How to make a statement in your home's interior design

Trends come and go but a well-chosen statement piece can be the timeless, writes Jennifer Sheahan

A clever statement wall with cobalt blue paint against neutral furniture by Versmissen at Maison et Object September 2023.

A well-chosen statement piece can be the defining element that turns an ordinary room into an extraordinary space. Trends come and go when it comes to interior design, but these eye-catching items can set the tone, capture attention, and reflect your personal style. 

I noticed bolder and brighter statement pieces on display at the various interior design fairs this year, and I’ve since reflected on how harnessing their power is an art in itself, requiring a delicate balance between creativity, cohesion, and design principles. 

Statement sink from the Holm Collection by Kast at Salone del Mobile 2024.

Too much and you’ve gone full-on Liberace Mansion (not that there’s anything wrong with that); too constrained and well — is it even really a statement at all? Here’s how to effectively incorporate statement pieces into your home to create a visually stunning and cohesive look.

Why bother with a statement?

The beauty of a statement piece lies in its ability to define the room’s aesthetic. A statement piece is much more than a quirky decorative item — it should become the focal point of a room, the item that irresistibly draws the eye and anchors the entire space. It sets the tone and offers a point around which the rest of the décor revolves. This could be a striking piece of art, an unusually shaped light fixture, a bold rug, or a uniquely designed piece of furniture. A well-chosen piece can introduce depth, character, and a sense of completeness, transforming a room from a mere collection of items into a thoughtfully curated space.

While statement pieces are often bold and attention-grabbing, they don’t necessarily have to be large or colourful. Sometimes it’s subtlety of design or impressive craftsmanship that makes a piece truly stand out.

The statement piece in Jennifer Sheahan's living room is her turmeric-yellow sofa, from Finline Furniture. Picture: Moya Nolan

Choosing the right one

Selecting the perfect statement piece isn’t just about choosing what looks good or dramatic or eye-catching — it's about finding something that deeply resonates with your style while enhancing the room's existing design. Here are four tips to guide you:

Align it with your style: Whether your taste leans towards modern minimalism, rustic charm, or eclectic chic, your statement piece should complement your existing décor. A contemporary abstract sculpture might be the perfect touch in a sleek, modern room, while a vintage wool rug could anchor a more traditional space.

Size matters: A piece that’s too small may be lost in a large room, while an oversized item may overwhelm a smaller space. Think about the room’s dimensions and choose a piece that is proportionate.

Think about functionality: As the owner of a small home, my favourite items are multi-functional, and a statement piece is no different. Statement pieces don’t have to be purely decorative; they can also serve a practical purpose. That may be a stylish coffee table, an ornate mirror, or an eye-catching armchair. 

A clever statement wall with cobalt blue paint against neutral furniture by Versmissen at Maison et Object September 2023.

A functional statement piece can bring both utility and beauty to your space and invites guests to interact with it, heightening the sensory experience of the piece.

Embrace colour and texture: A vibrant painting or a richly textured rug can inject life and interest into a room, making it feel dynamic and engaging. Consider bringing in some dramatic contrast to make an even bolder statement, such as a deep pile rug on hard floors or a cobalt blue vase on a stark white sideboard.

Nobody puts baby in a corner

Once you’ve chosen your statement piece, the next challenge is to carefully decide where to put it so that it maximises its impact. Four tips worked perfectly well in the last section, so here are four more to help you do this effectively:

Make it the focal point: Your statement piece should be the star of the room. Position it where it’s easily visible and arrange the surrounding elements to highlight its presence. For example, a striking piece of art might be hung above a fireplace, or a unique chandelier could be placed above a dining table to draw the eye.

Create balance: While your statement piece is meant to stand out, it’s essential to balance it with more subdued elements. Surrounding it with neutral or understated items will help prevent the room from feeling chaotic. The goal is to create impact without clutter.

Use lighting: Thoughtful lighting can elevate your statement piece, enhancing its visual impact. Consider spotlighting a piece of art or using ambient lighting to highlight a piece of furniture. The right lighting can make all the difference.

Don’t overdo it: Resist the temptation to include too many statement pieces in one room. Multiple focal points can create visual clutter, undermining the impact of each piece. Instead, limit yourself to one or two standout items per room, allowing them to shine.

The glitterball makes a strong statement in the downstairs bathroom at Jennifer Sheahan's Dublin home. Picture: Moya Nolan

WHICH STATEMENT WHERE?

The type of statement piece that works best can vary depending on which room it’s in (though do bear in mind that not every room needs a statement piece). Let’s keep going with our foursomes shall we:

Living room: A large piece of artwork, a dramatic mirror (my personal favourite), a unique coffee table, or a bold armchair can serve as a statement piece, defining the space and setting the colour scheme. If you’re lucky to live somewhere with a view, a window that puts this front and centre could equally serve as your statement piece and a stunning focal point.

Dining room: A striking light fixture or a bold dining table can be the perfect statement piece, drawing attention to the central area of the room. Creating dramatic centrepieces for different seasons can be a great way to bring in temporary statement pieces for different dining experiences.

Bedroom: I like more subdued statement pieces in the bedroom as my personal preference is for the overall design to be muted and deeply relaxing. The bed often serves as the natural focal point — a beautifully designed bed frame or a bold headboard can make a dramatic statement, or simply add some striking bed linens or pillows as and when the mood takes you.

Entryway: First impressions count, and a dramatic console table, pendant light, or an ornate mirror can set the tone for the rest of the house. My favourite statement pieces in entryways are boldly patterned tiles (which also conveniently disguise dirty footprints), or bright wallpaper. Entryways are temporary spaces to pass through, so you can afford to be more dramatic with your styling here.