colour can add contrast to the room.
While multiple cross stitched pieces can be used as a focal point, one cross stitched piece can be used as an accent piece. The most important aspect here is the use of colour. Colour can be used to either tie in the different colours in the room or to add contrast. Artwork, including cross stitched pieces, can also be rotated within the room or taken from another room in order to change the feel of a room. One piece can be used to tie in the decor and a different piece can be used to add contrast.
To find out more about decorating with cross stitching, including project ideas, visit http://www.beautifulcreations.ca
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